Thread: Which processor?

Originally Posted by Mozi

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

So let me get this straight; you can get any of those three CPUs and a Mobo od your choice for 210 bucks?

Yes. But I think the E8400 is $230 at newegg am I correct? I think I can go 50 bucks over the $500 limit.

But what I am really asking for is what are some of the things I should be aware of when I get a processor and a motherboard, and which of the three processors are good for gaming today, gaming in the future, while also be flexible when I upgrade.

OMG. sorry I messed up the writing. Didn't meant to quote. You'll see the changes in bold (the message I want to put).

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Originally Posted by Mozi

which of the three processors are good for gaming today.

All three are awesome for gaming today. The E6850 has outperformed the Q6600 for almost all the games tomsguide benched them for. That being said, the quad core may be better for some of the multi core optimized games coming up; I would still stick with the E6850 though. I cant say much about the E8400 because it has not been around long enough to get reviewed by all my favorite sources, but it should be a better bet than the E6850.

For this processor I would try to find a Mobo that has a 1333 FSB.

If you expect to get 2Gb RAM for around 40 bucks I assume you are going DDR2 800. So you dont *need* a mobo that supports DDR2 1066 (which is substantially more expensive). But you may consider looking for a Mobo that does support the 1066 if you plan to buy new memory later, or fork out more now for faster memory.

I would personally shell out more dough for DDR2 1066 and get a state of the art Mobo that supports the DDR2 1066 and has a 1333 FSB. Couple that with a single PCI-E slot (you might consider 2.0 but it should not matter too much with that 8800 GT). Are you going to get an external audio solution or use on board audio? Do you know what OS you plan to use?

Probably on board audio. Do they come up with surround sound these days?

OS would be XP, until they make every new game mandatory to go to Vista.

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

Originally Posted by Mozi

Probably on board audio. Do they come up with surround sound these days?

OS would be XP, until they make every new game mandatory to go to Vista.

Yeah, all onboard audio systems do at least 5.1 now.

I was asking because Vista does not agree with many on board audio solutions and gaming.

I would also consider forking out the dough for at least an Audigy 2 (like 20 bucks or something) but one of the low end X-Fis is preferable. Just a thought...

I think I can handle an extra $20.

Well thank you guys for helping me out. Much appreciated. As soon as I get the upgrade, we can all play in BF, GF, whatever F. Until then, I'm staying in CSS for a while.

EDIT: wait...does that mean I need a new power supply to keep up with all these brand new, powerful, hardware?

Originally Posted by SoySoldier

What is your current PS? Model name please, not just wattage.

I'll have to open up my case and find out. So...I'll get back to you in just a bit.