![[H]ard|Forum](/styles/hardforum/xenforo/logo_dark.png){kind=logo}
I am kind of an overclocking old-timer that has moved on to other things, but now need to build a new PC. I first got into this back in the Celeron 300A days. My last overclock was an Athlon XP mobile, which was done several years ago.
The purpose of this PC will be a combination HTPC (with HD-DVD perhaps Bluray later on) and Gaming rig. My newer hobby is projectors. Gaming on a 106" screen is something to behold and I recommend it to everyone. I really only need good frame rates at 720p resolution, but as always, faster is better.
Here are my questions.
First - From what I gather, the "best bang for your buck" CPU crown now rests with Intel and the Core 2 Duo? Is this right? If so, what advantages, if any, do current AMD CPUs hold over Intel?
Second - If I were to go with an Intel CPU, what CPU is currently most popular/cost effective? What is the most popular/cost effective motherboard and ram?
Thanks for your honest opinions.
The purpose of this PC will be a combination HTPC (with HD-DVD perhaps Bluray later on) and Gaming rig. My newer hobby is projectors. Gaming on a 106" screen is something to behold and I recommend it to everyone. I really only need good frame rates at 720p resolution, but as always, faster is better.
Here are my questions.
First - From what I gather, the "best bang for your buck" CPU crown now rests with Intel and the Core 2 Duo? Is this right? If so, what advantages, if any, do current AMD CPUs hold over Intel?
Second - If I were to go with an Intel CPU, what CPU is currently most popular/cost effective? What is the most popular/cost effective motherboard and ram?
Thanks for your honest opinions.