Help with choosing a CPU

[MouseMat2004]

Hi guys

I'm not exactly up with the latest CPU's. I figured it's time to upgrading my 5 year old AMD X2 6400.

I'm not wanting to spend silly amounts on a CPU, I dont game on the PC any more. I just want something that'll last another 5 years to so

Basically I'm looking for a CPU around the £100 mark (Well I want a CPU/Mobo for under £200)

I was looking at the AMD Phenom II X4 Quad Core 960T Black Edition for £95, but didnt know how the Intels matched up? The i3's are the same price range. Sadly the i5 is going out of my price range.

What do you recommend?

 

[strumpusplunket]

Well, the obvious question, I'm afraid, is last for five years doing what? There's a big difference between a CPU that will serve for five years doing a lot of media encoding and one that will just keep you going at a decent level for general office/browsing activities.

 

[MouseMat2004]

Mostly just general browsing, but I also do video encoding, a few older games like CS:S. I just want the quickest CPU around the £100 region, I'm also happy to overclock.

Another question was may sway my decision.... are AM2 CPU coolers compatible with newer AM3 sockets?

 

[eyetrip]

Looking to me like the 960t black edition is looking like your best bet. It might even unlock to 6 cores.

Plenty of motherboard choices, though not sure which would allow unlocking

 

[eddiew]

I feel it mandatory to suggest finding another £50 and getting a 2500K... ^^;

As for AM2 vs AM3 coolers - yes. At least, as far as my old Zalman cooler is concerned, they're the same clip

 

[MouseMat2004]

Thanks guys. I think I'll go for the 960T, I know the Intels are better but I'm on a budget.

 

[eddiew]

Fair enough, we all have to draw a line somewhere (I wanted an i7 but couldn't quite justify it to my wallet )

 

[Karateyid]

I'd save up a bit more and get the i5 2500k.

 

[Tokin]

get a 1055T mate

 

[SlugForAButt]

Unlocked 960T.
Seems like a no brainer really.

 

[Rik1254]

The i3 seems to make the most sense tbh.

About £90 right now right?
Spend the other £110 on a decent 1155 mobo (preferably Gen 3), then when Ivy bridge comes out, either buy that, or get a reduced price 2500/2600k.

 

[SlugForAButt]

Or...
Buy a 960T for about the same price & get 6 cores (probably) which will probably stand you in much better stead for the future.

See we've got the usual kind of 2500k response here (thx Rik). He's happy to suggest you spend your budget limit and then spend more money you don't have when Ivy comes out. What is it about budget limit that some people don't understand?

 

[MouseMat2004]

Thanks for all the help guys. I did go the 960T in the end.

Aswell as:
Asus M5A97 PRO Mobo
G-Skill 8GB 1600
OCZ 60GB Agility 3 SSD

Looking forward to the SSD most All come in at a nice £290 in total.