A Few Motherboard/Dual Core Processor Questions

[Berserker]

Alright, I'm making my computer good for all the games that are coming out in the near future, and I heard that games will be taking advantage of dual core processing. Once I found out what dual core processing is (yes I'm that bad with computers) I was told you would need a motherboard capable of running these. Somy questions are:

*What is a good motherboard able of using dual core processors that aren't terribly expensive?
*What is a good dual core processor that is good, can work with the motherboard you said would be good, and won't be terribly expensive?
Thanks!
EDIT: I'm not sure if this has anything to do with motherboards or processors, but what is the thing where it says: (what mine says, it's under view system information)


Computer:
Intel(R)
Celeron(R) CPU 2.93 Ghz.


What is that, and is it something I should, can, or will need to upgrade?

EDIT (again): If that ^ is something I should, can, or will need to upgrade, what is the name of the thing I will need to buy to upgrade it, and what is a good one of those things?

[zeekgenateer]

Ok I'll give you a taste of a cost effective base computer from Tiger Direct (a great low price computer store in the USA).

CPU: $150 Intel Core2 Duo E4400 2.0GHz
Motherboard: $160 EVGA nForce 680i SLI NVIDIA
Case: $50 Apevia Black/Black X-Plorer ATX Mid-Tower Case
Power Supply: $50 Ultra X-Finity 500-Watt
Video Card: $200 BFG GeForce 7950 GT 512MB (get cheaper if you want)
If you already have a hard drive, DVD drive, and monitor thats all you need so only $610. You could always get better but that is an awesome cost effective computer.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by zeekgenateer

Ok I'll give you a taste of a cost effective base computer from Tiger Direct (a great low price computer store in the USA).

CPU: $150 Intel Core2 Duo E4400 2.0GHz
Motherboard: $160 EVGA nForce 680i SLI NVIDIA
Case: $50 Apevia Black/Black X-Plorer ATX Mid-Tower Case
Power Supply: $50 Ultra X-Finity 500-Watt
Video Card: $200 BFG GeForce 7950 GT 512MB (get cheaper if you want)
If you already have a hard drive, DVD drive, and monitor thats all you need so only $610. You could always get better but that is an awesome cost effective computer.

Awesome, thanks for the info. I already have a video card planned, but everything else seems good. Thanks, man.

[quote=zeekgenateer;21527]Ok I'll give you a taste of a cost effective base computer from Tiger Direct (a great low price computer store in the USA).

CPU: $150 Intel Core2 Duo E4400 2.0GHz[/endquote]





The 2.0 Ghz, is that how many Ghz it does PERIOD or what does that mean? I heard from another post that 3-4Ghz is what I need... But I have no idea... I'm new to all of this

Edit: Quote didn't work, but I think you'll get my point...

UT 2K7 Requirements suggest 3-4 Ghz... Randomly googled Computer game requirments, got Unreal Tournament

[Corbs]

Although, it's a dual core processor, therefore each processor runs at 2.0 Ghz as advertised. Theoretically, it should equal 4.0 Ghz, but it doesn't. An AMD comparison would be the AMD 3800+, 4200+ for the Intel Core 2 Duo E4400.

As for motherboards, what are you looking for? Overclocking potential, features-o-rama? A bit of everything?

Post your build, we'll tell you if it's worth it and not.

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by Corbs

As for motherboards, what are you looking for? Overclocking potential, features-o-rama? A bit of everything?

Post your build, we'll tell you if it's worth it and not.

Ummm... what??? I know next to nothing about any of this so I'll try my best to make sense out of that and post something potentially useful...

Okay...
Overclocking potential. I'm guessing that's fast. Right then I think that's good.

Features-o-rama. Features. Duh. What features should I look for in a motherboard? I hardly know what it is... sorry I'm so hopeless.

Okay something that will hopefully be useful: I am pretty much trying to do a game setup, mostly focusing on graphics and speed. I'm getting Vista for DirectX 10, GeForce 8800 card, 2GB of Kingston HyperX ram, want dual core processing because apparently games will begin to take advantage of that soon, and a good CPU Ghz thing.

Bottom line: I'm trying to build something that is good enough that I won't have to update for awhile, will be able to play beautiful games like Crysis and Huxley and all that, and that's pretty much it...

Oh is the motherboard you mentioned, Zeek, dual processor compatible? I didn't see it on the page. All the stuff I'm looking for up there^ too.

[zeekgenateer]

Yes it is dual compatible, I'm almost sure I checked it when I posted the link the first time.

