Can't decide what cpu to go with

[dirttydan]

Well my cpu and mobo got fried the other week so now I am trying to build a computer and I can't decide which one to go with. I'm looking at the E8500, Q6600, or Q9550 to go with probably a 750i mobo. I know the difference is only about $145 but I would like to replace my 8600gts video card as well. I really only use my computer to play games like WOW and Call of Duty 4. I would like this computer to last at least 2 years as well. I wish I could spend more money but just at current time im trying to do cpu, mobo, ram, video card, case for about $700. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[geofelt]

E8500 is fine at $175
GTX260-216 at about $250
P45 basic mobo about $100
4gb DDR2-800 ram $50
Antec 300 case $50
total $625

PSU $60
Vista 64 $100
cpu cooler $30
hard drive ??
if you already don't have them.

 

[dirttydan]

Thanks for your fast reply. I have a 550w psu, 300gig hard drive, and vista 64 all ready. I do not have a cpu cooler and wasnt sure if I was going to OC the system since I have no clue on how to due that so wasnt sure if i needed the cooler or not.

 

[dirtmountain]

If you're not an overclocker, go with the E8500. At stock clocks it will outperform the Q6600 by a good margin. I'd really suggest a crossfire capable P45 motherboard over the SLI capable 750i, it will be more stable and ATI cards are a better bang for the buck right now. Unless you're playing at over 1680x1050 screen resolution the HD4850 would be a great matchup for that CPU and motherboard. 2x2 GB of DDR2 800 RAM 1.8v.
For cases the Antec 300 is back to $50, but no free shipping

Case- $50 Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
CPU - E8500 $175
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
Motherboard - Asus P5Q Pro $100 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299
RAM - Mushkin $54
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
OR
OCZ Reaper $57 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227284

So far about $375, as long as you have a good power supply and OS then a HD4850 or HD4870 would fit in your budget.

 

[mtyermom]

dirtmountain has made great recommendations for you there dan, you've got a nice cushy budget for this upgrade.

my only concern is your PSU if you decide to get a power hungry video card.

Can you post your exact make and model of power supply, or if not, look at the sticker on the side of the PSU and post the amperage on the 12v rails?

 

[dirttydan]

Oh sorry i forgot to say that i use a 28" HansG montior. I didn't think that would play into what kind of video card(s) to get.

 

[mtyermom]

Oh sorry i forgot to say that i use a 28" HansG montior. I didn't think that would play into what kind of video card(s) to get.

Oh, that definitely can make a difference. What resolution is that monitor?

 

[dirttydan]

here is the power supply. after my computer died i thought maybe it was the psu so i bought this 1. No clue if it will work for my new system.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153059

 

[dirttydan]

I use 1920 x 1200 with this monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254026

 

[mtyermom]

That PSU should be fine for most single video card configurations.

 

[dirttydan]

so bascially you guys are saying i should go with a p45 and a hd 4870 over a 750i with a gtx 260-216? I always thought nvidia was the way to go but I don't claim to know as much as you guys either so I could be wrong.