Best motherboard, CPU and RAM for 300.00?

[VAPOR X]

Primary us is for X-Plane design and and Flight simulator. Have had great luck with previous AMD systems, but most reviews for the newer stuff are horrible. Any recommendations for "out of the box" (no OC) components?

 

[nekulturny]

Intel i5-2400 $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074

Asrock H61M/U3S3 $67
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157236

G.Skill Value Series 2x4GB $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

Total: $297

 

[nekulturny]

Yea, the 3450 and H77 are the new gen stuff, they're a little better, little more expensive yes, but well in proportion for the extra performance.

 

[mocchan]

+1 for nekulturny

However, here's another option -

Intel Core i5 3450 $199.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116506

ASRock H77M $69.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157303

G.Skill Value Series 8GB Kit $39.99 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

Total - $309.97

You can get a little bit more performance for only $10 more

 

[mocchan]

Yes, definitely.

If OP is on a strict $300 budget with no headroom, yours is definitely a good choice. Both options will perform great either way.

 

[Brett928S2]

Hi

300 what ??? roubles, yen , rand ??

All the best Brett

 

[InvalidError]

little more expensive yes, but well in proportion for the extra performance.

Once you factor in the 20-30W total power saving (thanks to fewer IO chips, lower-power CPU/chipset, depending on PSU efficiency and use of AC) over the system's lifespan, the extra $10 up-front actually ends up potentially much cheaper!

 

[mocchan]

I've looked at the power consumption data before, I'd think you might break even in 1-2 years, (assuming your computer was going 24/7), but I wouldn't go as far as to say you're going to be able to go on a trip to disney land with the savingings or anything :lol:

Again, I agree :lol:

I would say the small amount of power you save would be insignificant. You're talking a few dollars per year, nothing big IMO

 

[nekulturny]

I've looked at the power consumption data before, I'd think you might break even in 1-2 years, (assuming your computer was going 24/7), but I wouldn't go as far as to say you're going to be able to go on a trip to disney land with the savings or anything :lol:

 

[johnhalo]

Here is a good combo for $300 @ Microcenter (love em, they are cheap )

CPU - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0388577 ($190)

MOBO - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0387554 ($84 when you add it to cart)

RAM - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0353218 You can always add more RAM later, its pretty cheap. I'd suggest if this is within your price range, you should still go with the i5-3570K just to future proof your rig and maybe if you have a heavier load later in the future.

@ $299

 

[mocchan]

^ Decent but remember Microcenter charges taxes while newegg does not (depending on state)

Also you have to factor in if OP is near a Microcenter or not as I'm not too sure if the $40 combo discount applies to online purchases.

 

[VAPOR X]

WOW!, thanks for all the input. Even nekulturny, who has a Phenom recommends the i5.

I had been shopping the Phenoms with little success, must be as Dan Akroid would put it (a sign from God)!

I will wash my paper plate dinnerware a few extra times and bump up the budget a bit for the i5.

Thank you!

 

[mocchan]

You're welcome

And to be honest, the Phenom II's are a great chip. However, for your budget, there's no reason NOT to get an i5

Good luck washing those...paper plates :lol: be sure to let it bake in the sun before using it again

 

[nekulturny]

lol, you're welcome. My recommendations are based on needs and budgets, I assure you I recommend Phenom IIs when appropriate.

Phenom IIs are decent CPUs, they still fall a little short of most of the Intel i5s (not all of them mind you), my ex has an i5-2300, my overclocked Phenom II smacked it silly. The i5-23xx series (2300, 2310,2320) had lousy clock rates, I don't think Intel produced too many of em because it left a bad taste in their mouth that AMD's 4 year old K10 architecture could reach out and touch them with an overclock. But once you get into i5-2400 and above, AMD just can't really touch em in the kind of applications you're looking to run specifically unfortunately.

 

[VAPOR X]

Best answer selected by VAPOR X.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey