Differentiating processors and graphics cards

[retexan599]

Hello. I am planning to buy a replacement computer system for my home. My usage is home, some office, and light gaming. My present system is five years old and I will be hoping my new computer will serve me for the next five years. I am not into building my computer, and will likely be buying an HP from a retail store like BB, CC, or FRY. My existing system is an HP 760n, for which I paid $1300 in April, 2002 (excl. monitor). I am willing to pay about the same sum, or hopefully somewhat less for the new system. I will be getting Vista Home Premium, and plan on having 2GB of RAM to give me the margin I want with this new OS and for the long term.

The systems I am considering are (all with 2GB RAM) [prices approx.]:

1. HP a1730n, 2GB Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor 4600+, 2.40GHz, NVIDIA 6150LE, 320 GB HD $750

2. HP a1740n, 2GB Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6300. 1.86GHz, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 320 GB HD $850

3. HP a6030n, 2GB AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core 4800+, 2.40GHz, NVIDIA 6150LE, 320 GB HD $720

4. HP a6040n, 2GB Intel Core 2 Duo E6320, 1.90GHz, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 320 GB HD, $800

5. HP M7750N, 2GB AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+, 2.6GHz, NVIDIA 6150LE, 400 GB HD $920

6. HP M7760N, 2GB Intel Core 2 Duo E6400, 2.13GHz, Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950, 500 GB HD $1050

7. HP M8000N, 2GB AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core 5200+, 2.6GHz, NVIDIA 6150LE, 500GB HD $900

8. HP M8020N, 2GB Intel Core 2 Duo E6420, 2.13GHz, NVIDIA 7350LE, 500GB HD $1150


In differentiating between these choices, someone has helpfully pointed out to me that the A6040N has a higher L2 cache on the processor, and includes PCIe slots, whereas the A1740N does not. There may be some other differences I don’t yet see.

My questions are:

1. You can see that four of my choices show the same apparently identical NVIDIA 6150LE graphics card – my question is whether there is likely to be a difference between those graphics card choices in their respective systems that I need to be aware of?

2. Similarly, three of my choices have the same apparently identical Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 graphics card – again my question is whether there is likely to be a difference between the those graphics card implementations that I need to be aware of?

3. The Intel processors all have nearly the same speed, from 1.86 to 2.13 GHz; are there likely other important differences in the Intel processors listed?

4. Similarly, do you think there will be important differences among the four different AMD Athlon processors listed?

I hope I have styled my questions in a sensible way. Any help appreciated and thanks!

 

[fatdragon]

8. HP M8020N, 2GB Intel Core 2 Duo E6420, 2.13GHz, NVIDIA 7350LE, 500GB HD $1150 is the best one out of the list
since you going to play a bit of games you woudnt want a computer with intel graphic accelerator beacuse intel graphic accelerator hogs your system resources when the nvida card dosent because it has it one built in

 

[NJNETSFAN]

I am considering the Hp M8020N and I have found a better price than $1150. I found it for $1130 on Walmart.com. I put together a parts list of comparable parts and I can build one for $1030, so the price is pretty good. It looks like an all around nice computer and the fast that it has a processor that isn't even available for purchase yet is a plus!

 

[Jet]

Consider buying #4 and adding a ~$100 graphics card (like the 7600GS or GT).

 

[CPTMuller]

In response to Jet, I completely agree with #4 as a very solid choice. But I would reccomend waiting a week or so, Nvidia JUST launched the 8600GTS and other budget cards. This would be a much safer investment than a 7000 series card. But thats just my two cents. But you cant go too wrong, most of these computers are strong performers and at great prices.
**http://www.pcper.com/article.php?aid=392&type=expert (Refer to the price chart if you do go the 8000 series route.)

 

[daisymtc]

I don't recommend you buy HP. If you do not want to build it yourself, I strongly recommend you go to custom-build pc like ibuypower.com; You could be get good PC within $1300 budget.