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Need some help deciding

S

stewie

Gawd
Joined
Aug 29, 2000
Messages
701
Alright I figure its time to build a new comp before I go back to school.
My system is:
dual mp 2400's on an msi k7d master-L
1 gig pc 2100 ddr ecc/reg ram
crappy vid card.

I'm not too much of a gamer, but I've already found the vid card I think i'm going to get (PNY geforce 7600 GT): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814133150
I'm trying to stay under the 150.00 range for a vid card. I figure that will be more than ample to play a few games.

Now here's my big dilema.. Its been a while (4 years) since I've done the whole build a new computer bit - so i'm really out of date with technology.
I'm comparing apples to oranges here, but would like a few things cleared up.
First off, my main uses for the computer are: listening to music, excel, access, browing web, typing papers, movies, and occasionally converting dvds.

So with that being said. Whats the difference between intel/amd as far as processors and mobos go?
Intel has (specing the D930)
dual core, 2x2meg L2 cache, 3.0 ghz operating frequency, 24+32k L1 cache, no HT support).
I was thinking the foxconn 975aa mobo along with 2x 512 meg ddr2 667 patriot ram..
The mobo says 1066/800 fsb.

Now, for amd..
amd 64x2 4400+
Dual core, 2x1 meg L2 cache, 2.2 ghz operating frequency, 128+128 L1 cache, 2000 mhz HT)
I was thinking DFO lanparty UT..
Now i see it says the fsb is 1000 mhz, and the ram is only regular ddr 400..

So, in reality, which would be the better of the 2 systems to go with?
What features on a processor are affected by what things?
Intel has less L1 cache, but more L2 cache (What uses the cache, and which is better to have more of?) the ram is also much faster (ddr compared to ddr2)...
What is up with AMD's 2000 mhz HT? why does the motherboard for amd only use 1000 mhz? And last but not least why does the AMD motherboards only use ddr 400 still?

I guess i'm just confused as to why the Intel looks better in some ways yet AMD in others..
Can someone clear this up for me?
I won't be doing any cad work, movie editing, or anything like that anytime soon. Only think I might be doing would be using photoshop (not in the near future)...
So which would be better for my tasks? I am a multi tasker, but only if i'm browing the web with multiple windows open, listening to music, and perhaps doing some calculations or something with excel?

Also, I'm dead set on the processors I've picked out, as well as the vid card.
Any reason not to get the foxconn mobo and patriot ram if i go that route?
What about amd? Would the Lanparty UT be a stable board?

Thanks.
Stewie
 
I've found a page on Tom's Hardware comparing the 2 cpu's/memory/etc.
It looks like in all but a few things the AMD whoops the Intel processor.

So with that being said.
I guess its the AMD x2 4400+
If i get the Lanparty UT board, i'll probably end up getting 2x 1 gig of xms ram for it.

So, anyone have a good board to reccomend other than the DFI or is that a decent one for the 100.00 price? I'm trying to stay around 100-150 for a board.
Thanks
Stewie
 
If you are building new, why go with old platforms? AM2 or a C2D is what I'd do. There still aren't many good boards for conroe's, so I'd lean towards AM2. Maybe something not too expensive for now. How about this.

cpu
motherboard
or this
motherboard 2
ram

and the 7600gt you've choosen.
 
the amd 939 platform uses ddr ram,the am2 uses ddr2 ram.the processors are identical except for the memory controller[ddr2 on am2]the amd is still the best bang for the buck.am2 offers you more upgradeability in the future.939 is a great and proven platform.so its just kinda up to you as to which platform you like better.rite now 939 is better due to it being a more mature platform and has alot of good motherboards.am2 is new and boards are experiencing ram compatability problems but new bios's seem to be cureing this.im biased with 939 because this is one of the best running systems ive ever put together.dfi makes some good 939 lanparty board too.conroe is still expensive and not alot of boards to choose from.
Id go with 939 or am2 as with the price drops there incredably inexpensive.939 will take you for the next 2 years with no problems and by then youll be looking to upgrade again anyway.am2 is about the same price as 939 and also runs the same speed.dfi is suppose to release the lanparty 590 am2 sli board any day now.so if you go am2 and wait for the dfi lp am2 youll be all set.also there is talk that amd may release some 65nm processors for 939 also.possibly next year so this 939 stuff is not dead yet....good luck.......
 
Thanks for the ideas guys.
I still think I'm going to go with the x2 4400+
Even tho the ram is older, i'd prefer to have 2x 1 gig sticks in dual channel any day over 2x 512 meg sticks of ddr2 667 in dual channel (price is a factor for me).

So.. this brings me to the motherboard question again.
Is there any cons for the DFI lanparty UT?
I'm looking for a decent/stable board that has lots of features (not too worried about o/cing even though I might try it) for a decent price..

So, opinions for the DFI Lanparty UT are welcomed... Any other boards that should be recommended and why?

Thanks
Stewie
 
I have 3 dfi boards. They can be picky sometimes, but once you get them going, they are great. Look in the for sale forum for some good deals on used. If you want new, just the other day I saw the ultra-d at newegg for $99 and free shipping.

Oops, I guess not free shipping. link
 
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