AMD v.s. Intel (cheap build)

[teleguitar]

I was wondering if an AMD or Intel system is the way to go.

I am hoping someone in the know, has researched or has done this same comparison can comment.

The more recent AMD hardware seems to be significantly cheaper than Intel hardware that is still decent but somewhat dated (not by much).

However, maybe Intel hardware offers more significant upgrade? If I buy a used P45 board on here and then an E8400 CPU or even a Quad Core? That might be a bit pricey compared to an AMD option but is the machine that much more powerful according to price/performance ratio?

Or am I better off getting an AMD AMD Athlon X2 7750 CPU with an AM2+ board? If so, which board and does it matter? I am not up to speed on these AMD components. I thought Intel had better hardware recently so I am not aware of any AMD progressions.

Also, I was concerned about AMD's heat but maybe it's not significantly more than the comparative Intel?

I would like to buy used parts but maybe the AMD hardware is low enough that I could buy new.

Anyway, what do you recommend and I already know which HDD and PSU to get so I mostly need opinions and suggestions on the CPU and mobo.

One more (last) requirement (or preference if you will) is that the hardware supports virtualization. I notice more AMD hardware supports it but I can find Intel processors that do by just researching and noting which do and don't (i.e. noting very closely).

So? ;-)

[Brewmeanie]

Define cheap, what kind of budget do you have? what's cheap to you might not be cheap to others.
What do you need? HDDs? Video card? PSU? etc.

[teleguitar]

Well, I had an iffy PSU but I don't think I'll use it. Not sure if it works (400w Seasonic Torndao). So, I would need a PSU and I read that there is a decent OCZ model at CC for good price so maybe go with that. $80?

I only need a 120GB-250GB HDD for the OS. I have PC-8500 (1066) DDR2 RAM already (2 sticks) and I already have a 20" monitor at 1680x1050 resolution. I'm covered there.

I guess it depends whether I go for a mobo that has integrated graphics or not. Also, whether I go AMD or Intel and whether I can get some used components.

I was trying to stick to a budget under $300. This is not the main computer so it doesn't have to be the best. The other thing, though, I thought I could do is upgrade the current one (buy a full size tower for it and use the mid-tower for the new build) or just buy 'cheap' components for this build and be done with it.

I am replacing a Pentium III that is running out of disk space and the graphics card is ATI PCI 7000 or something like that.

[Brewmeanie]

another question, what are you gonna do with this pc? gaming,htpc,officework,etc?

[teleguitar]

another question, what are you gonna do with this pc? gaming,htpc,officework,etc?
I have a PC that I could game with. The new build is for surfing, maybe video editing but I could afford to wait for the job so it doesn't have to be the fastest computer. I prefer that virtualization is supported, though, especially if I'm buying new parts.

It needs to play video without any trouble and be able to do some multitasking without being bogged down.

[5ILVgeARX]

:lol:

if its just used for surfing, you can just use a p4 @2.0ghz and higher and a ati x1xxx series for hd 720p vidoe play back :razz:

the cheaper the better ;)

[Brewmeanie]

so probably a good cpu w/ a good mobo, and psu is an extra only if yours doesn't work.

CPU - AMD X3 710 $145 http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=443137, would had picked the 720 but you're not really using it for gaming, so I dun think you need that extra power and OC capabilities

Mobo - ASUS M4A78-EM $99 or Gigabyte GA-MA780G-UD3H $110 depending on what you want, both got onboard ATI radeon 3200 on it.

so, about $245-$255 for cpu and board, and after tax, shoudl be under $300

I'm just trying to stretch your $300, unless you wanna go as cheap as possible to fulfil your need.

[teleguitar]

:lol:

if its just used for surfing, you can just use a p4 @2.0ghz and higher and a ati x1xxx series for hd 720p vidoe play back :razz:

the cheaper the better ;)
Yes, I know but then that particular system will be outdated really quick. I need something that offers virtualization, too, and I doubt too many Pentiums offer it although I think I read one or two models do.

Also, I might need it for more than just surfing but I didn't want to invest too much in it just yet since it's a '2nd computer' for me but I thought I might as well get something a little better than what I got and Pentium 4 prices are pretty crappy (i.e. overpriced).

