SFF Processor Choice

[JustinR]

Currently putting together a new SFF system. This will not be my main system and will primarily be used for internet/mail/music and the occational use for Everquest 2. G/Fx will probably be a 9600GT

Need some opinion on the following choices for CPU/Mobo. I haven't used AMD for a while so i'm not sure what route to take.


Gigabyte GA-G33M-DS2R Micro ATX £70.49
Intel Core 2 Duo E2200 "LGA775 Conroe" 2.20GHz (800FSB) £55.21
Total: £125.70

Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H AMD 780G Micro-ATX £64.61
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+ Black Edition 2.60GHz £65.79
Total: £130.40

 

[Talrinys]

The most powerful one will be the first possibility

 

[Grumpy]

Personally I'd take the AMD over the Intel, its an excellent chip in stock form and if you were to OC it the unlocked multiplier makes it easy to do with no volts increase therefore running cooler in an SSF.

 

[Big.Wayne]

Currently putting together a new SFF system. This will not be my main system and will primarily be used for internet/mail/music and the occational use for Everquest 2. G/Fx will probably be a 9600GT

Hi JustinR,

Welcome to OcUK forums! Make sure to read the FAQ and enjoy your stay!

Can you have a big think about what you really are gonna do with this box because what you have described above is mega generic and if that really all u wanna do then almost any cheap processor will do.

The Term SFF is too broad a term these days, an SFF can do anything. Are you interested in having this box running 24/7? if so are you taking into account your energy useage? Do u want cheap electricity bills?

 

[Bane]

...and the occational use for Everquest 2. G/Fx will probably be a 9600GT

Everquest 2 is CPU dependant over graphics card, and limited to a single core. No idea why SoE haven't corrected this yet.

A friend with 2140 clocked to 3GHz and 7900GTO, settings at High Quality runs fine, with exception to some of the Faydwer expansion zones. They've not got Kunark.

I'm using a AM2 4200+ and 7900GTX with High Quality setting with shadows off and particle effects reduced. Was running fine, but have since increased draw distance to max and have noticed a definite drop in performance.

Either CPU should be fine going by my experience. Guess it depends on your overclocking desire if want simplier AM2 option.