[JRD000]

I am wanting to upgrade my current P4 2.53 and I know I need to upgrade everything (CPU, MB, Memory, graphics). I have been looking at either an AMD 4800+ because of the extra cache and comparing to a 4600+. I have also considered an Intel E6400 or E6600.

I guess because of current pricing I am leaning towards the 4800+ w/ an Asus M2n-e board.

I don't know how to OC so I am just looking for the best system that my budget will allow and am looking to know what other users would suggest considering the current AMD prices. My system will be used for some gaming but primarily photo editing, office apps., large conversions into .pdf, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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Regardless of whether you are going to overclock or not any of the core 2 duo's from intel will blow the respective amd processor out of the water. So i would definately go with either the e6500 or the e6400.

[Dan1887]

Regardless of whether you are going to overclock or not any of the core 2 duo's from intel will blow the respective amd processor out of the water. So i would definately go with either the e6500 or the e6400.

[JRD000]

Thanks for the feedback. If I go with the Intel CPU, which MB would you suggest?

[Dan1887]

Either a newer Asus, or a MSI or Gigabyte board. The newest Intel Gigabyte board is one of the best out there. When i get the chance I will find a link to it and post it here for you.

[afg34]

Whats your budget?

[JRD000]

I would like to be in the neighborhood of $500 or so for the MB and CPU.

I already have as a Christams gift an EVGA 7900GT PCI-e card and Kingston DDR2 6400 (2x512) memory. SLI boards are not necessary for what I do.

[afg34]

motherboard - Asus P5B-E $150
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16813131070

CPU Core 2 Duo aka Conroe E6600 $318
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819115003

Thats 468 + tax and shipping

If you like a little cheaper, you can get the E6400 which is almost $100 cheaper than the E6600

[JRD000]

Thanks much for the advice!!

[warriorscot]

The intels are more powerful however the AMDs are cheaper and fordward compatible to the next version if you are on a budget they are just as good a choice as the intels, the intels are good but between the CPU price and the more expensive motherboards they can get pricey. The 4600+ is a great deal after that youre better off going for the core2 but the value for money on the 4600+ is good.

[JRD000]

I ended up with the following:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600
Asus p5b-e
EVGA GeForce 7600 GT 256MB PCIe
1GB Corsair DDR2 PC6400 (2X512)