Need a budget socket 775 CPU suggestion to beat up my 4200+ X2

H

horseflesh

Weaksauce
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
109
I popped an 8800 GT into my gaming rig, and found that I didn't have the CPU power to really drive that card as well as it deserved. So, I haunted the deal forums and now I have an Abit IP35-E motherboard and 4 GB of RAM... Now, I need a CPU! (My existing power supply etc should all be fine.)

I am coming from a dual core A64 4200+, which has been OC'd from 2.2GHz to 2.4 GHz. I want a CPU for the IP35-E that will have at least enough oomph to play TF2 at 1900x1080. My 4200+ struggled with that when the firefights got intense or the draw distance got long. (I'll play other games, but for something crazy like Crysis I'd drop res to 1280x720.)

I'm not afraid of OCing, in fact I expect to... but I am using 667 MHz DDR2 value RAM... it may work at 800MHz, or it may not. So I am looking more for a "no brainer" OC opportunity, and not something on the cutting edge.

Dual core is fine, I do not need quad core for this system. And I want to spend less than $200, preferably less than $150. If cost was not a factor, I'd be at Fry's right now. ;)

Anyone have product recommendations or articles for proc-tards? Things have changed so much since the last time I shopped that I am having a hard time figuring out what I need in a CPU.

Thanks!
 
I think your best bet would be an E8400, its faster than any of its predecessors and its cheaper and overclocks like a champ on the P35 chipset. Is there anything more one can ask of this chip? and they are goin for 190 on some sites.:D
 
For under $150 maybe an E4500? Mine is at 3.3GHz. For less than $100 you could go with an E21x0.
 
I just took a look at the Tom's CPU Chart and on Pricewatch, and it looks like the E6550 would fit in your low end budget, and the E6750 would fit in your high end. Using the Charts, you can compare most of the current processors directly to your current one on a bunch of benchmarks and real world stuff.

They don't have the E8400 on the charts, but that looks like an even better bang for the buck if you can find it for sub $200.

I went with a Q6600 for $259 from Tiger Direct Outlet. It is currently running 3.2 GIG on air with a modest voltage bump. I bought 800 Mhz cas 4 ram though, so that is not an issue for stepping up the FSB for me. I believe you should be able to lock your memory speed in the Bios. I wouldn't push the Value Ram very hard.

Hope this helps.

Don
 
Anything with a x7.5 multiplier or higher and OC it to a 400 bus. A good P35 mobo will work. Here's a good cheap one.

E4500 is an okay one $125
But I'd aim for at a budget stand point, the E6750 at $190. Other wise you could get a E8400 at $240 or a quad Q6600 at $254. Check out the for sale section on the forum or on ebay for procs too if you can get them cheaper (E6400, E6420, E6600, E6700, E6850, other E4x00, or an extreme chip)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top