[teleguitar]

so probably a good cpu w/ a good mobo, and psu is an extra only if yours doesn't work.

CPU - AMD X3 710 $145 http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=443137, would had picked the 720 but you're not really using it for gaming, so I dun think you need that extra power and OC capabilities

Mobo - ASUS M4A78-EM $99 or Gigabyte GA-MA780G-UD3H $110 depending on what you want, both got onboard ATI radeon 3200 on it.

so, about $245-$255 for cpu and board, and after tax, shoudl be under $300

I'm just trying to stretch your $300, unless you wanna go as cheap as possible to fulfil your need.
No, that's fine. Gives me something to think about, thanks! I'll adjust it as money (budget) permits but that's a good start.

[Brewmeanie]

Look at it this way, if your 400W psu still works, you're set to go til you want to make this more game capable by adding a video card, then you might need to get something 500W or more.

and there should be a decent priced OCZ 500W floating around for like $39.99 somewhere after MIR.

found it, http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=016235&cid=PS.731

[ppl4golf]

Cheap/budget would mean using onboard GPU and nothing is better than AMD mobos for the last couple of years. The problem is there is no cheap Intel all-in-one mobo. Running cost for all-in-1 is also lower also because less power is drawn. You can still use your old PSU, 250W is good enough to run all-in-one rigs.

[Daijoubu]

For a cheap, quiet computer setup:
780G ATI Radeon HD 3200 have Hybrid Cross Fire mode, you can buy an discrete HD 3530 for 40$ and combine the onboard IGP for an OK game play.
Works up to 4 monitors too.

The IGP also have UVD and decodes in hardware AVC, VC-1 and MPEG-2

ECS A780GM-M3 AM2+ AMD 780G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135233)
AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor - Retail (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255)
FSP Group SAGA+ 400R 400W ATX12V Power Supply - Retail (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104953)
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F1 HD752LJ 750GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152099)

In a tower of your choice, all these are free shipping.

No point in getting an 120GB-250GB HDD, not only the price per GB is higher, but they're also ancient technology and are slower. (Except for maybe single platers 250GB drives)
Grab a new, larger HDD and worst thing worst, put it in your main computer and use the old one instead.

[teleguitar]

I was wondering if I went with an Intel E8400, is there any chance of that cpu going down in price when the new 35nm cpu (Nehalelm?) comes out? If it is a long wait, then is there any chance the E8400 might be discounted anyway?

I was also wondering what the avg. price for used Intel Core 2 Duo E8xxx series (in particular, the E8400) is here.

I am tempted to just go with an Intel-based Core 2 Duo system since I believe in the lower-heat systems. I looked up on a review site of the Core 2 Duo E8400 v.s. some X3/X4 Phenom processors and the power consumption levels are very high for the AMD ones compared to the Intel.

If I think about the cost savings, it is better for the AMD but for the long run, I might benefit with the Intel one? I guess it depends what I want ot spend though when I am ready to buy.

I am interested in an E8400 cpu if there was any being sold on here? Used P35 and P45 boards seem to be decent prices here but ICH10 boards might be enough and they are going for around $100 which seems okay?

I could buy a used PCI-e video card, either ATI or Nvidia or just get a basic new one since I won't game on this particular PC.

I also don't need RAID or the extra graphics slot. I just need decent sound and most modern mobos have decent onboard sound, right? If I needed a sound card, most are cheap now anyways, right? Also, I noticed some on here are decent cards for around $35, $40 etc.

[terrybear]

thats complete bs about the intels producing less heat. The ONLY time there is a heat issues with ANY brands cpu is room temprature, case airflow, badly mounted heatsink & otherwise faulty motherboard.

If your wanting a cheap solution with good usefull onboard video hands down your going with a AMD build based on a AMD 780g motherboard or for abit more the AMD 790GX board.

Its hard to build anything for around $300 that won't be " obsolite " in more then 6 months by something better.

