[gabbotts]

Hello all! I'm new here, and I was hoping I could get some help and advice in building a new computer.

I want to build a computer that will run TF2, L4D, Half-Life 2, Zeno Clash, and most Source based games on max settings. I would also like to be able to run other modern games smoothly as well.

My budget as of right now is $350. Within that budget I need to buy 4 things. A video card, a motherboard, RAM, and a CPU. I want to get the most bang for my buck.

I've been going back and forth between motherboards that support AMD and intel processors, and my mind is boggling with triple core this, dual core that. For the motherboard, I also want it to have room for expansion.

On top of that, I have a few other questions which are ultimately stalling my progess:

Ultimately I'm confused as to why AMD processors are listed as cheaper than Intel ones, despite the fact that the AMD processors run at higher frequencies (such as an AMD 3.0GHz dual core processor being substantially cheaper than an Intel 3.0GHz dual core, which is listed as running at the same speed).

One last thing... Is a 2.3GHz triple core processor better than a 3.0GHz dual core processor? I would assume yes, as it adds another core to the CPU, but the whole frequency thing stumps me. I apologize for the long post, but I would greatly appreciate some guidance and help. Thanks in advance!

__________________________________________________ ____________
1. Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build?
-$350

2. Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want?
-No, but I would like them to be reliable

3. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much?
-I don't plan on multitasking much,

4. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games?
-Yes I will be gaming and they are fairly modern games. Most important to me are games like TF2, L4D, and Half-Life 2, most Source based games.

5. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding?
-No

6. Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much?
-I've never overclocked before, but if I learn how to I may. I've never really had proper cooling in my computer so I've always been afraid to experiment.

7. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing?
-None, I plan on transferring my HDD's over from my current PC.

8. Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices?
-I don't think so, however I'm not entirely sure.

9. Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility?
-XP, but I plan on transferring my HDD's over that contain the OS.

10. Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it?
-I want a case that isn't very expensive, y'know, no flashy designs or anything, but I also don't want it to be bad for airflow.

11. Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included?
-No thanks, I have those already.

12. Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have?
-My HDD's...I think that may be it. Maybe my sound card too.

13. Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen?
-I don't want a monitor, I already have one that I plan to transfer over.

14. Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from?
-Newegg.com, Amazon.com

15. Location: What country do you live in?
-California

[Bubba]

Read the thread I linked below, it will answer most of your hardware questions. The price list is up to date as Carbon wrote it last week.

As far as onlines stores: It's hard to find lower prices than Newegg.com. Since you live in California (and have an Australian flag by your name lol), if you just CAN'T WAIT, to get your stuff, go to Frye's. They are more expensive, but there is probably one near you.

http://www.computer-juice.com/forums...posting-23819/

[ProGear Computers]

Agree with Bubba!!! It's going to be hard to build a machine for that amount. Look at my machine, I built it for under a grand, and it's SWEETTTTTTTTTTTTTT! lol

[Carbon]

$350 is hell. You contradicted yourself quite a bit too: you said you wanted a case but then stated earlier you didn't need one. For $350 if you only need the big four you could do a 790X + X3 720 for $210 + 4GB RAM for $40 and another $100 for a 4770 or 4850, but if you need anything more than that you're pretty much toast.

Ultimately I'm confused as to why AMD processors are listed as cheaper than Intel ones, despite the fact that the AMD processors run at higher frequencies (such as an AMD 3.0GHz dual core processor being substantially cheaper than an Intel 3.0GHz dual core, which is listed as running at the same speed).

Because different processors (and therefore different architectures) do differing amounts of work per clock cycle. The only thing clock speed can do is help you choose between chips on the same architecture.

One last thing... Is a 2.3GHz triple core processor better than a 3.0GHz dual core processor? I would assume yes, as it adds another core to the CPU, but the whole frequency thing stumps me.

Not "better", so to speak: it's just that for $60-$70 less, the slight performance decrease won't be noticed, you'll get an extra core, the difference can be made up through overclocking, etc. That's why the X3 720 is usually a better buy than the E8x00 series.