Whats the best cpu upgrade for LGA 775 around $115 bucks?

mbcrump

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I have a motherboard that supports LGA 775 (Lenovo computer) and I was wondering what processor that I should buy to go in it thats around 115 bucks or less. I primary use the computer for development and very little gaming. I am upgrading from a A64 4000+ single core processor and want to get the best bang for my buck.
 
Socket 775 goes back a ways. Check the MB or product online support site for a list of CPU's supported and by which BIOS version. Socket 775 up till 965/975 chipset support only 65nm CPU including the Q6600 which would be a good choice perhaps used for the amount you are willing to pay. Socket 775 with P35/X38/P45/X48 chipsets support the older 65nm socket 775 CPUs and also support the newer 45nm CPUs like the e7400, e8400, Q9550 and so on. You should check online which chipset the MB has before buying a CPU.
 
Yeah, it's easy to forget people are using prebuilt systems and they can't overclock like we can. I catch myself doing a double take on giving OC suggestions because of it.

I think for out of the box and no overclocking required and keeping close to your budget it will be hard to beat the CPU I suggested since you can't OC with that motherboard in your current system...
 
It's on the list so yes, it will. Don't expect to OC that cpu on your motherboard but it will still be a nice upgrade.

I'm thinking in your case it would be better to get a good dual core at a higher speed say around 3.0ghz stock, the Q6600 has 4 cores @ 2.4.

What applications do you use that can utilize a multi-core cpu?...
 

mbcrump

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I will be primary using Visual Studio 2008/2010 Ultimate (using Windows 7) to write software for hospitals. More development stuff like WPF and expression blend. The other purpose is using a java media server to decode high def media files to my ps3 upstairs. So far here is the price breakdown:

I can get a Used Q6600 for $130 shipped or
new E8200 for $130 without shipping or
new E8400 for $180 without shipping

So far I have bought the following items to use: 4GB DDR2, 1.5TB HDD, Tuner Card, Video Card.

So what processor should I pick?
 


The prices are way to high except for the q6600.
 

C00lIT

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Since you are a programmer I strongly recommend a quad core... I shouldnt generalize but I think most programmers do a buttload of multitasking.
I can just picture you having dual screens, 2 firefox open with 20 tabs each, Visual Studio, acrobat and WoW.... That being just at the startup...