Upgrading - Processor and graphics question

[MrBlip]

Since I was happy with my last visit here about a year or two ago when I built my first computer I decided I'd come back when it's time to upgrade. That time is now, and I have two questions.

First question:
AMD 64 X2 6000+ -- $169.99 vs. Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 -- $222.90
Simple question, which of these two processors is better for the price. Looking at the specifications they both seem about the same to me, so I'm really leaning towards AMD 6000+ even though everything seems to be about the CORE 2 DUO's now-a-days. Also, the AMD has a nice mobo combo deal that I like (Nicely spaced SLI mobo with 6000+ -- $294.98) where as the INTEL does not.

Second question:
2x GeForce 8800 320MB (SLI) or 1x GeForce 8800 640MB.
I've made up my mind that I want either one of these two cards. I've been told I should go with one 640. It's only $100 more then a 320 with twice the texture memory. However, about another $100 I get the same amount of texture memory with twice the memory/core clock? ( Honestly, that seems to nice to think that's how it really works..) Here's where I get itchy as I'm not quite sure how SLI works. Could anyone point in the direction of a nice article explaining how SLI works and exactly what it does, other then allowing two cards at once?

Thanks in advance.

[Raknor]

depends on what you plan on using the pc for and what hardware you have, I have a e6600 and its great for over clocking, where as the amd isnt as oc friendly. as far as the graphics card is concerned if you have a monitor larger than 19 inches or plan on widescreen gaming i would go for the 640 version if a smaller monitor the 320 will suffice.

[maroon1]

Why you want to get E6600 when you can get E6750 for the same price !!!

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

And the price of E6750 is supposed to drop to $183 in the next couple of days when the demand increases


And also you can get E6550 for cheaper price, this processor is comparable to 6000+ at stock (according to anandtech review), but overclocks much better

I would get Core 2 duo specially if you plan to overclock, and those core 2 duo consume much less power than the power hungry 6000+



And why do you want to SLI ?? SLI will not give you double the performance, so it is better to get one 8800GTX

Newegg.com - PNY XLR8 VCG8800XXPB GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

or this one
Newegg.com - MSI NX8800GTX-T2D768E-HD OC GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

[MrBlip]

Well, the computer is for gaming (of course), and I'm not much of an overclocker; haven't even touched my current processor or graphics card (and I hear the 6800GS is a dream to overclock). Thanks for the heads up on the E6750. I'll see if I can find a reasonable motherboard to go along with it.

As for SLI...I think I was really just wanting it so I could say "Yeah...I have SLI." Though the past couple of days I've really been thinking about it and I had made up my mind to go with one card for now, but left the option out there. I'm thinking I'm going to limit myself to the 640MB as it's cheaper, though I'll still think about that 768.

[Paisan]

Testing has shown that the 880gts 640 is no faster than a 1-2 fps over the 320 version. Either go with the inexpensive gts320 or move up to the gtx. the 320 does just fine on a 20 inch monitor in 1440x900.

[san21893]

Originally Posted by Paisan

Testing has shown that the 880gts 640 is no faster than a 1-2 fps over the 320 version. Either go with the inexpensive gts320 or move up to the gtx. the 320 does just fine on a 20 inch monitor in 1440x900.

You beat me to it, hes right, its either the 320gts or the gtx. Remember if you go evga you can step up in 3 months if you're unsatisfied.

[meat_helmet]

OR for a card in between the 8800GTS 320 and the 8800GTX the ATI x2900 is a good option. Its around the same price as a 640mb GTS, but a better performer.

[marblez]

Originally Posted by maroon1

Why you want to get E6600 when you can get E6750 for the same price !!!

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Conroe 2.66GHz 4M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

And the price of E6750 is supposed to drop to $183 in the next couple of days when the demand increases

Really doubt that, as 183 is the price retailers buy from Intel in batches of 1000. They gotta make some money you know. However, I too recommend the e6750 and the lowest I can find it for is 194 right here
Antares Digital

[Otacon]

Ahh Marblez beat me to it on the Antares Link. Yea I wouldn't buy the new processors off of newegg, way overpriced. I mean, the E6850 on Antares is only 27$ more then the E6750 on Newegg. Just make sure you have a mobo that supports 1333FSB.

[Otacon]

double post sry.