intel core 2 duo or amd phenom x4. NEED HELP!

[river686]

i am going to upgrade my motherboard and processor but i cant decide between intel core 2 duo and amd quad core. my limit for a processor is around $130 and i am mostly only going to be gaming. i am not and enthusiast. i just want a performance boost over an EVGA 730a mobo and amd athlon x2 6000+. if you have a suggestion for a mobo please tell!

 

[Nubbleet]

Go with the X4. You can OC it to have a better clock for gaming, and you would also have better multi tasking capabilities.

But if you could fit this Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops for $150 it'd be a good amount better.

 

[river686]

i think i could fit that into my buget but do i need the quad core, is it a good future investment? i have heard some good things about the core 2 duo but i have never bought an intel processor before, what do you think of intel? does anyone have any good mobo suggestions.

 

[Nubbleet]

I have an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400. I like it. I never lag with multiple programs open. Idk much about AMD motherboards, but I don't think I would recommend any of the Intels over the PII X4 in that price range.

 

[Muffin Man]

how would you feel about going with three cores instead? $120

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Processors - Desktops

 

[zedman3d]

how would you feel about going with three cores instead? $120

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Black Processor - Processors - Desktops

+1 to that.

 

[river686]

i was looking at the am3 processors and i have heard some good things but the only problem it that i would have to use ddr3 memory, and i don't really want to switch to ddr3 unless it is really worth it for the am3 processor.

 

[Nubbleet]

AM3 socket doesn't require DDR3. Here's a combo Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!
With that mobo, it's socket AM2+/AM3. DDR2 memory standard.

 

[river686]

ok well should i go with the quad core or the AM3? witch one will benefit me more in the future of gaming.

 

[moshkid213]

i was looking at the am3 processors and i have heard some good things but the only problem it that i would have to use ddr3 memory, and i don't really want to switch to ddr3 unless it is really worth it for the am3 processor.

You can run an AM3 CPU with DDR2. But I think it will Max at 1066Mhz.

What is it...AM2 to 800mhz, AM2+ to 1066mhz, and AM3 to whatever DDR3 clocks at. 1600mhz or something. My systems DDR2 so I havn't looked it up.