The best & still rather cheap dual core AMD cpu is the soon to be launched Phenom II X2 550 Black edition which is supost to be clocked around 3 ghz and 6 megs of L3 cache shared between the 2 cores + unlocked multiplier. Chip should go for around $100, add in a nice AM3 compatible 780G or 790GX motherboard, 4 gigs of ram & you'll have a very nice and speedy win 7 ready system. IF you could wait till closer to september for this 2nd unit you could then do the phenom II X2 on the then launching AMD 785G motherboards.

[Brewmeanie]

intel producing less heats was years ago, now it's all about the same. It all depends on heatsnink and how goo your air flow is going thru your heatsink.

[mr_raider]

The best & still rather cheap dual core AMD cpu is the soon to be launched Phenom II X2 550 Black edition which is supost to be clocked around 3 ghz and 6 megs of L3 cache shared between the 2 cores + unlocked multiplier. Chip should go for around $100, add in a nice AM3 compatible 780G or 790GX motherboard, 4 gigs of ram & you'll have a very nice and speedy win 7 ready system. IF you could wait till closer to september for this 2nd unit you could then do the phenom II X2 on the then launching AMD 785G motherboards.

I would have doubts about the performance. It's questionable whether L3 cache will benefit a dual core to any degree. AMD has Phenom II based x2 coming wwithout l3 cache also. Those would be my pick.

[teleguitar]

Hey, guys, I just wanted to know I read all your posts and I'm still looking. Awesome posts and information, btw! Those are the kind of responses I was looking for and it helped a lot.

I was just wondering if there's any updates or anything to add.

I also have a question regarding my current system, Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R mobo (P35) and I have it in an Antec Solo, with GSkill 4GB DDR2 RAM with Nvidia EVGA 7950 GT video card. I was wondering if I should upgrade this system a bit and take some of the components out and it use it for the 'cheap' build that I discussed in this thread. Any ideas? I would like to move this hardware into a CoolerMaster HAF 932 case and maybe get a 260 GTX card. I wanted to know whether this Intel system was worth upgrading. It's still relatively good technology (compared to now), right?

I thought rather than just buy a 'cheap' AMD system, I could upgrade the current one and use some of the components towards the AMD build as recommended.

I think AMD and the related hardware as recommended is the way to go. I wanted to replace the current '2nd' computer I have now and give this Pentium 3 to somebody. :)

Anyway, even if I just go for the cheap 2nd build, those suggestions and recommendations are great and will serve as a solid guide. Thanks, again!

[evanx]

Hey, guys, I just wanted to know I read all your posts and I'm still looking. Awesome posts and information, btw! Those are the kind of responses I was looking for and it helped a lot.

I was just wondering if there's any updates or anything to add.

I also have a question regarding my current system, Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R mobo (P35) and I have it in an Antec Solo, with GSkill 4GB DDR2 RAM with Nvidia EVGA 7950 GT video card. I was wondering if I should upgrade this system a bit and take some of the components out and it use it for the 'cheap' build that I discussed in this thread. Any ideas? I would like to move this hardware into a CoolerMaster HAF 932 case and maybe get a 260 GTX card. I wanted to know whether this Intel system was worth upgrading. It's still relatively good technology (compared to now), right?

I thought rather than just buy a 'cheap' AMD system, I could upgrade the current one and use some of the components towards the AMD build as recommended.

I think AMD and the related hardware as recommended is the way to go. I wanted to replace the current '2nd' computer I have now and give this Pentium 3 to somebody. :)

Anyway, even if I just go for the cheap 2nd build, those suggestions and recommendations are great and will serve as a solid guide. Thanks, again!

What is your current CPU? P35 mobo is not too bad, you could probably do a BIOS update and spend the $300 for a new cpu and video card. $99 for a 4850/4830 and $200 for an Intel E8400.

If building a new one from scratch, I'll go for AMD, they seem to have a good price advantage for those on a budget due to lower prices for CPU+Motherboard.

[flyz]

Your board supports all the C2Q cpus out via BIOS, so you could carry over the case, gpu, cpu over to your budget build.

[teleguitar]

Your board supports all the C2Q cpus out via BIOS, so you could carry over the case, gpu, cpu over to your budget build.
The cpu is the Quad Core Q6600 with the 'G0' stepping (SLACR (G0).

