[PhilipM1]

I would like some info. I will be building a new computer. I want to make sure it can run Blueray movies with no problem.

I am thinking of getting a 3.0 gig dual core. But there are all these numbers I dont know what they mean or what is good. Like cache. L1 L2. Is a dual core 2.5 gig going to be faster then the dual core 3.0 gig if the cache is higher? What else should I look for?

I would like to spend about $100-150 on mother board/cpu combo. I want to be able to run 64 bit. I want to be able to expand to 16gig ram+. Not that I will ever use it now, but maybe in the future. It needs to be able to run a blue ray movie with no skips. I would love to have a motherboard with HDMI out so I dont have to buy a video card.


Any suggestions? Am I asking too much at my price range?

[Carbon]

7750+ BE plus a 780G motherboard = ~$150 and has hdmi out.

Don't worry about stuff like cache, just the model #, usually they can't be directly compared.

[PhilipM1]

Thanks for that info!

I found some processors that are 3gig in my price range. Why will the one you selected for me be any better than one of a higher speed?

To me, as someone who is new to the computer building thing, I would think higher gigs = faster. Is there something I am missing? Im sure there is.

What does the wattage have to with anything? some are 65 or 95 or 120. Should I worry about this?

[Carbon]

There are a range of things including die size, cache, architecture, etc that have nothing to do with ghz and that affect processor speed. It is a largely meaningless metric.

Don't worry about the wattage, it just means some CPUs pull more power than others.

[bluefox]

Probably more important is the amount of ram you intend to put into the system, both of the CPU's you mentioned should do fine as long as you don't skimp on ram. 4Gig should be fine but the more the better!

[johnpol78]

Q=Quad faster then dual core.

Intel processor, C2Q, 2.4,
L2 Chache 4 MB

RAM:- 2 to 4 GB

Compatible Mother board (Intel Original)

Try to purchase Multimedia PC.

[PhilipM1]

Originally Posted by bluefox

Probably more important is the amount of ram you intend to put into the system, both of the CPU's you mentioned should do fine as long as you don't skimp on ram. 4Gig should be fine but the more the better!

thanks for the input. I am planning on getting an AM2+ socket so I can get 1066 ram. I will be using 8 gigs for now. Working on getting win7 64 bit.

I think I have finally decided on a case =)

http://www.compusa.com/applications/...&Sku=T925-2262

I know its a lanbox. But guess what? I dont know what that means so it doesnt both me lol. My friend has one. I like how it looks. I do want to use this for a home media PC. So it is kind of tall. 9inches I believe.

This was my other choice

http://www.compusa.com/applications/...&Sku=T925-2182

I think the lanbox will be easier to keep cool. When I get to compUSA I will look at both and make a choice.

Once I finally pick a case, I can start looking at mother boards/cpu alittle harder.

[PhilipM1]

Originally Posted by johnpol78

Q=Quad faster then dual core.

Intel processor, C2Q, 2.4,
L2 Chache 4 MB

RAM:- 2 to 4 GB

Compatible Mother board (Intel Original)

Try to purchase Multimedia PC.

quad core is too expensive. I would rather get a dual core, for now, and then upgrade it later. When I get a mother board I will be looking for one that supports quadcore for sure. But I want to build a decent budget pc for blue ray playback.

When you say purchase multimedia PC... what do you mean? My main purpose is music, movies, pictures, on my tv, hooked up through my home surround sound.

[Carbon]

Originally Posted by PhilipM1

quad core is too expensive. I would rather get a dual core, for now, and then upgrade it later. When I get a mother board I will be looking for one that supports quadcore for sure. But I want to build a decent budget pc for blue ray playback.

When you say purchase multimedia PC... what do you mean? My main purpose is music, movies, pictures, on my tv, hooked up through my home surround sound.

He has no idea what he's talking about.

Anyway, remember that those mATX cases are pretty hard to work in and keep cool.

[PhilipM1]

Originally Posted by Carbon

He has no idea what he's talking about.

Anyway, remember that those mATX cases are pretty hard to work in and keep cool.

WOW. I just realized my lan box is actually SMALLER overall then the white one. The lan is 9high and the white one is 7. But the white one is 17x17 and the lan is 17x12. I think im getting the lan box.