Updating my PC. Athlon 64 to C2D

[Don Oz]

Here's another help me upgrade thread. Im currently running and ancient Egyptian PC:

Athlon 64 3200+

1GB Ram

250 & 80 GB PATA drives

SATA DVDRW

And just bought an Radeon HD 4670 (upgraded from a Geforce 6800)

I don't play many games on the PC, but sometimes would like to (I managed to play NFS undercover & RA3 on the Geforce) Mainly use for browsing, watching films, and browsing newsgroups and the various tasks associated with it ;)

So far i've kind of decided on:

Gigabyte GA-EP31-DS3L iP31 Socket 775 Motherboard ?50

Crucial 2GB kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 Ballistix Memory ?25

Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz Socket 775 (1066FSB) 3MB L2 Cache (which was about ?91, but out of stock now).

The only bit im unsure of is the processor, mainly because of the cost, i could stretch to it, but i dont want to if i can help it.

Based on what im used to using, would you guys recommend a C2D or a Pentium Dual Core. Prices from here of any other reputable UK store (dabs, play, Amazon etc)

[chconline Veteran]

For what you do with your computer, you don't really need something very powerful. If you're just looking for an upgrade to enhance your experience but don't want to go all out on the budget (With the current economy!) just get a basic Pentium Dual Core and a decent basic 775 motherboard that overclocks. :D

[StealMySoda]

I'd go for the C2D over the Pentium Dual Core. Just because if your gonna be spending ?50 on a PDC you'll regret not paying the extra ?40 for the C2D.

[Don Oz]

I'd go for the C2D over the Pentium Dual Core. Just because if your gonna be spending £50 on a PDC you'll regret not paying the extra £40 for the C2D.

Based on what I'm used to, would even a pentium be a substantial jump. And is the c2d worth pretty much being double the price

[Don Oz]

well i decided to go for the e7300 at about £98. and the asus p5q se at about £80 for the motherboard.

oh well, there goes my budget

[RAID 0]

well i decided to go for the e7300 at about £98. and the asus p5q se at about £80 for the motherboard.

oh well, there goes my budget

Don't worry, kind sir... that's money well spent!:yes:yes:

[+shift. MVC]

You could just get an E7200. Basically the same processor just clocked at 2.53GHz.