[MCouary]

Hi, im new in the forum and im looking for advice. Im buying a computer next week, but i don't have lots of money (tight budget). I want my computer for streaming media and ocassional gaming. After lots of time spent on internet, I came up with two rigs, being the only difference between them the CPU and the Graphics Card:

1.-

CPU: Core 2 Duo E4400
Graphics Card: ATI HD 2400Pro 256MB

2.-
CPU: Dual-Core E2160
Graphics Card: Nvidia 8500GT 256MB

Wich one will perform better in apps like Gaming, Audio Encoding and Straming Media?

[alex]

If it was my money?

The E4400. As your primary use appears to be streaming media the larger cache of this cpu will come in handy (it won't make any difference when gaming).

Plus, whilst its exactly the same archtitecture as the E2160 it's also 200mhz faster which will come in handy when gaming.

But, and assuming you're going to be using at least a 19" screen (1280x1024) you're going to suffer on newer game titles with either of those cards, especially DX10 games.

If you're going to be playing older, DX9 games I'd strongly recommend looking at a different card, maybe a 7600GS or GT. Very cost effective and they both game, quite happily, at the resolution quoted above.

Lastly, regardless of your o.s (operating system) I'd look at 2gb of ram to help speed things along with the encoding and streaming.

[MCouary]

Originally Posted by alex If it was my money? The E4400. As your primary use appears to be streaming media the larger cache of this cpu will come in handy (it won't make any difference when gaming). Plus, whilst its exactly the same archtitecture as the E2160 it's also 200mhz faster which will come in handy when gaming. But, and assuming you're going to be using at least a 19" screen (1280x1024) you're going to suffer on newer game titles with either of those cards, especially DX10 games. If you're going to be playing older, DX9 games I'd strongly recommend looking at a different card, maybe a 7600GS or GT. Very cost effective and they both game, quite happily, at the resolution quoted above. Lastly, regardless of your o.s (operating system) I'd look at 2gb of ram to help speed things along with the encoding and streaming.

Wow, thank you, I really apreciate this! i think ive made up my mind. See ya around pal