for very cheap build, cpu choice

[Hagar]

To replace, upgrade a Pentium 4 2.8GHz processor

Intel® Pentium® Processor E5300 (2M Cache, 2.60 GHz, 800 MHz FSB) 45nm Wolfdale

or

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6320 (4M Cache, 1.86 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB) 65nm Conroe

I may overclock, so I suppose the first one is the best bet?

Both are 2 core, 2 thread processors, Intel confuse me. Is their a difference in socket PLGA775 and LGA775

thanks, andy

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

You will first need to check what CPUs the motherboard is compatible with.

Both CPUs are known to be good overclockers although overclocking is not guaranteed.

I have an E6320 in one of my computers and with a relatively cheap heatsink I have it runnng at 2.8GHZ although I have not really tried much overclocking it more.

However,the 45NM E5300 will consume less power even when overclocked and has a higher multiplier. The higher multiplier means you need to increase the FSB less and you can get away with cheaper RAM.

 

[Hagar]

The motherboard will be new, so I have a choice. It is to use existing DDR2 memory, PCI-E graphics card and hard disk.

Looking like the E5300?

 

[MikeHunt79]

E5300 is a nice choice, mine is running happily at 3.5GHz with a Xigmatek s1283 and the fan is at 500rpm meaning a nice quiet and efficient computer.

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Here is a comparison of an E6550 and an E5300:

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/61?vs=98

Having you considered getting an Athlon II X2 though??

An Athlon II X2 250 can be had for under £45.

You can also get an Athlon II X3 445 or 450 for under £60.

The AMD CPUs can run with both DDR2 RAM and DDR3 RAM.

Having said that it might be still worth checking if the existing socket 775 motherboard you have can run an E6320 or E5300.

 

[Superjeep4x4]

I am with CAT-THE-FIFTH on checkling out AMD if your existing MB can not support one of those intels. You can buy a 785G MB thats pretty full featured and good to OC on for really cheap as well as the cpu and it will work with your existing bits.

Had a E2180 and my MB blew and had issues finding a decent 775 new and used that didnt cost to much. I ended up buying a new 785G cheaper than a decent used 775 and just sold my E2180 for a few bucks.

 

[Hagar]

Having you considered getting an Athlon II X2 though??

An Athlon II X2 250 can be had for under £45.

You can also get an Athlon II X3 445 or 450 for under £60.

The AMD CPUs can run with both DDR2 RAM and DDR3 RAM.

Having said that it might be still worth checking if the existing socket 775 motherboard you have can run an E6320 or E5300.

The existing motherboard is a Dell GX280, want to go with standard ATX format in a Lian Li case.

I have bid and won a new OEM Athlon II X2 260 for under £40 so will go with that. I know a deal more about AMD so thanks for the recommendations. Just need a cheap MB now.
It is difficult initially deciding on a platform, but when committed, you are directed down the path. Will look at the overclockers listings

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I would look at the MSI 770-C45 or 870-C45 or the Asrock M3A770DE as these can be had for between 45 to 55 quid.