Time to upgrade

[matt_21484]

I am looking to upgrade the computer in my sig. I want to get a nice C2D that will last me for a couple of years and I'm not an overclocker. I already have a new case, I picked up 2GB of RAM and have added another 320GB HDD.

From what I've heard the E6550 is the money spot for C2D when looking at price/performance. I know I'm going to need a new mobo as well and I've been looking at the P5K-E/WiFi.

The way my room is set up I have go with WiFi and I would like to have it built in so there is more breathing room. Right now I don't even have it hooked up to the internet, I use my laptop to surf the web. I suppose I could wait a little and get a WiFi card on sale some time and get a cheaper P5K, but I'm not sure which method will be best.

I love playing games, but I'm more into the single player stuff, haven't been able to play much online stuff due to the config. I'm trying to spend around 300 for the processor/mobo total, this includes tax/shipping charges. Any advice?

[shadowpr]

I would get the p5k-e that you looked at, and combine that with the e6750.

That will put you a bit over budget, but I think you'll be happy with the performance.

[matt_21484]

I've thought about that, but its starting to go over my budget, and since I just bought an engagement ring, I'm stretching things as they are. I think I will start to play around w/ OC on this next processor since they seem to respond so well to it.

Since I haven't done it ever though, I'm not about to pick up a smaller 2xxx series processor and try to double the clock speed.

EDIT: this is more of a side note, but why is the E6320 5 dollars more than the E6550? to me the 6550 looks like a much better processor

[glc]

The 6550 is a better processor than the E6320.

[matt_21484]

I don't mean to bring up a dead thread, but I am getting ready to purchase everything here, but I am considering going down to the E4500 series CPU.

I am getting a Xbox360 for xmas and will be using that as my primary gaming rig, so I don't need as much processing power. However, I still like to be able to play some games on my PC. Would this choice of CPU be a good one? Also, can I use the same Asus MOBO picked out above, or would it be more economical to pick up a more basic mobo and a wifi card?

Keep in mind that I was using a Pentium D820 and thought that did a pretty good job. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: So I did some searching and really like the Gigabyte GA-P31-DS3L and the Intel E4500. As long as the ram I has picked out in the first post is compatible, I am going to purchase both of these tonight.

[matt_21484]

anyone have an opinion of the gigabyte or something else that has similar characteristics?

[Alaron]

That combo will be fine. The E4500 is a step down from the 6xxx series of course, but you should still be happy with it for the price. It certainly spanks the 820 in the benchmarks I looked at.

Gigabyte boards are ok, but I would try to save a tad more for an Asus motherboard. Glc recommends this board for a budget: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131197 Great specs for the price.

[matt_21484]

I have always heard good things about ASUS boards and was considering the one you linked to Alaron, but I liked the gigabyte for the digital audio out, since I will eventually hook this up to my HT. Also, I will be planning on adding a TV Tuner and liked the extra space that the full ATX board provides. If there is a mATX from ASUS that has all of these, I'd be willing to look at that.

I also figured out I won't be gaming much on this and thats why I'm satisfied with the E4500

[matt_21484]

So I found the E4500 at Microcenter for 109. anybody else find this processor at a cheaper price??? otherwise I'm picking this up now

[matt_21484]

Not to bring up a dead post, but I finally got my E4500 and Gigabyte Ga-P31-DS3L and loaded XP Pro. Started up like a champ, no problems whatsoever. Pretty easy setup, I haven't had time to load any games or other apps, I've been spending all my time managing my music/picture collection. Hopefully tonight I can play some F.E.A.R. and see how she runs. Thanks for all the advice