back to action - need suggestions

[Ooztuncer]

I was out of the scene for several months after I sold my 4.1 ghz stable e6600 rig. I am back in action slowly for a light gaming/htpc...

This time I am planning to build a budget system & after my research it seems like a dirty play is going on between AM2 and C2D.

Even tough on the paper C2D has all the advantage, when it comes to small budgeted systems AM2 based platforms are competing head to head (i.e. for the similar price you can build a 2.2-2.4ghz c2d or a 2.8-3.0ghz am2 systems).

I am thinking about several options:

Option 1 - $300 (can hit around 2.6 ghz):
c2d - something around $100 (used)
biostar tp35d2-a7 - p35 based ($95)
8600gt ($100)

Option 2 - $225 (can hit around 2.6ghz):
c2d - something around $100 (used)
Asus P5K-VM with integrated GMA 3100 gpu - g33 based ($125)

Option 3 - $140 (can hit around 2.8ghz):
Brisbane x2 3600 (am2)
Biostar TForce TF7050-M2 with integrated geforce 7050 gpu (combo with cpu $140)

Option 4 - $240 (can hit around 2.8ghz):
Brisbane x2 3600 (am2)
Biostar TForce TF7050-M2 with integrated geforce 7050 gpu (combo with cpu $140)
8600gt ($100)


Now, if I play games 20% of the time what option is most suitable for me? The games can be neverwinter nights 2, cs, oblivion, frp and fps like games in general.

I think a dedicated gpu might be better for the games that I like, however I don't need all the eye candy stuff and my monitor will be my 42" plasma tv (highest resolution is 1024x768).

$140 solution sounds great; option 1 has the most ability but 2.15 times expensive than option 1 - confused for sure...

All suggestions welcome!!

 

[Commander Suzdal]

I was out of the scene for several months after I sold my 4.1 ghz stable e6600 rig. I am back in action slowly for a light gaming/htpc...

This time I am planning to build a budget system & after my research it seems like a dirty play is going on between AM2 and C2D.

Even tough on the paper C2D has all the advantage, when it comes to small budgeted systems AM2 based platforms are competing head to head (i.e. for the similar price you can build a 2.2-2.4ghz c2d or a 2.8-3.0ghz am2 systems).

I am thinking about several options:

Option 1 - $300 (can hit around 2.6 ghz):
c2d - something around $100 (used)
biostar tp35d2-a7 - p35 based ($95)
8600gt ($100)

Option 2 - $225 (can hit around 2.6ghz):
c2d - something around $100 (used)
Asus P5K-VM with integrated GMA 3100 gpu - g33 based ($125)

Option 3 - $140 (can hit around 2.8ghz):
Brisbane x2 3600 (am2)
Biostar TForce TF7050-M2 with integrated geforce 7050 gpu (combo with cpu $140)

Option 4 - $240 (can hit around 2.8ghz):
Brisbane x2 3600 (am2)
Biostar TForce TF7050-M2 with integrated geforce 7050 gpu (combo with cpu $140)
8600gt ($100)


Now, if I play games 20% of the time what option is most suitable for me? The games can be neverwinter nights 2, cs, oblivion, frp and fps like games in general.

I think a dedicated gpu might be better for the games that I like, however I don't need all the eye candy stuff and my monitor will be my 42" plasma tv (highest resolution is 1024x768).

$140 solution sounds great; option 1 has the most ability but 2.15 times expensive than option 1 - confused for sure...

All suggestions welcome!!

If it was a matter of there being some varying levels of ability, the choice would be complicated. As it is, there's really only one distinction. Option 1 can play games with some amount of true enjoyment. No other option on the list can. Integrated graphics would only be able to achieve playable framerates (30 fps) in those titles with all options set to low and the resolution at 800x600 or even 640x480.

It's not really a matter of the CPU or motherboard. You can get an 8600GT on Newegg after rebate for around $100. If you want to save a little, pair it with one of the other combos and turn off the onboard graphics. It's all about the card, baby! With the 8600GT, especially with a little OCing, you will be able to play at the full 1024x768 with at least medium settings and good framerates in all your titles.

Edit: Missed that Option 4 added the 8600GT, so that would work along the lines of what I said above.