Which AMD Clock speed?

Question

I am currently considering purchasing an AMD 64 X2 duel core CPU. I am stuck whether to opt for the 2.8gHZ or the 2.4gHZ. Sounds like a stupid question but i'm on a really tight budget and if I invest more in the CPU I won't be able to spend as much on a graphics card.

Any advice welcome!!

By the way, I am intending to game with this PC

Also like to add that I live in the U.K

Answer 1

If you are on a budget then you should definately invest the money in the graphics card, much more important for gaming than the CPU. AMDs are actually better for the money at the moment, unless you plan to overclock, then you can get more out of the Intels. Do try to get one with a good amount of cache though, because in fact that is fairly important for gaming.

Answer 2

I would highly advise against AMD, as it's an uncompetitive product (and especially since the new e21_ _ Pentiums are based on the Core 2 chips).


Here is a budget gaming PC built through newegg.com:

$75 - Intel Pentium e2140 (based on the Core 2 chips)
$130 - Gigabyter P35 motherboard (Quad-core ready)
$75 - 2x1gb sticks RAM
$30 - DVD / CD burner SATA
$115 - ATi x1950pro
$60 - 250gb Seagate SATA 7200rpm
$44 - Cooler Master Centurion case
$75 - Decent 500watt+ power supply (FSP, SeaSonic, Hyper, OCZ, etc)

For a total of $604 before shipping and after rebate(s).

Overlock the e2140 to 2.4ghz (e6600 speeds) on the stock cooler; with an upgraded cooler ($40)it will overclock to about 3.0ghz (same as the $1,000 x6800, but it does lack the larger L2 cache- not THAT important in gaming).

The x1950pro is the best for the money, though it cousin the x1950xt is also a great deal at $167. Here is the benchmark of the 1950pro VS 1950xt (look at the blue lines)
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=725&model2=724&chart=276
http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=725&model2=724&chart=286

Or if you really want top notch graphics, go for a $250 8800gts 320mb card.

Answer 3

CPU speed is usually the least important concern, provided it's fast enough. I got a laptop recently with a 2.0 ghz Duo, I rarely use over 60% CPU and I write a lot of CPU intensive programs. Get the slower one and get yourself a nicer graphics card. And if you care about performance, put the extra money towards memory. The only way I would say get the 2.8 processor is if it has more cache memory.

Answer 4

Go with the higher dual core and shop for both proccessor and card at tigerdirect.com and newegg.com You'll be able to buy both on your budget . SHOP BOTH !!

Answer 5

if this is a custom built system, go for the 2.4ghz one, then overclock it to 2.8. if it isn't, get the 2.8 ghz one