Processor questions

[redvector]

Okay, I've pretty much decided on my computer, and there's a $1 difference between the two machines. One has an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core, and the other has an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400. The Intel runs at about 2.13 GHz, but I don't know what speed the 3800+ runs at

Comments

[ianblowgun]

there's a $1 difference

Are you sure you mean $1? Because if it's really $1, buy the one with the two cards! Even I know that.

[redvector]

well, yes. there really is a $1 difference.

However, the system is really customizable, so I can change that shit. I just want to deliberate for some reason before making a huge purchase.

[mikoto]

where is it and what kind is it and how much is it?

I want a new desktop.

[redvector]

I went to ibuypower.com, and it's way more than I've ever spent on a machine. However, I want this to be a great gaming rig for a few years at least, and I want it to run Oblivion.

[crimson117]

CPU: The intel E6400 processor is better: anywhere from 20-50% better than the AMD 3800+. Here's a review with lots of benchmarks for the 3800+ and the E6400. The exception is that the intel one can't do 64-bit, should you ever want a 64-bit OS.

Graphics: Unless you are buying the best possible card on the market, then buying a better single card usually gives better price/performance than buying two lower cards and running them together. Check here to see how much of an upgrade you'd get from upgrading your card compared to getting a dual-card setup (CF or SLI means dual-card).

Let me know more about the computers you're considering. I'd be glad to help make recommendations.

[redvector]

Sweet, thanks, man.

I was reading up on Vista x64, and it looks like an amazing OS for a very limited purpose, i.e. it only allows signed, 64-bit device drivers, so it doesn't seem like it's the right fit for home use. It also cannot run 16-bit apps, and while I won't be using Word Perfect 6.1, I may be playing, say, Fallout.

The Intel machine is the one with one 512 video card for the price of the Athlon with 2 512 video cards. Also, the Athlon comes with more free games from the company (ibuypower.com)...not much of an issue, but whatevs.

Here's what I'm considering:

Case ( Nzxt Apollo Gaming Tower Case w/420W Power Supply Blue )

Case Lighting ( Neon Light Red )

Power Supply ( ** iBUYPOWER Recommended ** NZXT PF-500 500 Watt Power Supply )

Processor ( Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6400 (2x 2.13GHz/2MB L2 Cache/1066FSB) )

Free Software/Game ( [Free] iBUYPOWER Aegis Case - for your Games, Accessories, Disks, Manuals ... etc. --- $19.99 value )

Free Software/Game ( Free Game - [Hero] )
Processor Cooling ( [New !!!] iBUYPOWER Liquid

[crimson117]

Ah... the 7300GT is pretty weak for gaming. For about $100 more than a 7300GT, you could get a Radeon x1950 Pro 256mb, which will perform very well and should not become obsolete anytime soon (it was just released back in October). If they don't offer this card, a good alternative in the same price range is the nVidia Geforce 7900 GS.

7300GT would be good for older or less intense games like WoW, but it'll play newer ones only at the lowest settings, and that's kind of depressing for a brand new gaming PC :) The ATI x1950 Pro can't touch the newest high-end nVidia 8800 video cards, but of course those cost $400-$600.

Also, don't let the RAM size trick you. Video RAM is good for caching highly detailed textures, but a 7300GT is too slow to power games that would offer such large textures, such as Oblivion, so it's wasted.

[redvector]

Whew! glad I didn't hit submit on the purchase yet!

One place I do not want to scrimp is the video card. Is windows XP only good up to 2 Gb RAM? or is that a limitation of the motherboard?

[caniswolfie]

I also agree with crimson117. The Intel is much better than the Athlon at this point, though the Athlon is cheaper. I also agree about the videocard issue too. I would want to make sure that the power supply can handle two videocards too if you choose to upgrade at a later point since two can really drain the power in addition to adding that much more heat.

I would get one videocard at this point and possibily upgrade later if you want/need two. Also what resolution are you planning on running games,etc. You might not need a top of line videocard unless you are running at max resolution.

[redvector]

great point about the power supply. one video card, 2 SATA HDDs, the intel chip-will 500W be enough?

[crimson117]

500W will be plenty and give room to grow.

[redvector]

awesome! thanks, man. I'll let you come over and look at the computer when I get it.

not touch, though.