suggestions for a newbie

[crittergeek928]

Hi guys,
I've started building my first pc. Well, I have a case and power supply! It is an Antec, 400w. So now I am looking for mobo/processor. I've done a lot of reading and I'm confused. I am not a gamer. But I do play around with photos a little. I want the pc to last. To give you an idea, the pc I'm on now is almost 7 years old. I'm still running Win. 98. It's been a good pc, but some of the newer photo programs need more than this relic can give. So some questions:
Do I need/want dual core processor?
Anyone have a mobo recommendation? I'm leaning toward Asus with AMD.
Is it better to buy a motherboard bundle with processor, or buy the components separately?

Thanks,
Frasher

[kram 2.0]

Originally Posted by Frasher I want the pc to last. To give you an idea, the pc I'm on now is almost 7 years old. I'm still running Win. 98. It's been a good pc, but some of the newer photo programs need more than this relic can give. So some questions: Do I need/want dual core processor? Anyone have a mobo recommendation? I'm leaning toward Asus with AMD. Is it better to buy a motherboard bundle with processor, or buy the components separately? Thanks, Frasher

Might as well get a dual-core if future is in mind. What exact processor you get will be up to what your budget looks like. For motherboard, I suggest the Asus A8N5X for Socket 939. For socket AM2, wait on it for a bit. Purchasing motherboard and processor tends to give you a better deal - you get what you want.

kram

[SputnikSweethrt]

Hi Frasher,
I'm trying to put together a new system as well but only out of necessity because my old system is no longer available to me.

The more I read and research, the more it seems that this month might be the worst month to be upgrading. Intel will be releasing Conroe in a couple of months; both AMD and Intel announced this will be followed by a massive price cut on their processors. If I had a choice, I would wait a few months until there is more information on both AMD AM2 and Intel Conroe and until they start their price wars..

You waited this long, why not a few months more : p

[glc]

You can't go wrong with a tried and true 939/dual core or 775/9xx setup though. If you wait, you will keep waiting as something new is always "just around the corner" - and the best bang for the buck is always something that's somewhat mature technology. The difference in performance is usually only noticeable in benchmarks and the newer the technology, the more bugs you will find.