CTM

This will be my first time building a computer since 2001, and I really need your advice. For the most part, I can't really bring anything over from my current build except maybe the cdrom. monitor, mouse, and keyboard.

Basically I need everything else.

Since I've been out of the loop over the past few months I would love it if you could suggest a few builds. I live in canada, so I'll be paying in CAD, and I'll have to use a website that ships to canada, like canadacomputers.com, tigerdirect.ca, or maybe you know of a better one.

My budget is around $1200 CAD, but I can go higher if needed. I'll mostly be using it for gaming and not much else. Well nothing that would demand anything more powerfull. If it could run Oblivion at mid-high settings that would be great.

NI_t3n_IChi_RYU

First thing u shud take a look at is whether u want amd or intel

Stupid question really tho Intel Core 2 Duo is the answer lol

Start looking at them and see what 1 u can get for ur money, id say u can probably stretch to the e6300 (same as what im getting)

CTM

That was one of the things I was unsure of. Some people have said to just go for AMD where as others are saying Core2. I'm hoping to get some opinions from people. I don't really have a preference.

Core2 E6300

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+

Both for $250, suggestions?

belfong

Many say that the Core2 is better. But i would take the AMD, i'm getting the amd 5000+.

Edit: Here's an article of 5000+, versus E6600. http://www.legitreviews.com/article/365/1/
And as u can see, there's not that a big difference.

Sypher_06

The big difference is price. Tigerdirect.ca has:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 for $444.99
AMD Athlon X2 5000+ for $761.99

APM98

I went through the same question before my build (AM2 was brand new and Core 2 was not out yet). I evenually went with AMD, and I am happy with my choice.

People are saying that Core2 from Intel is better than AMD's x2, but either way, you can build a very nice pc. Most dual core cpu's are now more affordable than ever.

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AMD 5200+ X2 AM2
Asus M2N-Sli Deluxe
Corsair XMS2 2x512mb DDR2 800
eVGA 7600GT
WD 250GB SE16
NEC DVD Burner
Antec True Power 550W II
108 Mbps Wireless PCI
pcmark05: 4004, 3dmark03 13136

leetkyle

Haha, very good - very good.

Certainly go Core2Duo - I was an AMD fanboy at first, but Conroe changed ALL that..

CTM

I've gone over basic prices, and I'm thinking that I have around 250 CAD for the processor, and the AMD I listed above was my first pick.

Now my question is, which one would be more suited towards just gaming?

Edit: I'll think it over and choose after I get off work.

For now, how about a graphics card? This is the other thing I'm kinda iffy about. I kept pretty up to date with the Geforce 6's, but with the Geforce 7's and the ones ATI has out I'm not sure. What are your picks?

APM98

I have the 7600Gt, and I love it. But I'm not sure about it playing Oblivion mid-high settings.

__________________
AMD 5200+ X2 AM2
Asus M2N-Sli Deluxe
Corsair XMS2 2x512mb DDR2 800
eVGA 7600GT
WD 250GB SE16
NEC DVD Burner
Antec True Power 550W II
108 Mbps Wireless PCI
pcmark05: 4004, 3dmark03 13136

ceewi1

Naturally, if you're going to be testing with high resolution gaming the video card will be the limiting factor. I most certainly don't consider this to be a true indication of the performance of the CPU, though. Most reviews give a solid lead to the E6600. For example:
http://www.neoseeker.com/resourcelink.html?rlid=136509

The E6600 will often outperform the FX-62 as well. Of course, the X2 5000+ is cheaper than the E6600.

Then their 5000+ is significantly overpriced. The 5000+ is, in general, cheaper than the E6600.

X2 5000+: $309
Core 2 Duo E6600: $337

The E6300 would be my pick. The difference will be even more significant if overclocking potential is considered.

The 7600GT would be a great choice, with the 7900GT even better if it will fit into budget.

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