Best processor for $100-$150?

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Puyo

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What is the best processor I can get for around $100 to $150? I currently have an AthlonXP 3200+, and let's just say it doesn't cut it anymore.

I use my computer mainly for gaming and music editting, so I want something that will do well with those.

Thanks.
 
AthlonXP? You're stuck. Thats the highest XP processor that was released.
 
No current CPU will run in an AXP mobo. You could get a cheap AM2 or S975 board and get an X2 3800+ for a little under $150 if you look around. However, your best bet is a Core 2 Duo E6300 for around $170 (again if you look around a bit) and a cheap P965 board, a lot more performance (especially if you OC) for just a little more money.
 
Agh, I didn't make myself clear. I am not upgrading my XP. I don't want an AthlonXP anymore. I am basically making a brand new system but have a strict budget that only allows me to get a processor within the $100-150 range.

Thanks all.
 
Puyo said:
Agh, I didn't make myself clear. I am not upgrading my XP. I don't want an AthlonXP anymore. I am basically making a brand new system but have a strict budget that only allows me to get a processor within the $100-150 range.

Thanks all.
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I still recommend you work an extra day and get an E6300, it will beat an FX-62 when OCed, but if you must get something to run at stock and AMD, the X2 3800+ is your best bet.
 
X2 3800+. Or if you wait a bit you can pick up an X2 3600+.
 
Some of the reviews on Newegg say that the X2 3800+ isn't that good for gaming. Is this true, or are the people morons?

Also, I am guessing an AM2 motherboard would be better since 939 is dying. Which motherboard, then, would be best for a X2 3800+?

And the X2 4200+ is on Newegg for only about $30 more than the X2 3800+. Would it be worth the upgrade, or is the 3800+ still on top?

Thanks.

And thanks Nullo, I will look into that E6300 too.
 
Puyo said:
Some of the reviews on Newegg say that the X2 3800+ isn't that good for gaming. Is this true, or are the people morons?

Also, I am guessing an AM2 motherboard would be better since 939 is dying. Which motherboard, then, would be best for a X2 3800+?

And the X2 4200+ is on Newegg for only about $30 more than the X2 3800+. Would it be worth the upgrade, or is the 3800+ still on top?

Thanks.

And thanks Nullo, I will look into that E6300 too.
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There is not that much a difference between 939 and AM2, the big difference you will see is Processor type. Right now the Core 2 Duos kill any AMD offering, which is the reason for the recent dramatic AMD price drops.
 
Puyo said:
Agh, I didn't make myself clear. I am not upgrading my XP. I don't want an AthlonXP anymore. I am basically making a brand new system but have a strict budget that only allows me to get a processor within the $100-150 range.

Thanks all.
Click to expand...

Ah! haha. Well that certainly does make all the difference. I think you should work a little harder and get the E6300 too. I think its worth the extra money over an AM2 setup right now.
 
Puyo said:
Some of the reviews on Newegg say that the X2 3800+ isn't that good for gaming. Is this true, or are the people morons?
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That words a little strong, but it'll do. X2's are starting to show some serious advantages with some titles (such as the already multi-threading supporting Oblivion) and with the proper drivers the performance isn't deminished for the single core games.

I recently upgraded to an X2 3800+ for an overclocked single core AMD 64 proc and I'm seriously enjoying the performance boost.
 
HighTest said:
That words a little strong, but it'll do. X2's are starting to show some serious advantages with some titles (such as the already multi-threading supporting Oblivion) and with the proper drivers the performance isn't deminished for the single core games.

I recently upgraded to an X2 3800+ for an overclocked single core AMD 64 proc and I'm seriously enjoying the performance boost.
Click to expand...

The part about Oblivion benefits from dual core is not true at all. At least for me...

I just upgraded from 3000+ Venice @ 2.7ghz to X2 3800+ Manchester @ 2.7ghz. Combining with my 7900gt @ 600/800, there is virtually no difference between my old and new setup in Oblivion. In 3dmark06, I gained about 20% higher score (5000 to 6000).

Don't get me wrong, I still love the new proc. Running the same frequency, Manchester is cooler than Venice. And the X2 only use up to 75% 80% from load during gaming. It is definitely a great buy.
 
Puyo said:
What is the best processor I can get for around $100 to $150? I currently have an AthlonXP 3200+, and let's just say it doesn't cut it anymore.

I use my computer mainly for gaming and music editting, so I want something that will do well with those.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

For what socket?

I don't really understand the way you are building your system. Do you have a total that you are can spend? How did you end up with that 100-150 dollar figure? Relatively speaking, gaming performance is usually limited by the GPU and music editing performance is CPU(and memory/hdd to a certain extent). So what's more important to you? If its more of gaming, investing in a platform surrounding a nice GPU and a decent upgrade path would be a better solution. And that "gaming" platform will still give you a major performance boost in music editing compared to your Athlon.

Maybe I am just talking out of my ass, and others can give you better advice.

Good luck.
 
I will also vote for the X2 3800... keep in mind also if you go the AM2 route you'll need new memory, but if your tight on cash you might want to go with a 939 board and migrate your standard DDR. Remember too that most 939 and AM2 boards have PCI-E NOT AGP !!, and lastly unless you've got a newer power supply you'll want to make sure it has the 20+4 pin main power connector.

Now you may already be well aware of all the things i've mentioned, but I figured I'd cover those bases anyway :D

Hope I could help...
 
By music editing, I'm assuming you're talking about something like Cubase, or even FL Studio. In that case, go with a dual core. You'll essentially double the amount of effects you can apply in real time, since most sequencers these days are multi-threaded apps.

I don't know what your exact budget is, however. You should be more specific. Do you only have $150, or do you have money for a mb, ram, etc. Will you be carrying over your AGP video card or ditching it for PCI-E?

If you're on a tight budget and not doing serious audio though, you should probably just get a single core. You can get a a64 3200+ for $75, get a decent budget o/c motherboard, and have a system that will hold you over until you can do a proper upgrade. The 3200+ should o/c at least to 2.5ghz, if not 2.7, and you'll get a nice boost in comparison to that AXP. It will hold you over until Conroe supply catches up with demand and the motherboard prices hit a reasonable level.
 
HighTest said:
Tis true, you just didn't find this article:

http://www.tweakguides.com/Oblivion_8.html

On this page specifically you'll find the "multi-threading" tuning tricks:

http://www.tweakguides.com/Oblivion_9.html

So if you have dual-core, check them out.
Click to expand...

Thanks! Actually, I already have those multithread tweaks in my ini file. It does not make a difference for me.

Am I the only one who don't see framerate increase going from single core to dual core at same frequency in Oblivion?
 
Mike160 said:
Remember too that most 939 and AM2 boards have PCI-E NOT AGP !!, and lastly unless you've got a newer power supply you'll want to make sure it has the 20+4 pin main power connector
Click to expand...
I'll second that one. I tried running a new system with conroe and procrastinated in buying a 20 --> 24 pin converter and tried gaming with it....fried my 6600GT :(
 
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