gaming computer, CPU help

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fhfire10

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SO I've decided to build my first computer, it will be used mostly for gaming, while running Itunes, vent, and multiple web browsers. Like I said this is my first computer and I'm very confused about everything, but I decided a CPU would be a good place to start. I've decided on a duel core, and was originally going to get the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, or the Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Processor. Then I read the CPU FAQ and read that I would be better off going AMD for gaming, I have no plans on overclocking because I have no idea how to do that. SO what are my options at for AMD? and would it be worth it to move to a quad or trio if I go AMD?

Thanks the the help!
 
i would go for AMD phenom II x3 X4 atleast for multitasking OR or Quadcore Intel Q8400 to Q9600 and up to i7 whats your budget?
 
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Yeah, dual core in this day and age is a bad idea, the E8400, while a very nice processor, is ridiculously priced, and you can get a solid quad from either Intel or AMD for the same budget. If you go a little higher up the scale, the Phenom II x4 940 or 955 both look great for budget minded performance, but if you're a little tight on cash, the Tri-core Phenom II's seem to be great as well from the benchmarks I've seen. Not entirely sure on pricing/performance in the QXXXX ranges because they aren't what I'm looking for in my next build :P but I know the Q6600 has the tiniest bit of popularity around here, although I'm sure that's not cheap. As for games, I'm not convinced you'd see a huge difference between the two brands with similar tier processors.
 
coming from someone who went from a dual to a quad semi-recently, it does make a difference in most games, so i'd go with quad if possible. the Q6600 isnt that expensive, around 179.99 last time i saw it a few months ago. i heard they were discontinuing it though. Right now i have a Q9400, bought it for the same price around 5 or so months ago, wouldnt go back to dual unless i had no other choice. As for the difference between Intel and AMD for gaming, ive heard pros and cons for both, but keep in mind AMD (last time i heard) doesnt have auto shut down if the CPU gets too hot. Ive been with Intel my whole life, but im not a fanboy saying "AMD sucks!", im just a loyal customer that hasnt had any big issues with them. you mentioned you werent going to overclock because you didnt know how...thats just something you have to try and youll see how much easier it is than you think,just dont go too high. there are plenty of tutorials out there to learn from.
 
Yeah, OC'ing is pretty intimidating at first, but with enough help, it gets to be pretty manageable fast, and you get a good deal more out of what you paid for. I'm not too sure on this, but last I heard, from my limited understanding, is that it depends on the motherboard for emergency shut down, not the processor. Haven't looked into it at all though, so I could be blatantly mistaken lol.
 
for as long as i can remember ive been told that the processor itself monitors its own temp and starts an emergency shutdown if it gets too hot. even if it was the MB that initiated it, its still intel that does it and AMD that does not, and that was the point i was trying to make.
 
fhfire10 said:
SO I've decided to build my first computer, it will be used mostly for gaming, while running Itunes, vent, and multiple web browsers. Like I said this is my first computer and I'm very confused about everything, but I decided a CPU would be a good place to start. I've decided on a duel core, and was originally going to get the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, or the Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Processor. Then I read the CPU FAQ and read that I would be better off going AMD for gaming, I have no plans on overclocking because I have no idea how to do that. SO what are my options at for AMD? and would it be worth it to move to a quad or trio if I go AMD?

Thanks the the help!
Click to expand...

If your looking for something in the price range of the E7400/E8400. Go for a AMD Phenom II 720BE
 
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