I'm going to build a pc for an old friend of my dad. All he really uses the computer for is online banking, browsing the internet, and some basic computing functions. He doesn't really need a high end pc. My goal is to build him a very reliable pc for as little as possible. The OS I'll be putting on it is Windows XP Pro so I don't have to buy a new OS.
It looks like I can get a 1.86ghz Intel Core 2 Duo for a little under $200 or I can get a 3ghz Intel Pentium 4 for about $75. Which of these would be the better choice for basic computing? Will the dual core processor be needed or should I go with a high end Pentium 4? Will any other CPU better fit the bill? I'd prefer to stick with Intel.
Thanks.
2007-03-03 04:56:48 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Thanks guys. I'm currently using a 2.86ghz P4 and it performs great for 3D modeling and animation so I figured a 3ghz P4 would be a good choice over the newer and more expensive Core 2 Duo.
I have 2 additional questions though. A lot of the motherboards I see are micro ATX. Do I have to buy a micro ATX case or will any ATX case secure a micro ATX board?
Also, is an ultra IDE hard drive compatible with a motherboard that supports IDE?
2007-03-03 07:05:44 · update #1
You know what you should do. Wait for sales at local computer stores. Last night at FRY'S I got an AMD 64 X2 4200 and A 79.99 motherboard for 149.99!!!!! NO rebates just 149.99
2007-03-03 05:49:57 · answer #1 · answered by hows_about_not 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is absolutely no point in getting a Core 2 Duo for him. That processor is way too powerful for what he is doing. Even at the 1.86 Ghz speed it will leave the 3ghz P4 in the dust.
If it is only for basic computing, you really do not need anything over a 2ghz Pentium 4 with a cheap motherboard and memory.
2007-03-03 05:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Bjorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is to be a budget machine and the little amount of work he does, the P4 for $75 should be more than fine for him.
That's about all my dad does (email, web, picture viewing, etc.) and is working just fine on a 1.7ghz p4
2007-03-03 05:00:38 · answer #3 · answered by BigRez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your looking for a cheap pc go with the pentium 4
it should suffice for what hes doing
get 512mb of ddr2 ram
a 64mb/ 128mb low end video card for watching movies and playing low graphics games
onboard sound
160g/200g hard drive
something around that ballpark
buy components new on ebay for cheaper!
www.ebay.com
2007-03-03 05:19:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
very stunning build which could final for somewhat some years. you have for sure performed slightly learn as to a thank you to construct a balanced equipment with high quality areas. The 965 can shop up with your 7870 and 1333 RAM is adequate. have fun with!
2016-10-17 04:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by tonini 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
core 2duo is slower. but go for the penttium - its cheaper & faster.
2007-03-03 05:02:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