do i need a triple core or quad core cpu?

[tycobb280]

first of all, first time builder. To make it worse im not up on computers these days. i want to build an all around system, but i want it to be able to play all the latest games. I want to spend around 1-1.5k on the whole thing. Do i need a triple or quad core processor? is that overkill for a system in my price range? Im kind of partial to AMD. dont ask me why, thats just what ive had before and want to stick with it. also if i did go with a triple or quad core would i have to buy a more expensive motherboard to go with it? what are some recommendations for a motherboard. thanks for the input

 

[apache_lives]

first of all, first time builder. To make it worse im not up on computers these days. i want to build an all around system, but i want it to be able to play all the latest games. I want to spend around 1-1.5k on the whole thing. Do i need a triple or quad core processor? is that overkill for a system in my price range? Im kind of partial to AMD. dont ask me why, thats just what ive had before and want to stick with it. also if i did go with a triple or quad core would i have to buy a more expensive motherboard to go with it? what are some recommendations for a motherboard. thanks for the input

motherboard - asus or gigabyte, dont go near MSI or any other crap brand

heres a tip, no company will stick by you, so dont stick by them, but whats good for you and your wallet - if it ends up being AMD, then choose AMD etc

 

[outlw6669]

Overkill, not really.
If you can afford a tripple cripple or a quad it can give you better performance over a dual, especially with AMD's offerings.
It should be easy to build a complete quad core system with prety imperssive specs with your $1000-1500 budget.
I would second the above, ASUS or Gigabyte and no others.

 

[blashyrkh]

An 790GX board with a 9950BE phenom is actually a pretty good rig. Pair it with a 4870 and you're good to go.