New Build Opinions

[chazt]

Hi all,

Looking to buy a new system for a mate, with a budget of around £350. I'm pretty set regarding case/psu/hard drive/periperals, i would just like some opinions on cpu/mb/ram combinations.

Option 1
Asrock ConRoe1333-DVI/H £41.47
Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 £117.49
2GB (2x1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 £46.99

Option 2
Asus M2A-VM HDMI AMD 690G £43.35
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 6000+ £99.46
2GB (2x1GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 £46.99

The AMD option is a bit cheaper, and the asrock intel board is not in stock at scan at the mo, so I can order today.

Thanks in advance

[s_kinton]

What are you planning on doing with the machine? I take it you want onboard vga, meaning that gaming isn't on the agenda?

If I were you, I go for option 1, but get cheaper RAM and use the extra cash to get a better mobo

[usxhe190]

agree with s_kinton

what are your overall requirements?

but if only based on the two specs...i would go for option 2

AMD chips are cheaper than C2D in the same performance region...

[chazt]

Nah he's not in to gaming but he basically wants something that can play football manager and is significantly quicker than his old system (athlonxp 2800+). i don't think i can save that much money on ram even if i go for pc5400 unless you've seen some that i should know about?
Could you recommend a mobo that supports 1333mhz fsb with onboard graphics (dvi) for a reasonable price?

[staffsMike]

only one available so far is the EVGA (or alternative) 630i boards available at aria. Can't seem to post the link atm.

computer hardware, components, systems and peripherals at the lowest prices from IT supplier Aria Technology anyway

there two cheaper versions on the site too but none of them are a cheap option.

[chazt]

hmm.. nice looking board. Maybe worth going for a cheaper cpu (E2180) and overclocking?

[staffsMike]

yeah not a bad plan. It'll be running 3.X GHz before the board's FSB has to be raised above stock