Which processor do you recommend?

[Clutch1]

I'm getting ready to strip my lame compaq tower and replace it with either this or this.

Now, I figure, while I have everything apart, I might as well up grade a few things. I'm just curious to know what processor would be best for me. I'm getting into computer gaming and right now, I'm hooked on Diablo 2. I want to get something that will work well for me, but not something bigger than what I need. If it's just a few bux extra I would go with the better one.

Would it be easier to just upgrade the whole motherboard or get a new processor and install just that?


I don't do a lot of online gaming cause I have heard some horror stories about people being hacked. My friend Rob was playing Diablo 2 online and he got sent a prog that made his character just randomly start running in circles and dropping things and the guys who sent it to him cleaned him out.

 

[alvino]

First of all, what are your other components? Motherboard details?

As for the cases, I prefer the latter link, but that's my preference. Usually it should be you who should decide the case, because it's based mostly on preference.

 

[linux_fan]

If you can only use windows and are unable to use linux then wait a while until vista comes out. After it is released i am sure the hardware manufacturers will come out with something new. Intel Core processors are excellent though if you are in a hurry

 

[Clutch1]

Well, I want to learn Linux. Any suggested reading before I make the switch?

By the latter, you mean the blue one? That is the one I'm leaning towards now. There are a few others I like, but I wanna get the right interior combo going before I dump a bucket load of cash into a case.

And Alvino, that was actually gonna be another question I was going to ask. I have a bit of a tight budget, but it can be worked around. I have a plain jane Compaq sr1220nx right now, not sure on the specs, but I wanna try for something better; something faster. I don't do a hugh amt of gaming, but by the time I have a new tower completed, I probably will, so I might as well get the good stuff. what mother board/processor should I go with? I want something I can just buy and install, quick and easy.

Unless my current problem with my hard drive can't be fixed, I am going to save the hard drive (or if someone can give me a reason to scrap it). My problem right now (I already have a thread going and thing I have found the solution) is I have 4 partitions with windows xp loaded into them cause I caught a virus and didn't have my boot disc to format the drive from. In using my GF's boot disc, I added 3 more versions trying to fix the problem.

Also going to save my cd/dvd drive and I just picked up an LG cd/dvd burner with the laser-something-or-other (LOL, I forgot what it's called) where it scribes a label on the top of the disc and I want a 3.5 drive cause I bought a box of 3.5's and can't use them although I'd like to, to back up my files.

 

[alvino]

Well it depends. You have to consider lots of compatability options. What video card interface are you using? RAM? CPU Socket?

 

[Aecliptic]

Also, how tight is your budget.

 

[Clutch1]

Also, how tight is your budget.

Well, my budget is a bit on the tight side, but I can definatly spare a few bucks if need be.

I was thinking about it today and I can get a discount on dell computers thru my job, buy a bare bones setup and build from there.

I also looked into a few of the barebones setup's on www.tigerdirect.com and found a few I liked. All I need is a decent processor, hard drive, good video card and simple cd/dvd drive and room to build. i have a dc/dvd writer I picked up a few days ago and I'm gonna attach my hard drive at least long enough to do a format on it and put it back in the other one.

I just gotta see how things go money wise for now and than work from there. If I could come up with some extra loot, I'd go all out, but, push come to shove, I don't need top of the line.

 

[PerfectSK]

Well if you're looking to build a good comp that will last you a long time, go for a dual cored cpu. I just looked on Tigerdirect, and saw this pretty good deal, Intel Core 2 Duo e6400 with an ASUS mobo for about $430. I don't have anything against barebones kits, its just that the Intel Core 2 Duo, is the latest and greatest, and won't be put in a barebones kit for a while. Start with that, and work your way up. It's def worth it in the end though.