Core 2 Quad Q6600 - 2.40 GHz (2x4 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB)

Using some of those components for the budget build never occurred to me! Interesting idea!

Both builds would be Intel then. Also, I would still need a case. But, it is an option.

[terrybear]

The cpu is the Quad Core Q6600 with the 'G0' stepping (SLACR (G0).

Core 2 Quad Q6600 - 2.40 GHz (2x4 MB L2 Cache, 1066 MHz FSB)

Using some of those components for the budget build never occurred to me! Interesting idea!

Both builds would be Intel then. Also, I would still need a case. But, it is an option.

Well for the price you'd pay for a Q6600 you could have a AMD Phenon II X3 720 AM3 cpu on a AM3 based AMD 770 or for $10-30 more on a AM3 790GX motherboard hell even on a AM2+ 790GX motherboard to still use your DDR2 ram on.

In reguard to the cpu, factor in age of the motherboard ?? what is the highest cpu it can take ?? how big is the ps you have as could it handle it ?? Btw what is the current cpu on that G35 board btw ??

To me it sounds like your more closer to doing a new box + 2nd box using your older parts.

What would you be doing with the 2nd unit & the one you'd build new as I don't remember you saying so ?? :confused:

[teleguitar]

Well for the price you'd pay for a Q6600 you could have a AMD Phenon II X3 720 AM3 cpu on a AM3 based AMD 770 or for $10-30 more on a AM3 790GX motherboard hell even on a AM2+ 790GX motherboard to still use your DDR2 ram on.

In reguard to the cpu, factor in age of the motherboard ?? what is the highest cpu it can take ?? how big is the ps you have as could it handle it ?? Btw what is the current cpu on that G35 board btw ??

To me it sounds like your more closer to doing a new box + 2nd box using your older parts.

What would you be doing with the 2nd unit & the one you'd build new as I don't remember you saying so ?? :confused:
current mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R (P35 board)
CPU: Quad Core Q6600 (G0 stepping)
RAM: 4GB GSkill DDR2 RAM (PC-6400)
Video board: Geforce EVGA 7950 GT
Case: Antec Solo
PSU: Corsair HX520W (modular)

I think my hardware isn't bad and doesn't need much of an upgrade but there are some components like the video card and maybe the PSU I could upgrade. The CPU, too? If I upgrade those components then the old stuff could be used towards a 2nd Intel-based system which I am wondering what to build with. Or I could build an AMD system and use the video card and case.

I have an extra 2GB (2 sticks) of 1066MHz/PC-8500 DDR2 Crucial RAM that I could either sell or use towards a 2nd system.

[terrybear]

current mobo: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3R (P35 board)
CPU: Quad Core Q6600 (G0 stepping)
RAM: 4GB GSkill DDR2 RAM (PC-6400)
Video board: Geforce EVGA 7950 GT
Case: Antec Solo
PSU: Corsair HX520W (modular)

I think my hardware isn't bad and doesn't need much of an upgrade but there are some components like the video card and maybe the PSU I could upgrade. The CPU, too? If I upgrade those components then the old stuff could be used towards a 2nd Intel-based system which I am wondering what to build with. Or I could build an AMD system and use the video card and case.

I have an extra 2GB (2 sticks) of 1066MHz/PC-8500 DDR2 Crucial RAM that I could either sell or use towards a 2nd system.

Again as I inquired what are you planning to do with a 2 pc's setup ??? If we knew what the primary & secondary pc's would be doing we can help you with componets better :)

[teleguitar]

Again as I inquired what are you planning to do with a 2 pc's setup ??? If we knew what the primary & secondary pc's would be doing we can help you with componets better :)
OH! Crap! That's pretty bad of me not to answer your last question! :o

The one I have now I watch movies on and do some video conversion/editing now and then. I thought I'd upgrade the video card to something more recent and have the option for gaming with it, too.

The 2nd build or in other words, the 'new' one would be for standard surfing, watching the odd movie and general computing. It'd be at a relatives'. I currently have a Pentium 3 there and I am not sure why but I have several problems with it. I've been wanting to replace it for a while. I thought if I upgrade the current Quad Core system, I'll have some components to add to the new build.

