Good CPU for casual gaming/htpc stuff?

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frankyk

Gawd
Joined
Jan 30, 2004
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I'm starting to build a computer again and I have the following components:

WD 640GB HD
Antec 380W Earthwatts PSU
ASUS 9600 GT

I was wondering if anyone has a good recommendation of a good CPU to get?

I plan on using my rig primarily with my 42" LCD HDTV to watch DVD's/.avi movies and also playing the occasional game around 1920x1200 resolution if possible.

I don't need anything too expensive, I was thinking maybe around $100 or something. I don't want to OC too much either, maybe +0.2 or something. (i.e. 1.8 to 2.0 or whatever clock speed I'm going at).

Also, whatever CPU I get, does it have a good stock cooler or would it be to my benefit to get a good Zalman or something?
 
for $100 I think your looking at an AMD system. Is the motherboard already purchased?

E2220 or 5600+

I wouldn't suggest zalman, but an aftermarket cooler can make things a little bit quieter.
 
Can you link me a good CPU fan that is good at cooling and is quiet also?

I can increase my budget if necessary but I'm not looking for anything too high end. Just for a casual gamer and an upgrade to my current setup:

DFI Lanparty Ultra-D
AMD 3800+ X2 OC'd to 2.0 GHz
2 GB RAM
MSI X1800XT

I hear Intel CPU's blow AMD CPU's out of the water and are generally better in power consumption. That's why I wanted an Intel CPU, my experience with AMD hasn't been super or anything.
 
for the xiga hsf, it looks like it's only a HUGE heatsink. will it fit in my case? a standard case i guess? full size atx?
 
ATX doesn't specify a thinkness aside from fitting the height of a standard graphics card, but generally speaking, if you have 5.5" drive bays, you should be OK with that cooler.
 
compared to my x2 3800+ from amd, how much faster would this be?

also, would the 1 MB cache be crippling or will i be okay?
 
I wouldnt be so afraid to OC a c2d so little. They OC so well, you should look to go by 1 ghz for the 2180/2220, which is safe with stock voltage.
 
i'm running p5Q PRo and the E7200 cpu
and i have not even oced yet iam just running stock
and its alot faster than my e4300 its got more zip
iam running vista home premium 64bit
i'm also using western digital 640 gig hd
very fast hd
 
the E2200 or 2180 are GREAT overclockers

i have a E2200 @ 2,983 with my E6400's Stock cooler
e2200.jpg


I also have the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283, but you dont need that much cooling power for a E2200 or a 2180 @3.00 my e2200 max temps with the E6400s HSF are about 43.

i would get the E2200 or E2180 and put in a AC Freezer 7 Pro (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134)
but for only $10 you can get the AWESOME XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003), if you have the room. Your call...
 
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