New PC recommmendations

[againstTheWind]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to build my first computer and I am looking for some recommendations.

I'd like something that is going to last a while as well as be able to run image editing software, SQL Server Express, Dreamweaver, burn cds, have 50 tabs open in IE 7, and crunch the latest SETI data. Ok - the SETI part was a joke, but it would be nice to have the power.

For the moment I am looking at a Pentium D 920 2.8GHz processor on an Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe NVIDIA Socket 775 ATX Motherboard or the roughly equivalent Intel D975XBXLKR Intel Socket 775 ATX Motherboard . Both boards support dual channel DDR2 memory. For the moment this looks like a good combination. Since I am not a computer gamer,I am wondering if I this is more than I need.

I am also not an expert on the benfits provided by 64 bit processors and 8xx versus 9xx Pentium Ds which support HyperThreading ( which I read doesn't even really work with this processor, but it does in the Pentium Extreme processors). I know most benefits are application-specific but it would be helpful to know how much power it is worth buying. For the moment it's safe to say the I want a system capable of multi-tasking.

What do you think? Can you make any recommendations?

 

[Nelviticus]

Well that Hexus.net article that I linked to above shows the E6400 out-performing the Pentium Extreme Edition 965 (which is faster than a Pentium D 940) in just about every benchmark. It runs a lot cooler too, which means a lower electricity bill unless you use your PC to heat your house. I haven't ssen any benchmarks for the E6300 yet.

Do you really need the extra performance though? If not, save yourself $50 and get the Pentium. Also, do you want it now or in 2 weeks? If now, again go for the Pentium.

Regards

Nelviticus

 

[kmcferrin]

Sometimes I really scratch my head at the advice given here.

1. If your choice is between a Core 2 Duo E6300 and a Pentium D 940, I would go with the Core 2 Duo (Conroe) without hesitation. Yes, it is that fast.

2. It's been years since I've heard of anyone using Rambus RDRAM. Almost all modern Pentium 4/Conroe mainboards only support DDR2 memory, though there are some that still support the original DDR memory. I doubt very seriously that you would find anyone mainstream using RDRAM.

3. When using a single core processor, burning a CD while browsing with lots of Windows wasn't recommended because it meant that your browsing was painfully slow. With modern dual core CPUs like the Pentium D and Core 2 Duo, there shouldn't be any problem with doing two CPU intensive tasks simultaneously. You have two CPU cores, so why wouldn't you use them?

 

[wahnula]

Right now I am looking at the Pentium D unless the performance for the Conroes is really that amazing

Conroe is all that and a side of fries. You would be foolish not to take a step forward at this time and go with Conroe.

Tony