Best CPU under $175

[skpman]

Going to do a build and i'm trying to decide if i should go core2duo vs. core2quad, vs. phenom II.
will be playing games from time to time and watching HD vids... so i want a performer but after doing a core i7 AND a E8400 build for brother/cousin... i'm not too rich.

possible moderate overclocking, but looking to spend under $350~400 for CPU/MOBO/RAM.

Any suggestions please? Technical expertise much appreciated!

 

[tnakos]

Phenom II x3-x4 if you get a x3 it has the possibility of unlocking the 4th core without problem I did with mine. Make sure to get a black edition processor so the multiplier is unlocked for max OCing i recommend the AMD phenom II x3 720 BE

 

[Shadow703793]

Hmmm... tough choice.

The $400 for all three pretty much throws i7 option out. (i7 = $290; good X58 board - ~$190+ ).

This is probably one of the good/best deals for Phenom 2:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.182472
Phenom II X4 810 + Gigabyte 790X board
$295

On the Intel side:
P45-UD3P ($115 after MIR) + Q6600 ($214) or E8400($165)
Total: $329 (w Q6600) or $280 (w E8400)

The price difference all comes down to the RAM. Choosing between the Phenom II and the Intel Q6600/E8400 is up to you.

Imo, considering that LGA775 is EOL I would get the Phenom 2. Or if you are on a very tight budget P45-UD3P + E8400.

Best bang for buck (imo)
P45-UD3L($93) + E5200($70) or E8400($165)
Total: $163 (w E5200).

edit:

All prices are Newegg prices.

 

[The Third Level]

Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition. $150, unlocked multi, great OCing, extra core over duals, can use AM2+ or AM3, DDR2 or DDR3.

 

[lauxenburg]

Mehh...I like Core 2 Duo E8500. It is solid, superb overclocking, 6MB of cache, 3GHz (about) factory clock. If you are not that much of a gamer, I would get a Q8200. 4MB of cache, 2.8GHz ( i think), and quad core respectively.

 

[The Third Level]

^^ E8500 is good i guess, but for a lower price you can get the extra core and equal overclocking capabilities with the 720.

As for the Q8200, both the 720 and the 940 walk all over it.

 

[Shadow703793]

As for the Q8200, both the 720 and the 940 walk all over it.

True that.

 

[Fortunex]

I'd take the 720 and a decent mobo. Personally, I'd grab something like an Asus M4A78-E, but if you want to try and unlock the fourth core, you'd want something else.