Just when I thought I had it...

trevclem

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Oct 20, 2008
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18,510
Thanks to some help from you guys, I got my first build under way. This afternoon I placed all the parts in my newegg.com shopping cart and then...PANIC. I just wasn't satisfied I was convinced to go AMD instead of Intel. So I removed the CPU and MOBO from my order and decided to deliberate for another evening. Well, my panic was a blessing, as I just read a few minutes ago that Intel is doing a price drop! So...my question starts anew:

My original purchase would have been a
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ 3.1GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADV60000DOBOX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103272

paired with a
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128090

I chose AMD simply on price with decent reviews. However, so many people suggested I go Intel (E7200) because it was a shade faster even though a bit more money.

I have a few questions, aside from the obvious...which way to go.

What about the socket? Which socket will have the greatest potential to stick around? In 5 years (or however many) will I be able to purchase a new CPU and keep my mobo? Or will AMD's or Intel socket set be outdated?

Secondly, I am absolutely lost on motherboards. Is the Gigabyte one a good choice for the AMD? If I go Intel, what would be a good match? I've been looking at Gigabyte and Asus, mainly. But even within the brand there are too many to choose from!

Thanks for your help!!

My order this afternoon has:
Antec NSK4480B case (with PSU)

mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996587 - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500AAKS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

My budget is 400-450 for a general use computer. I have an OS, DVD, Monitor, Keyboard, & mouse. My purchase today (case, memory, and HD) sets me at roughly $200, leaving $200 or so for Mobo and CPU.

 
See this post:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/257075-31-what-parts-choose

You will want a P43 MB and the E7300, not the E7200.
You will not be able to buy a new CPU for your MB in 5 years. Or 3 years. Both AMD and Intel will have new sockets coming by the end of this year, and you cannot expect production of upgrade CPUs to last beyond 2009.

Just like how you cannot upgrade the Socket 939 AMD board you bought in 2005. Time marches on, and you'll need to upgrade the CPU next year if you want to get the most out of your motherboard.
 

ohiou_grad_06

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Ok, on Intel Socket 775 will leave little upgrade path. AMD is good on a budget, but are not as fast. If you get a decent AM2+ board on the AMD side, you might be able to upgrade to the the new Deneb chip when it comes out for that socket. However, don't know how long it will actually be around in the AM2+ flavor. Within 5 years you will likely build again anyway.

So intel has better performance, less upgrade. But that's the trade off. AMD will do fine if you are not overclocking. What do you wish to use this computer for? Gaming?

Athlon x2 6000+ =92 bucks

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773

Gigabyte board=70 bucks

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128327

So if gaming is what you want to do then maybe grab those, and grab this thing...

Overclocked Geforce 9600 gso for 55 bucks after mail in rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121251


Or on the chip you can save a little and go with a 5400+ or a 5600+ or even a 5200+. Myself I have the 5200+ and it does fine. But before a lot of recommendations, what is the purpose for this machine? Also, on the board, gigabyte is good stuff. Biostar is good for low cost. Stay away from ecs. But I've used biostar and gigabyte stuff, no problems with those. Asus is probably good too.
 

trevclem

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Oct 20, 2008
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18,510
I don't game. I've never OC'd, but I might if my CPU will let me...something I've never needed to do, but might get bored one day ;-) Not a deciding factor, though.

I use the computer for general use, e-mail internet, photos, music, and some photoshop.

Hmmm...Perhaps the savings of the AMD would simply be better........
 

ohiou_grad_06

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Main thing is then you need something fast and that will load stuff quickly. If you want to save a little, I think I'd say grab the AMD. Still get a good board because you want reliability. If you don't have to have high end, which if not gaming, the AMD is gonna do fine for you. You may even consider an x3 or x4 chip if the price is right. But the x2's are plenty quick. I know my 5200 x2 does fine for just everyday.