Sub-$150 CPU

[squelchy451]

Hi.

Which CPU packs the best bang for the buck below $150?

I was thinking of Core 2 Duo E7400 or maybe the AM3 Phenom II DC

please give me suggestions



thanks

 

[starams5]

Hi S

Motherboard please?

 

[AKM880]

+1. More info.

 

[cjl]

The E7400 is a good choice, as is the AMD Phenom II x3 720 BE.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

You can find a E8400 for around $150 or less if you live near a microcenter.

E7400 at 2.8 is also pretty good.

 

[starams5]

+1. More info.

Thanks A, it would be kind of nice to check compatibility.

 

[gkay09]

+1 for the X3 720 if he is going to build from scratch...

 

[AKM880]

Yes the X3 would be nice if he did build it from scratch...

 

[rooseveltdon]

At that price range nothing bets the phenom 2 720 BE, comes with 6 mb cache,unlocked multiplier,three cores for multi threaded apps and offers a better upgrade path than any 775 chip since intel is moving to 1336 and 1156 sockets and it also supports virtualization which will be necessary when running windows seven in xp mode (in case you eventually choose to upgrade) something that the core 2 duo E7 series does not offer the next best choice is the phenom 2 x2 550 which is the same as a 720 be but with two cores isntead of three clocked at a slightly higher frequency rate (3.0 ghz or 3.1ghz) and with an unlocked multiplier as well (it's very friendly on the wallet too and beats out the E7 series in everything only losing to the more expensive E8 series)

 

[mi1ez]

X3 720. Hands down. Great value chip.

 

[Kithzaru]

+1 to everyone who said we need more info....

....if you can, then the AMD 720BE can be had for around 140~ and is an amazing chip

if you want to drop price a bit more, then the AMD 550 is a good choice, as rooseveltdon said, it's the same as the 720 but 2 cores.

 

[AKM880]

Yes plus it overclocks well too.