APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: (2-4 wks) BUDGET RANGE: 600-800 After Rebates
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (gaming, creating DVDs from camcorder, internet)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (GPU, Case)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (newegg.com, Microcenter) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (US)
PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (Completely open)
OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: (Full HD)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: First build, first post
Question: Which cpu/mobo
I had a nice AMD put together when Microcenter thru a wrench into my plans. Given gaming is the primary use, is an i3-530 better than a triple-core 440?
I can get the i3 with H55 mobo from Microcenter for $189 + tax.
i3
H55
As a combo I can get the X3 and Biostar 790 for $142 (free s/h, no tax)
X3 440 with Biostar 790 combo
Do I really gain that much with the i3, that it justifies another 60 bucks?
I would appreciate any other cpu/mobo suggestions as well. If I get the X3, I want to try and unlock the 4th core, but not overclock.
Planned purchases
(I prefer single rail) $60:Silverstone 500W
g.skill ram $109: ram
Remainder: any sale on a good 500 gb HDD (~$55), dvd writer (~$25), Win7 Pro (~$130, I need the xp virtual win).
Purchased to date
Antec Illusion 300 ($57): Antec Illusion 300
Powercolor 4850 ($102) :4850
Thanks for any and all suggestions!
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: (gaming, creating DVDs from camcorder, internet)
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: (GPU, Case)
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: (newegg.com, Microcenter) COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (US)
PARTS PREFERENCES: by brand or type (Completely open)
OVERCLOCKING: No SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: (Full HD)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: First build, first post
Question: Which cpu/mobo
I had a nice AMD put together when Microcenter thru a wrench into my plans. Given gaming is the primary use, is an i3-530 better than a triple-core 440?
I can get the i3 with H55 mobo from Microcenter for $189 + tax.
i3
H55
As a combo I can get the X3 and Biostar 790 for $142 (free s/h, no tax)
X3 440 with Biostar 790 combo
Do I really gain that much with the i3, that it justifies another 60 bucks?
I would appreciate any other cpu/mobo suggestions as well. If I get the X3, I want to try and unlock the 4th core, but not overclock.
Planned purchases
(I prefer single rail) $60:Silverstone 500W
g.skill ram $109: ram
Remainder: any sale on a good 500 gb HDD (~$55), dvd writer (~$25), Win7 Pro (~$130, I need the xp virtual win).
Purchased to date
Antec Illusion 300 ($57): Antec Illusion 300
Powercolor 4850 ($102) :4850
Thanks for any and all suggestions!