The 2nd build I would want to be semi-powerful but if I go with AMD's newer stuff or use the Quad Core I have now (and upgrade the current computer with a Q9xxx cpu for e.g.), I would be easily satisfied.

The old Pentium 3 I have now has horrible graphics (choice of either Intel 82815 integrated graphics) or an AGP ATI 7000 video card. Also, the integrated sound coming out of the computer is awful and I have cheap speakers which only improves the sound quality somewhat. I brought my Intel Quad Core system over once and it was like night and day. I would like to get a decent low budget system to replace the Pentium 3.

I believe my options are as follows:
Option 1: AMD system, X2 cpu or Phenom II cpu, mobo with integrated graphics, use Antec Solo case and GeForce EVGA 7950 GT card (buy new full tower and video card for current Quad Core system)

Option 2: upgrade current computer and buy new Quad Core cpu, video card, full-tower
move Quad Core Q6600 to new system and buy Intel compatible mobo (but, that needs a video card) etc.

I am leaning towards option 1 although there might be some good deals here used or unless there is some reason to stay with Intel. But, maybe the cheapest route is an AMD system (with integrated graphics and move some of the current components to it)?

Does that answer any questions? ;)

[Deemo]

CPU - AMD X3 710 $145 http://www.infonec.com/site/main.php?module=detail&id=443137, would had picked the 720 but you're not really using it for gaming, so I dun think you need that extra power and OC capabilities.

Even better is the same processor for only $114 at Newegg.ca.
Just picked one up on a price match that is why I on top of that one :cheesygri

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

[Brewmeanie]

Even better is the same processor for only $114 at Newegg.ca.
Just picked one up on a price match that is why I on top of that one :cheesygri

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

amazing how fast the price for some of these cpus are dropping.

[Deemo]

Yep....just waiting for a good Canada Day sale on a Gigabyte mobo and DVD drive.

[teleguitar]

Sorry to interrupt but can anyone advise me which to go with then considering my hardware and current prices? AMD or Intel?

An AMD build would still probably be a bit cheaper but I thought maybe another Intel board might allow me to swap parts more easily and upgrades would still allow use of the same hardware in the other machine.

However, there are many options including keeping the same video card and getting one of those AMD mobos that has integrated graphics. I could upgrade the video card in the Intel machine later? Going with that option, I could get a decent AM2+ mobo with the 780G chipset and a cheap cpu and wait for prices to go down further.

I will still need a case for one of these machines and a PSU for the newer computer.

I can only think of the one main advantage for going Intel and that is having parts already that can go to it while I upgrade the current machine. Or I can build the 2nd machine as a more powerful one and go with either Intel or AMD. Many alternatives but not sure which one makes the most sense or best price overall.

Perhaps, I should just go AMD as their parts/hardware is usually always cheaper and therefore upgrades should be cheaper each time (in comparison) but who knows....

[SinCron]

Sorry to interrupt but can anyone advise me which to go with then considering my hardware and current prices? AMD or Intel?

An AMD build would still probably be a bit cheaper but I thought maybe another Intel board might allow me to swap parts more easily and upgrades would still allow use of the same hardware in the other machine.

However, there are many options including keeping the same video card and getting one of those AMD mobos that has integrated graphics. I could upgrade the video card in the Intel machine later? Going with that option, I could get a decent AM2+ mobo with the 780G chipset and a cheap cpu and wait for prices to go down further.

I will still need a case for one of these machines and a PSU for the newer computer.

I can only think of the one main advantage for going Intel and that is having parts already that can go to it while I upgrade the current machine. Or I can build the 2nd machine as a more powerful one and go with either Intel or AMD. Many alternatives but not sure which one makes the most sense or best price overall.

Perhaps, I should just go AMD as their parts/hardware is usually always cheaper and therefore upgrades should be cheaper each time (in comparison) but who knows....

From what I've seen, AMD is better when it comes to doing upgrades. You start off with a good board and that will survive years of upgrades. AM3 mobos will probably be compatible with the next series of processors where Intel changes their sockets a lot more. So AMD is just better for the long run, especially for upgrades.