Which processor is best for ME

[computator]

I hear everyone on this message board as well as the staff of Tom's Hardware always talking about how Intel processors are better than AMD and have much more bang for their buck....but does it really matter if you don't plan on overclocking the processor? As well, is the AMD Athlon 64x2 5200+(2.6Ghz)...and how much can it be overclocked to if I ever do learn how to overclock in the future???

 

[Dior]

You'll be able to push that X2 to 3.0Ghz, but the thing is, for the same money you can get E4400, which can also reach 3.0Ghz while working considerably faster than the X2.

 

[computator]

And what if I never learn to overclock my processor...then does it really matter???

 

[Dior]

You should still get the E4500 (2.2Ghz) for around $15 more, it will perform on par with X2 or in some cases better.

 

[isaacdawg]

I was in the same boat as you. I had a strict budget and also no interest in overclocking on my build. Ended up settling for the 5600 X2 due to some discounts on a motherboard combo on newegg PLUS I have some buddies who actually work for AMD. Gotta support my buds =P

If you are a little flexible with your money, I would go with what Dior suggests with the e4500. Good bang for your buck processor. I haven't seen benchmarks for it, but I estimate it will be pretty close in performance to the X2 cpu you want.

But on the flip side....you don't want to overclock then you pocket the money and buy some other stuff