Picking a CPU and RAM for family member's build?

wobbledog

wobbledog

wobbledog

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Hey guys,

Basically my Nan's Pentium 4 computer has slowed down a great deal recently, near to unusable now, and I've been asked to build her a replacement computer. As you can imagine it will only be used for general tasks such as email, word processing and surfing the internet.

Although I do have an Intel DG45ID motherboard standing by for use, it uses an LGA775 socket with DDR2 RAM. This presents the following issue:
I'm unfamiliar with LGA775 / DDR2, therefore I'm also quite perplexed as to which LGA775 processor and DDR2 RAM set to choose.

I would greatly appreciate any help from the OcUK community regarding which Processor / RAM set to go with. :)

I have been searching up on LGA775 processors a bit, and I've came to the conclusion that I would like to find one that is preferably dual-core, and over 2GHz. Cache size doesn't matter, I'm also not fussed with the RAM's CAS timings - I would just require a minimum of 4GB.

Below are a list of parts I currently have:

Motherboard - Intel DG45ID (hence me having to find an LGA775 / DDR2 combo)
Case - CIT IMP MicroATX
PSU - CIT 500W (yes it's A.C.E, but it's not worth buying another)
HDD - WD Caviar 200GB (may buy another)
Optical - LG DVD+RW

Thanks in advance,
wobbledog
 
Hmm not sure, Core2's seem pretty expensive, and with DDR2 not getting any cheaper, I've been given a budget of about £50. Would a Pentium Dual Core and 4 Sticks of OCZ Platinum do? :/
 
Sell the parts you have and use the money towards a Sandybridge or Ivybridge build. That's what I would do. Can still work out cheap enough all said and done :)
 
Core 2 Duo/Quad aren't produced anymore so the dual cores are quite expensive. So I would pick up a Core 2 Quad such as the Q6600/Q8400

RAM will also be expensive so I would try to pick up some in used condition. You will need 1 or 2GB sticks at 667/800MHz speed. So 4X2GB for 8GB of total RAM or 2x2GB will be enough

For more info regarding CPU and Memory compatibility visit the following link

http://www.intel.com/p/en_UK/support/highlights/dsktpboards/dg45id
 
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Philtor said:
Sell the parts you have and use the money towards a Sandybridge or Ivybridge build. That's what I would do. Can still work out cheap enough all said and done :)
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yup. a 2nd hand c2d and 4GB ddr2 would set you back at least 40-50 quid.

you can get a brand new h61 mobo/sandybridge celeron (make sure it's dual core - you don't want the single core one)/4GB ddr3 for 90-100. the CPU has an onboard GPU saving even more money. it's a no brainer really.

or you could even look for these parts 2nd hand. shame the OP doesn't have quite enough posts for access to the member's market. but if you're friends with someone who is, then check it out.
 
marc2003 said:
yup. a 2nd hand c2d and 4GB ddr2 would set you back at least 40-50 quid.

you can get a brand new h61 mobo/sandybridge celeron (make sure it's dual core - you don't want the single core one)/4GB ddr3 for 90-100. the CPU has an onboard GPU saving even more money. it's a no brainer really.

or you could even look for these parts 2nd hand. shame the OP doesn't have quite enough posts for access to the member's market. but if you're friends with someone who is, then check it out.
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if he'd be using on-boards wouldn't an A6 be the way to go? Its a very capable CPU with amazing on-boards.
 
I'm not sure, normally I would go Sandy and buy new parts, however I really am limited for cash this time. A Celeron G440, a H61 mobile and 4gb's of 1333MHz RAM alone works out at £100, I really doubt my budget can stretch above £60 for it. What I may do is pick up a used Pentium or Celeron Dual Core from eBay, I've already found 4gb's of OCZ platinum for around £30. If I can get some more out of the budget I will try and go Sandy though, I might even consider AMD Athlon x2.
 
i picked up a used h61/g530/8gb ddr3 bundle for 60 quid recently but that was on the MM here. i'm not sure if you'll find similar on the bay or not.

but if you can already get the ddr2 for 30 then getting a c2d for another 20-30 quid will do just fine.

edit: i've just checked a few prices here and a q6600 recently went for 30. dual cores are going for around 15.
 
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Virtually any Core 2 process will be fine as long as it's on the motherboard compatibility list.
You could even consider the E1200 dual core celeron which will run at >2.1 Ghz if you set the FSB too 1066 or 2.7 @ 1333. These and the early 2xxx pentium dual core which run @ 800FSB are very cheap second hand and very easy to OC as long as you can set the FSB in the BIOS. For this type of OC you won't even need to touch the voltage and the stock cooler will be fine.

I had one in a spare PC for a while without any issues and for we browsing, doc editing etc. can't really tell a difference between that and a Q6600.

Other point is the OS.

The other half's laptop has a old pentium core 1.4Ghz dual core and was slow as a dog even with a fresh vista install + updates. Took advantage of the recent windows 8 offer and it's now usefully fast again. For maximum performance on a budget build you may need to consider the OS as some of the older windows version suck the life out of usable hardware once all the updates are applied.

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decto said:
Virtually any Core 2 process will be fine as long as it's on the motherboard compatibility list.
You could even consider the E1200 dual core celeron which will run at >2.1 Ghz if you set the FSB too 1066 or 2.7 @ 1333. These and the early 2xxx pentium dual core which run @ 800FSB are very cheap second hand and very easy to OC as long as you can set the FSB in the BIOS. For this type of OC you won't even need to touch the voltage and the stock cooler will be fine.

I had one in a spare PC for a while without any issues and for we browsing, doc editing etc. can't really tell a difference between that and a Q6600.

AD
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Turns out the DG45ID doesn't support any overclocking at all, and doesn't allow for the modifications to speeds or anything. If I can't find a decent enough CPU for it then I may well just have to ditch it and go Sandybridge or Athlon based. :(
 
4GB of DDR2 can easily be picked up for around £15 :) Along with a £50 Q6600 job done for just £5 over your budget
 
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