Best Bang for the Buck CPU

[LarMoeCur]

Ok I'm building a new system. I've read as much as I can about Dual core and single core AMDs. My brain has just exploded! I'm looking at spending around 1500 on my system. I do not need a monitor or drives. What is the best value right now? I'm looking at either a 4200+ X2 or would a 4000+ 64 90nm be better? I do the basic house stuff, internet stuff and mostly games. What do you experts think is the better CPU for the price?

Thanks

 

[The Pentium Guy]

X2 is if you're multitasking. Otherwise I don't think it's worth the hefty price tag if you're doing single-threaded stuff.

 

[CreativeTom]

Originally posted by: The Pentium Guy
X2 is if you're multitasking. Otherwise I don't think it's worth the hefty price tag if you're doing single-threaded stuff.

Yeah I agree, the 3800 X2 looks nice for the price, but even that is a waste of time if you are just doing internet and games. Look at the 3700+ San Diego for the price it's a great chip.

 

[OlympusMons]

Would home video editing be considering multi-tasking? I know it's stressful on the system resources but is it actually doing multiple things at once? I'm wondering if I can save a little $$ on a CPU by opting not to get the dual core.

 

[KoolDrew]

You will only benefit from a dual-core CPU if you do a lot of multitasking or use multi-threaded apps. From the sounds of it you would be much better off with a single core and out of them the 3000+ is by far the best value. It should easily overclock to 2.6Ghz and the good ones reach 2.7GHz-2.8GHz. Of course overclocking has a lot to do with luck. You could buy it local too and look for a known good stepping.

 

[l Xes l]

3000 venice hands down

 

[DarkKnight69]

if you are doing basic multitasking and encoding, a P4 would be a better choice IMO

 

[KoolDrew]

Originally posted by: DarkKnight69
if you are doing basic multitasking and encoding, a P4 would be a better choice IMO

I do agree, but he said nothing about multitasking or encoding. He said it will mostly be a gaming rig along with other basic stuff. From his description a single-core A64 would be the best choice.

 

[mOeeOm]

Originally posted by: LarMoeCur
Ok I'm building a new system. I've read as much as I can about Dual core and single core AMDs. My brain has just exploded! I'm looking at spending around 1500 on my system. I do not need a monitor or drives. What is the best value right now? I'm looking at either a 4200+ X2 or would a 4000+ 64 90nm be better? I do the basic house stuff, internet stuff and mostly games. What do you experts think is the better CPU for the price?

Thanks

3700+ San Diego, awesome at stock at overclocks nicely.

 

[ReliableData]

The latest news from AnandTech Front Page: AMD Cuts Processor Prices.
The 4000 was cut 22% i would really look at that one.