New pc

[Survivor]

In the next few weeks I'll probably build a new pc. Now I know there currently is a tendency towards Intel when it comes to cpus but my AMD has never let me down and I was wondering if the difference is neglible. So here come the main parts of the two options I'll be choosing between. I'll be using a cheapass silent gf 7600 to bring costs down for now. Updating that later is a trivial matter anyway

Pc1 Total system AMD (total €585)
€ 133 Athlon64 X2 6000+ 2MB Cache
€ 75 MB ASUS M2N-E SLI NF500
€ 63.90 Hitachi ATBUS HDT725032VLA360 320 GB 7200RPM 16 MB Cache
€ 62 EN GF7600GS

Pc2 Total system Intel (total €605)
€ 149 Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 LGA775 PC1333 4MB Cache 2,33GHz
€ 80 MB ASUS P5B SE P965
€ 63.90 Hitachi ATBUS HDT725032VLA360 320 GB 7200RPM 16 MB Cache
€ 62 EN GF7600GS

[obsidian]

Not sure how things compare to what you guys have in Europe, but the Core 2 Quad E6600 is where it's at. It's about $100 more here so I would be willing to save up for another week for that.

If strictly still on a budget, I would go with the Intel, there's a performance benefit, though I'm not sure by what margin between those two specific processors. I'm a little rusty with regards to some of the current medium product ranges.

I personally swear by Seagate hard drives, but that's just me.

Can you use your existing GPU or are you stuck on an AGP like me? Seems silly to spend money on a new GPU when you're probably just going to upgrade it later. I'd use that cash towards the processor if possible.

[Survivor]

Current one is agp and everybody's going pci express so i'm not bothering to go for a dual board. It's also the reason why I'm getting such a cheap gpu which still has some punch.

[obsidian]

Fair enough... I'm in the same boat and am trying to hold off on buying a new system for as long as possible. I'll try to push this 6800 Ultra hopefully for another year.

[Survivor]

Core 2 Quad Q6600 €238. That the one you meant? Do I need a special mainboard for it or does it use the standard 775 socket?

Edit: Rechecked the system as it would be with the quad core and dropping the gpu even further but it's a bit hefty for me moneywise. Total comes at €700 and I just don't think the quad will be worth it. So few programs are even using dual core to their advantage atm I think it might be wiser to stay with the dual and switch over to quad when they drop. I might take the better mainboard to prepare for this though.

€238 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 LGA775 PC1066 8MB Cache 2,40GHz
€102 MB ASUS P5N-E SLI 650i
€46 EN GF7200GS/HTD 128 MB
€63,90 Hitachi ATBUS HDT725032VLA360 320 GB

[Kills On Site]

Yea, you should definately get a mobo that is at least quad-core capable. I love my ABit IP35 Pro.

[obsidian]

Even though programs don't take full advantage of multiple cores, keep in mind that there are other architectural differences between processor families that makes them perform better.

The Core 2 Duos are still great processors, so if that's all you have money for right now, it's still a solid choice. Maybe just invest in a quad-core capable mobo to leave your options open for future upgrades should you need it.

BTW, some of the Core 2 Duos overclock like crazy, you might want to look into which ones. Not sure if the 6550 is on the list.

[Survivor]

Never been a real overclocking monkey. For €10 more though i can get the 6750 so that's a no-brainer.
As for the better mobo, is this one a good idea? MB ASUS P5KC P35 S775 ATX for €115.

[obsidian]

I haven't paid attention to mobos for years... but it looks interesting... takes both DDR2 and 3 which seems a little unconventional, but I suppose leaves it open to upgrades. I'd see if someone else more knowledgeable gives you a thumbs up or down.

I think it's crossfire only so leaning towards the ATI route if that matters to you.

[Scourge]

Shit is always outdated. But the measuer of outdate is the common. Years of understand.

[obsidian]

lol. I think Scourge is drunk and/or high.

[AmIdYfReAk]

go with the intel man, they o/c like no ones biz!

its worth the little extra...

and besides, clock for clock, in stock form.. its faster to begin with

[Scourge]

Shit is always outdated. But the measuer of outdate is the common. Years of understand.

Lol, wtf?

[creep]

I was pretty sure you were deep in the sauce last night.

[Captain]

Shit is always outdated. But the measuer of outdate is the common. Years of understand.

Lol, wtf?

[Survivor]

Shit is always outdated. But the measuer of outdate is the common. Years of understand.

Lol, wtf?

haha