Overclocking is running your CPU at a higher speed than is recommended for stability. This is usually done by users who know what they're doing, and even then bad things happen. If you do choose to overclock get a BIG fan (liquid cooling systems can leak and if that liquid gets on the motherboard ) and go with small increments. Also check the stability of your processor first as it could vary. If you have the money go with better stuff, otherwise what I gave you works for Huxley if I remember correctly.

[Corbs]

Originally Posted by Berserker

Ummm... what??? I know next to nothing about any of this so I'll try my best to make sense out of that and post something potentially useful...

Okay...
Overclocking potential. I'm guessing that's fast. Right then I think that's good.

Features-o-rama. Features. Duh. What features should I look for in a motherboard? I hardly know what it is... sorry I'm so hopeless.

Okay something that will hopefully be useful: I am pretty much trying to do a game setup, mostly focusing on graphics and speed. I'm getting Vista for DirectX 10, GeForce 8800 card, 2GB of Kingston HyperX ram, want dual core processing because apparently games will begin to take advantage of that soon, and a good CPU Ghz thing.

Bottom line: I'm trying to build something that is good enough that I won't have to update for awhile, will be able to play beautiful games like Crysis and Huxley and all that, and that's pretty much it...

I hope you're going to order this via the internet and build it yourself. It's pretty easy to be honest.

If that's the case, post the links of where you'll be ordering from. Perhaps we can advice different pieces?

[Berserker]

Yes, please advise different pieces, I don't know what I'm doing. I actually might be getting them from a store around here. They have everything. But advice On different pieces is good, when I get back from school I'll post what I'm planning to get. See you all then

Originally Posted by Berserker

Yes, please advise different pieces, I don't know what I'm doing. I actually might be getting them from a store around here. They have everything. But advice On different pieces is good, when I get back from school I'll post what I'm planning to get. See you all then

I was back awhile ago, I had some stuff to do, but here it is...


The List Of Stuff I Was Planning On Getting
GeForce 8800 (320Mb or 640Mb?)

Windows Vista (For DirectX 10)

2 GB Kingston HyperX ram (anything better? More/less GB?)

Intel Core 2 Duo E440 2.O GHZ (What Zeek said... does that have processors? Do I need to get processors? Link to processors I need?)

A good motherboard (Ideas for a good one?)

Should I be worried about anything else?

EDIT: Corbs/ anyone helping me... feel free to post links to places where you can get these (or the pieces you recommend) at a good price, as they may not have the pieces at the store near me, so post links just in case if possible...

Oh, and I'm doing this in the summer, so if anything better is supposed to come out between now and then, please inform me...

[Corbs]

Originally Posted by Berserker

GeForce 8800 (320Mb or 640Mb?)

See the two quotes below:

Originally Posted by R4GE

Yeah next friday I am ordering my 8800GTS 320. I was checking out benchmarks and the difference between 320 and 640 is so insignificant that no reason to waste extra 100 bucks.

Originally Posted by TomsHardware

The biggest downside to the 8800 GTS 640mb is that it's cheaper 320mb cousin offers very close performance for much less scratch.

May 2007 VG Reviews by tomshardware
8800 GTS 320MB versus 8800 GTS 640 MB in action at Anandtech

Originally Posted by Berserker

2 GB Kingston HyperX ram (anything better? More/less GB?)

What speed? There are many different categories of RAM, namely PC-5300, PC-6400, PC-8500, etc.

Also, as far as RAM goes, I'd actually buy whatever on deal the week you buy your PC (OCZ for instance has been relatively cheap and offering amazing speeds). 2 GB is a minimum for Vista, imo.

Originally Posted by Berserker

Intel Core 2 Duo E440 2.O GHZ (What Zeek said... does that have processors? Do I need to get processors? Link to processors I need?)

I didn't get that.

Originally Posted by Berserker

A good motherboard (Ideas for a good one?)

Should I be worried about anything else?

Remember that you're building your computer around your motherboard and your casing/PSU. You definately won't get far if your Powersupply (PSU) can't handle whatever you build nor if your motherboard doesn't support your RAM or has the wrong processor socket. Although, I doubt it could go as bad as this example.

To be honest, your biggest worry is your budget. Everything depends around how much you're ready to invest.

Originally Posted by Berserker

feel free to post links to places where you can get these (or the pieces you recommend) at a good price, as they may not have the pieces at the store near me, so post links just in case if possible...

Where are you from?

NA: I wouldn't buy from a store accross the borders. Custom taxes will eat you out.

At last, I'll leave you with a quote from Tom's Hardware.

