What's the best value processor?

[cvan0485]

I am looking to repalce my processor, I currently have a Intel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz processor. I am looking between the E8200 and the Q8400. I'm only looking to spend in the 100 to 150 dollar range. I will be using it to play games, photoshop, and other normal computer functions. Which processor is a better value? Are there any others that are better and fit into the price range?

 

[xaira]

are you sure ur board can support 45nm?

 

[jamesgoddard]

are you sure ur board can support 45nm?

Is he sure his board can support C2D / C2Q????

 

[jennyh]

It's either a 478 or 775. If you can check the model number and it has 3.2F on it then you should be ok to upgrade to some lower end core 2, but I doubt both mentioned cpu's are possible.

 

[dark_lord69]

To answer your question we really need to know what motherboard you have. If you don't know then tell us who made your computer and what model it is.

For Example:
Dell Dimension 5400
or
HP 7620
(OR whatever it is)

 

[dark_lord69]

If your motherboard can take a Core 2 Duo then I would say buy the E8500.
Even though it's a dual core it does AWESOME in the benchmarks thanks to its high clock rating.
I found one for $163.98
But if you really want to go with a E8400 it's a solid choice too.
(But you will likely only save like 5 - 10 bucks)

 

[daship]

e5300

 

[cvan0485]

The motherboard that I have is a Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3LR. It supports both the 45nm technology as well as both dual and quad-core.

 

[xaira]

waw, ive never seen an intel board that can actually support every 775 cpu ever made, straight up to qx9770, im impressed

between the 2 you choose, i would go with the q8400, but if you can get $10 you can go for the q9400 which you would most likely be happier with in the long run.

 

[seerwan]

bro, i just upgraded from a Pentium 4 to a Pentium Dual Core E5300 3 weeks ago...

Dual Core E8200 or Quad Core Q8400? Both are solid choices, but it honestly depends on what games, programs and applications you are going to be running.

I upgraded only for gaming purposes, and on Left 4 Dead I get over 60 FPS and I am completely happy with that, but then I installed GTA 4 and I am stuck between 20 - 25 FPS.
So, if you use stuff that need more than Two Cores, definitely get the Quad.

The Quads are a safer bet by any standard anyway. I advise the Q9300 or the Q9400.

Good luck.

 

[cvan0485]

I ended up going with the Q9550, I found it way cheap at Micro Center, actually cheaper than I could find the Q9400! Thanks for all of the responses!