Building own computer question

kobe241

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What processor should I get to start to build my computer?
I've heard the Quad Core Q6600 is a good choice.

I plan on using it for a bit of gaming, multi-tasking, and just general use.
I have moderate experience in building.

Also, I am a college student so I'm on a tight budget, but if I am going to spend some money, I want to get the best performance from value.

Thanks
 
Do you have any of the parts already? And if this PC is for gaming, I would recommend a dual core processor like The E8400/E8500: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 The E8xxx range are 45nm parts meaning they are faster, more power efficient and produce less heat. The reason I recommend a dual for gaming is because almost all games are not optimized for games and probably still won't be for at least another year. This means that the power of something like the Q6600 is not used efficiently and therefore a quick dual core gives better performance. Here are some benchmarks of the E8500 vs the Q6600 in games: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2quad-q9300_9.html#sect0 Please ignore the 3DMark scores as it is a synthetic benchmark and doesn't really mirro real-life performance. Perhaps I can help you choose your other parts as well.
 
Hey thanks for your reply

I am definitely going to look at the E8xxx series.
Actually, I was doing some research and read that in April, Intel will have price cuts on some processors including Q6600. In addition they will introduce the new E8300 which will be $169. That is about on target for my budget. So I am going to wait to get that one.

But I am also looking to add about 2-4 gb of RAM, new motherboard, case, power supply and video card.

I am extremely unfamiliar with video cards and I have no idea which one to get.

Any suggestions?
 
Hey thanks for your reply

I am definitely going to look at the E8xxx series.
Actually, I was doing some research and read that in April, Intel will have price cuts on some processors including Q6600. In addition they will introduce the new E8300 which will be $169. That is about on target for my budget. So I am going to wait to get that one.

But I am also looking to add about 2-4 gb of RAM, new motherboard, case, power supply and video card.
If you are running XP, then 2GB more than sufficient as it's much less resource hungry than Vista. If you are going to be running Vista, then there is definitely a performance increase going from 2 to 4 (I know as I have done it). I would recommend this kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146699 or two kits for Vista.
For the mobo, I still don't see a reason to buy an X38 based board. The P35 is just as good for overclocking as can reach the speeds that the X38 can: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130098R This is a brilliant deal if you're not worried about buying an open box item.
The case is your own personal preference really, but I would like the plug the Antec P180 and the Thermaltake Armor or the Coolermaster Elite 330 if you're looking for a budget chassis.
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010 The OCZ range is made by the FSP Group who are a quality brand. The PSU is one part of a system build you do not want to skimp on.
I am extremely unfamiliar with video cards and I have no idea which one to get.
What would will you be doing? Gaming? HD?
 
I'm not a gamer but thats mostly because my computer can't play any games hahha. But I do plan on playing some games like Battle Field or something of that nature.

Also, HD sound good.

But do you guys think the new E8300 is worth it for $169?
 
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