help with picking

[gman123]

what do i need to know for buying a CPU?

 

[SpinachEater]

Haha, you get the vague question of the year award. Do you have specific questions? People will be happy to jump in and help you out but you will have to have ask specifics. If you are just starting out check out the guide at the top of the CPU forums.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/247939-28-buyers-guide-open

 

[evongugg]

Choose Intel, now better than AMD.
Go for Intel Core2Quad Q6600 or e8400, if you can afford it.

 

[evongugg]

This should help you with Intel processors:

http://processorfinder.intel.com/

Read a socket 775 installation guide. Google it.

 

[aevm]

You need to know your credit card number, English, how to start a browser, etc.

Now, if it has to be a good CPU, best suited to your programs and budget, you have to tell us what those are. Also, if you already have a motherboard, tell us what kind.

 

[gman123]

sorry it's a ASUS A8N SLI DELUXE. I want to know the best cheapest CPU I could get that would play the current games and some old games like nascar season 2003?

 

[aevm]

Oops, that's an AMD socket 939 board. You need an AMD CPU, and it can't be one of the newer AM2 versions either.

I'm voting for this Opteron 175, $150, retail.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103584

There's an Opteron 170 too, $90, but it's OEM and you'd need to buy a cooler separately.