Which CPU is best for me?

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ptto911

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I want to run one dedicated server client, and still be able to use my computer as I regularly do (web browsing, gaming).
I have 200 - 300 dollars.
Would the E8500 dual-core be best, or would a quadcore be better?
 

johnnyq1233

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Dream on boy..........what do you think you can get for 200 dollars?
Obviously a quad core will be better but what kind of connection do you have to the world?
If you're cable then don't worry about it but if you're 5Mbps or higher then maybe look at some higher speeds.

 
The cheapest S775 quad core CPU that newegg has is the Q8200 at $150. A Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3L is about $90 the last time I checked.

OTOH, I know how well a Q9550 works. I have no idea if a Q8200 is powerful enough for your purposes.
 

ptto911

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Motherboard? I have to buy a new motherboard too?
 
Well, that's a 945G chipset you got there. At least it's an LGA775 system rather than a socket 478. Anyway the chances of your motherboard accepting a modern processor are slim to none. You can check the dark corners of the internet to see if you can find a CPU support list for that thing, or you can just get a new motherboard

ASRock A780LM AM2+/AM2 AMD RS780L $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157153

And a 940 BE to overclock with

AMD Phenom II X4 940 $174.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471
 

ptto911

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I want it to work with Intel processors though.
All I want to know is what Intel processor and compatible motherboard to buy for my purposes, without spending a fortune.
 


I am curious as to why you insist on Intel CPUs. Right now, Intel is really only a better choice if you have a large budget and want the highest performance. Intel's CPUs are more expensive than AMD's and so are motherboards that fit Intel's CPUs. The least expensive Intel quad-core is the 2.33 GHz, 4 MB L2 Q8200 and costs $150. The least-expensive AMD quad is the $109 2.3 GHz Phenom X2 9650. Performance should be pretty similar and either CPU should be fine for you. The only difference is that you can easily find a motherboard compatible with the Phenom 9650 for $100 and hit your $200 target, but your budget is shot with the Q8200.
 

ptto911

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What if I said 200 - 300?
 



Phenom 810 / ECS 785g AM3 / 2Gb Crucial DDR3 1333: $260 ($242 after rebate)

I've done mobo replacements on eMachines without reinstalling/purchasing Windows but this was only with a similar chipset (and XP).

A copy of OEM Vista Home basic is $85.

You may stay under $300 with a Gigabyte GA-MA74GM-S2 740g, Phenom 810 and OEM Vista (assuming you can reuse your DDR2).

Going with AM3, however, gives you more room for future 'improvements'.

 

ptto911

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If I got an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 for $319 and a good motherboard for it, would I not have to reinstall any software/drivers or Windows Vista?
 

That's a misleading statement. You should have little or no problems upgrading from an Intel chipset to an Intel chipset. I've done it several times and I never ran into an issue that forced me to reinstall XP, Vista, Windows Server 2008 or Windows 7. You'll have to reinstall Intel, sound and Ethernet drivers, but that's about it. Just in case, make a complete backup before the upgrade.
 

ptto911

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Ok.
 


You could do a Q8200 build pretty easily with a budget of $300. I don't personally have much experience with current LGA775 motherboards, so somebody else will have to recommend you one. I am sure you can get a decent one for less than $150 and keep your budget.
 

ptto911

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Ok, so I'll need an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 processor, a compatible motherboard, and RAM. I'd better start saving up...
 

Boxa786

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Yes its possible to simply install new motherboard and not have to reinstall windows, but for a begginer its something I would recommend.

He will need to know exactly what he has atm and exactly what the new motherboard has.

ptto - If you do want to risk it, I recommend you post here what your current motherboard make and model is, and as Ghislain said, what chipset it has, as well as a link to the new motherboard you wish to purchase.

This way we can tell you if itl be the same chipset and you can try simply installing new motherboard without reinstalling windows, at this point, making sure you backup first just in case.
 

ptto911

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I don't know the exact motherboard it has, but all of the specifications are here:
http://www.emachines.com/support/product_support.html?cat=Desktops&subcat=W%20Series&model=W3609
 

Boxa786

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It doesnt show what motherboard you have. It could be there own made motherboard, but

Luckily it states the chipset : Chipset : Intel® 945G

So look for a motherboard with that chipset... Let Ghislain confirm that, as I have always done a fresh install when installing a new motherboard.
 

ptto911

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I don't know about the chipset, because I did a search on Intel.com and it showed that these are compatible with it:
http://processormatch.intel.com/CompDB/SearchResult.aspx?ProcNbr=Q9650
 

ptto911

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Lie to who?
 
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