Need Help Choosing Processor?

Question

I am currently attempring to build my own gaming PC for around $1200. I need my PC to play all the high end games currently out and play those games with the graphics turned fairly high up. Right now I am trying to decide between two PC processors,
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 Conroe Dual-Core, 2.93GHz 1066MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache, EM64T, Virtualization, LGA775 Socket 775/T CPU Processor: BX80557X6800
Price-$1099.99

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe Dual-Core, 2.40GHz 1066MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache, EM64T, Virtualization, LGA775 Socket 775/T CPU Processor: BX80557E6600
Price-$329

My question is, will the more expensive processor really make that much of a difference? All I want to do is play high end games with high levels of graphics at the cheapest price possible.

Any Advice would be appreciated!!!

Answer 1

I think that a matter of what you willing to part with money wise......

Answer 2

I have

Intel Pentium 4.0 3.0 GHZ w/ Hyper-Threading (Intel sucks, get AMD it scores higher on CPU Mark overall, less heating problems)

NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GS (AGP) w/ 256 MB of vRAM (PCI-E is better, but not necessary if you don't want to spend as much and have an AGP slot on your mobo)

1 GB (512x2) RAM, Dual-Channel

500 Watt PSU



I run games like Oblivion on 1024x768 w/ highest graphic settings, AA and all, and at a good FPS rate. Anyone who says you need 2 GB or more of RAM is retarded; you don't need it, but it helps.



I'd also recommend good cooling... don't want any parts working themselves too hard now :D!



I didn't spend much more than say $1600 (CDN) on my comp, and that's with all that I mentioned plus a 160 GB SATA HDD, a 300 GB SATA HDD, optical drives are cheap so that's not as important, and audio cards I don't give a **** about so I'll go with on-board.



Basically, I'd recommend AMD for a CPU, and frankly go with ATI or NVIDIA on video cards, they're both pretty equal for the most part. Some ATI cards score higher FPS rates on newer 3D Mark/High-End Games, but overall NVIDIA cards seem to hold out longer. Hell, I was still running Oblivion on an old GeForce FX 5700 for a while, till I upgraded.



Expect to pay a bit more than $1200, but you should be able to get a pretty high-end desktop PC for that price.



P.S. - Windows Vista = Gay, uses video card. That = Useless, it has no reason to use up more power. Don't get Vista, it'll just be a waste of CPU power and RAM.

Answer 3

If your budget is $1200, you can't spend $1100 on just the processor. A gaming system's most valuable part is the graphic card, which should be at least $300, usually up to $600 and more.



The Extreme, 3rd generation, is better in comparison to the non-extreme, 2nd generation, since it uses less energy. This means that your processor has a less chance of overheating, produces less noise, more efficient (better performance).



Depending on how much of a gamer freak you are, the processor can make a big difference.

Answer 4

bypass with the i7 8xx sequence. no longer too expensive, yet nevertheless useful and sturdy on video games and different known objective computing. quite, you do no longer prefer to enhance your processor or plan to whilst your development a equipment. it extremely is an entire waste of funds. specific, the GPU is lots extra considerable in a organic gaming rig, yet quite, is that all and sundry you prefer the computer to do properly? So, go with a processor that is going to maintain your device contemporary for a pair of years. i'm quite perplexed by the guy who reported the i7 720 qm. it extremely is a working laptop or computer processor... BTW, the i7 8xx sequence is socket 1156 and the i7 9xx sequence is socket 1366, so shop that in the time of techniques whilst determining what motherboard your determining on. additionally observe that socket 1156 would not help triple channel RAM. Edit: the foremost right it extremely is which you assert "the main contemporary video games" and "the utmost settings". Now, you are going to be waiting to realize that *somewhat* today is to procure an i5 or possibly even an i3... yet what approximately next month? What approximately around T-giving or X-mas? then you definately would be regretting which you went affordable and now could desire to enhance your just about kind new equipment which you outfitted specifically for gaming. _

Answer 5

You certainly cannot spend $1100 on a CPU when your budget is $1200. I would recccommend the E6600 and I would also get a good graphics card, in the $350 range. If you have any questions email the AgatesComps building team at [e-mail].

Answer 6

Since this is a gaming computer, would you consider an AMD processor? A 4400+x2 dual-core would be the best bet for you. AMD processors run cooler than do Intel products. When playing high end games, this will become important to you. You will also want a high quality 256Mb or higher Graphics Card. Memory(RAM) should be 2GB or more.

Answer 7

Buy the cheaper processor and invest on a high-end graphics card. Go for ATI Radeon X1800 or better. So you can use it with Vista.

Answer 8

try going to www.intel.com/performance and see if any of the benchmarks or comparisons can help you decide.



Any Core 2 Duo at 1066 will do very well. The Extreme are way over priced in my mind.