Hello I am going to build a PC for the first time in 4 years so please bear with me because I'm not up to date on the current parts. Primary use of this PC will be heavy gaming, I have a laptop for everyday use. I'll get right to it:
CPU: Budget $200. I'm looking at the 6400+, Phenom 9500, or the E6420. I chose the 6400+ and the E6420 because I am familiar with socket AM2 and LGA 775 motherboards, the 9500 was because it was a quad core in my price range. I haven't heard great things about AMD's quad cores though. Which one of the chips would offer me the best performance and broadest selection of motherboards? Note that my overclocking abilities aren't good so that would negate some of the advantages of the Core 2 Duo.
Motherboard: Budget about $150-200. I'd like to get an Asus. I was looking at the MoBos for the Phenom (socket AM2+) and the selection was limited. Suggestions needed! By the way what is PCI Express x16 2.0? Is this the new generation of PCI-E x16?
Memory: I'll probably get Corsair, speed would depend on mobo selection. Is there a big difference between DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066? I'll be running XP, do I need more than 2 gigs?
Video Card: I think I have my heart set on the 8800GTS. Do they come in 512MB and not 640MB now? Also is the G92 the new, improved core and if so does that only come in PCI Express x16 2.0?
PSU: I am brand loyal to Antec. Can I get by with 650w? If not newegg has an 850w Antec for $200.
Cases: I'll probably find something black and sleek but if you guys want to show me some of your favorites I'd be happy to take advice.
Anything else anyone has to offer in parts selection I'm all ears. Forgive me if I've typed anything factually inacurrate, it has been many years since I built a CPU. By the way this computer will run Windows XP Pro. Thanks bunches....
xoxo
- Joyce
CPU: Budget $200. I'm looking at the 6400+, Phenom 9500, or the E6420. I chose the 6400+ and the E6420 because I am familiar with socket AM2 and LGA 775 motherboards, the 9500 was because it was a quad core in my price range. I haven't heard great things about AMD's quad cores though. Which one of the chips would offer me the best performance and broadest selection of motherboards? Note that my overclocking abilities aren't good so that would negate some of the advantages of the Core 2 Duo.
Motherboard: Budget about $150-200. I'd like to get an Asus. I was looking at the MoBos for the Phenom (socket AM2+) and the selection was limited. Suggestions needed! By the way what is PCI Express x16 2.0? Is this the new generation of PCI-E x16?
Memory: I'll probably get Corsair, speed would depend on mobo selection. Is there a big difference between DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066? I'll be running XP, do I need more than 2 gigs?
Video Card: I think I have my heart set on the 8800GTS. Do they come in 512MB and not 640MB now? Also is the G92 the new, improved core and if so does that only come in PCI Express x16 2.0?
PSU: I am brand loyal to Antec. Can I get by with 650w? If not newegg has an 850w Antec for $200.
Cases: I'll probably find something black and sleek but if you guys want to show me some of your favorites I'd be happy to take advice.
Anything else anyone has to offer in parts selection I'm all ears. Forgive me if I've typed anything factually inacurrate, it has been many years since I built a CPU. By the way this computer will run Windows XP Pro. Thanks bunches....
xoxo
- Joyce
