CPU vs.GPU

B

Bob The Builder

New Member
I am trying to decide what to do about getting a new computer. Right now I have a circa 2000 Dell Dimension Desktop:
PIII 800 MHz,
384 MB RAM/133,
NVidia GeForce 256 graphics card,
Creative SB Live! Value 4.1 sound card,
30GB HDD-primary,
120GB HDD WD-1200JB-extra storage,
Win XP SP2

I do belive no matter what computer I get to replace this antique will be more than just a mild performance boost!! The thing is, that I have been reading through this site/forum for a couple weeks now and realize that there is so much more to computers these days that I don't want to just go to Best Buy and grab a pre-built HP pc. When I now see that I can build a really good pc for the same amount of money. Also, I don't want to buy stuff just cuz they are the latest and greatest, and that I'll probably never use that technology. What I am looking to do is web surf while running video editing software and burning to disc. My kids will need it to do homework/reports, wife will use it for word and excel projects, and for photos. Not real big into gaming, but maybe that is because I don't have a capable machine, yet! I did like to play Unreal Tournament and Quake III Arena when they first came out. Have seen some hp machines pre-built that could possibly suit my needs. Maybe this is the route I should take. I dunno.
This is a short list of what I am looking at for now (budget of $500-$800 for just the box, no periph's):

ASUS P5K Intel P35
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 or E6750/Quad 6600
2-4 GB DDR2 (800)
WD 500GB
8800 GT-GS/8600GT
capable PSU
I have Asus Dual-Layer DVD Burner

This thread is titled CPU vs GPU. What should I focus on? Which will make the most difference when I am multi-tasking? Looking to get 17"-20" monitor.

Anything that you might change or add, info/input is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
 
well a q6600 seems like what you want. and if you only want to play quake 4 arena and stuff then the 8600gt seems perfect.
seeing as its used for a lot of normal tasks and not that much gaming it would be better to focus on the cpu.
 
Last edited:
Kesava said:
well a q6600 seems like what you want. and if you only want to play quake 4 arena and stuff then the 8600gt seems perfect.
seeing as its used for a lot of normal tasks and not that much gaming it would be better to focus on the cpu.
Click to expand...

So the other parts seem ok? Is there better stuff out there to replace any of these parts?
 
id recommend going with a system you'd build yourself.

get 2 gig of ram not 4. well maybe 3 if you think you need it.
but xp sp2 wont recognise 4gb.

basically that list isnt too bad.
a "capable psu"?
its usually better to get a well known branded one, not just one that can put out enough wattage.
id recommend something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171018

if you get some random brand PSU they can often be bad quality and if they die then they can take other components with them.
 
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