Choosing a CPU

[theHAYwired1]

I am looking for a new CPU. So far ive looked at the following.

AMD Phenom II X3 710
AMD Phenom 9950
Intel E7400
Intel Q8200

Your advice would be apresiated.

 

[LFX]

it all depends on:
1 - budget
2 - mobo
3 - intended use (gaming/work)

 

[theHAYwired1]

1. Budget- about 2000

2. AMD- http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?cPath=81_421&products_id=17731

Intel- http://www.computersonly.co.za/productdetail.aspx?sku=MBG31M3F&categoryId=40359

3. Both

 

[PostmanPot]

I would recommend quad core if you intend to keep the PC for a while. More and more games (and apps) are starting to make better use of quad. Crysis and GTAIV run better on Quad.

My advice would be to go for the Q8200 and a G31 board, which will be fine if you're not a tweaker. Or, put in a cheeky offer on this guy's motherboard - http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?t=161353 - R900 or so. It's a very good motherboard, great for OCing (perhaps you have a mate that can help you OC it).

Or look out for my ad, should be up tomorrow, for a Q9450 CPU. Looking for around R2200 which is close to the price of the Q8200 for a much better CPU.

This is provided you don't mind second-hand goods.

 

[PostmanPot]

Or I might have this CPU for you - http://mybroadband.co.za/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=9285 - better than the Q8200 and you could save cash and spend it on a better board/components.

 

[LFX]

dont buy a g31 mobo if you wanna overclock

 

[chickenbeef]

Out of those mentioned cpus Q9450 FTW then Q8200

 

[Chevron]

I'd say take the Phenom II 920.

 

[scotty777]

I'd say take the Phenom II 920.

that costs about R2700. and if you can afford that then you could get a Q9400/Q9300 which are a little faster

 

[killadoob]

Qwik would you ever take an intel cpu?

There is no point in fanboi's posting when asked intel or amd because they will never say intel. Very sad but anyways

Also what are you going to use this for ? Is it for heavy duty programs or gaming or for both? If so what programs?

 

[wmaker]

Note that the Q8200 has no vt.

 

[PostmanPot]

Note that the Q8200 has no vt.

I hear it only really helps when running virtual machines? Or does it help elsewhere?

 

[Abe]

2. AMD- http://www.sybaritic.co.za/store/product_info.php?cPath=81_421&products_id=17731

If you go for the 710, there are better ASUS boards for AM3. Rather look for something with M4 in the name instead of M2 or M3.

IMO, if you want value for money, go for the 710, otherwise the Intel Quads are the best bet depending on budget.

 

[killadoob]

Yup 710 will do fine but if your not using this pc for gaming and want to work on it get intel.

Intel blows amd away when it comes to heavy programs but gaming they pretty much equal or there abouts.