Originally Posted by Tomshardware

If you have been sitting on the fence about purchasing a new card, I will have to be honest with you... wait a little longer. If you have money burning a hole in your pocket, give the 320 MB version a go - it should last you much longer than an 8600.

http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/...x10/page9.html

[Berserker]

EDIT: the Kingston ram products page, if it helps. http://www.kingston.com/products/khx.asp

Do you have any recommendations for ram speed? I'm not totally clear on all of this...

If I end up getting the GeForce 8800, I'll be sure to get the 320MB.

You said you didn't get what I said about the CPU thing... I have been told to get one that works with dual processors and I was asking if I have to buy the processors or if I get the Intel core 2 duo type thing will it have that?

I am have no idea what motherboard I have, what motherboards do, if I need a new one, or if it really effects much at all.

About what you said with waiting, I think I'm doing this in the beginning of or in the middle of summer, I really don't have another time to do it...

I'll try and find out more about ram speed and that for you... but could you explain what motherboards really do, or if it will really effect much at all, or if I need a new one, or how to find out what kind I have?

Thanks!

[zeekgenateer]

OK motherboards is one of the main components of the computer. It connects all the hardware together (CPU, GFX card, USB, DVD drive, Hard Drive etc) so the computer can use it. Motherboards support many differnt things, but motherboards do not work with opposite CPUs (a motherboard made with an AMD CPU in mind, will not work with an Intel CPU). Motherboards also can have different types of RAM, DDR (which is the normal slow stuff) and DDR2 (which is much faster). These types of RAM also have different speeds within their categories. I usually use the MHz speed, but many prefer the PC speed rating which is just a different number with the same meaning 667 MHz = 5400 PC. Your motherboard will work with slower and faster RAM, but not at its full potential. It is best to get the same speed RAM as your motherboard.

And with motherboards definitely go get a new one if your old one came with the computer you bought. Proprietary (what geeks call Dells, Macs, HPs etc) computers sometimes don't like hardware not made by their companies.

Your RAM speed is determined by your motherboard. You want a motherboard with DDR2 capability and and a speed of at least 667 MHz (equivalent to PC5400). So if your motherboard works wit 800 MHz RAM get 800 MHz RAM.

Concerning Processor Intel Core 2 Duo is a type of processor (processors are also called CPUs and are used interchangeably). Depending on how much you want to spend get the fastest for your money, but make sure it is compatible with your motherboard (AMD processor motherboards do not work with Intel CPUs).

[Berserker]

Originally Posted by zeekgenateer

OK motherboards is one of the main components of the computer. It connects all the hardware together (CPU, GFX card, USB, DVD drive, Hard Drive etc) so the computer can use it. Motherboards support many differnt things, but motherboards do not work with opposite CPUs (a motherboard made with an AMD CPU in mind, will not work with an Intel CPU). Motherboards also can have different types of RAM, DDR (which is the normal slow stuff) and DDR2 (which is much faster). These types of RAM also have different speeds within their categories. I usually use the MHz speed, but many prefer the PC speed rating which is just a different number with the same meaning 667 MHz = 5400 PC. Your motherboard will work with slower and faster RAM, but not at its full potential. It is best to get the same speed RAM as your motherboard.

And with motherboards definitely go get a new one if your old one came with the computer you bought. Proprietary (what geeks call Dells, Macs, HPs etc) computers sometimes don't like hardware not made by their companies.

Your RAM speed is determined by your motherboard. You want a motherboard with DDR2 capability and and a speed of at least 667 MHz (equivalent to PC5400). So if your motherboard works wit 800 MHz RAM get 800 MHz RAM.

Concerning Processor Intel Core 2 Duo is a type of processor (processors are also called CPUs and are used interchangeably). Depending on how much you want to spend get the fastest for your money, but make sure it is compatible with your motherboard (AMD processor motherboards do not work with Intel CPUs).

K... So I get an Intel motherboard if I get the Intel Core 2 Duo processor/CPU and get the same speed RAM as my motherboard? Did I get it right???

EDIT: I like the processor you posted at the top of the page, is the motherboard you posted compatible with it? (If it is, what speed of RAM should I get with that motherboard?

[Corbs]

A simple two questions:

Where are you from (country)?
How much are you willing to pay?

[Berserker]

I'm from the US of A, and I have 2,000 dollars personally (took me forever to save) but it would be better if I didn't have to spend it all... But if it's necassary I guess I will.

[Corbs]

I personally don't shop in the US, therefore I really can't advise which e-commerce is the best. Make a search through google and try finding the best service/price available.

That being said, I'll base my post on price estimate off several websites (including rebates atm).

Casing: Antec Nine Hundred - 118$
Power Supply: