Spec me some components

[golwg]

Right, where to start?

I have a case, HD, dvdrw, psu but no motherboard, cpu and ram. I have looked at various mixes and want an intel system. I can't afford an intel i5 750 setup so i am wanting an intel dual core setup.

I know that amd is a possibility but i have my mind set on an intel system as i have used intel for years and gess i am 'loyal' to them! stupid i know but hey, thats me!

so, what intel dual core, motherboard and ram do you gurus suggest? i quite like the idea of 4 gig of ram and a nice and quick intel dual core. i don't at present have a gpu card so maybe a board with built in or is it built on, graphics would be fine for now.

please can anyone spec me the parts required? as for money, well, don't want to spend all my pocket money!! lol

[Ulti]

What will you be doing with the system?

If you'll be gaming then a fast dual core with high L2/L3 cache will be good.

What is the exact budget?

Tbh, if you want to go with intel, you'd either go with an i5 system or not go with Intel at all as that's their lowest "active" system. Sure you can go for the LGA775 system but they're EOL so the next time you want to upgrade you won't have as much of a choice. For 4GB of RAM, DDR2 and DDR3 prices are also roughly the same.

However, OTOH, if you went for AMD it would be a lot more cost effective right now if you can't afford an i5 setup.

Also, are you into overclocking? If so then LGA775 system may work as they are so easy to overclock. Their onboard graphics will suck though so you'd have to get a discrete card. Another advantage to AMD is that their 780G/785G and 790G IGP is not bad and handles the common tasks such as web browsing and video playing. (It can't handle more than light gaming or other video card stressing work though)

Anyway, I'll spec you an LGA775 system as you can't afford an i5 system.

You say you have no motherboard, CPU or RAM so I'll only spec those.

Intel LGA775 system:
http://www.scan.co.uk/TodayOnly/Index.aspx CPU, RAM and motherboard are on offer here for a few quid cheaper. Offers there end tomorrow noon roughly so be quick!
CPU: Intel Pentium Dual-Core, E5200 - £38
Motherboard: DFI Lanparty DK P45-T2RS Plus - £61
RAM: 4GB Corsair XMS2 - £62
Graphics card: 5750 - £87

You might be better off waiting for i3 to come out to see how much they cost because they should be the "low end" of the LGA1156 socket.

[Terbinator]

You should really consider AMD...

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The Core i3 does not look as good as I expected it to be:

http://en.inpai.com.cn/doc/enshowcon...75&pageid=6387

The Core i3 530 was over £90 on pre-order from CCL(until they pulled the web-page) and the X4 620 is much cheaper. It would be interesting to see how an X2 550BE would have fared too.

TBH,it is worth looking at an AMD based build.

[golwg]

I know AMD looks better but i want to stay with intel for now thanks.

[Iron Sights]

I agree with the rest, for your situation AMD offers better value.
Just a thought, if you must stick with intel then maybe you might be better off waiting till you can finance an i5 build unless of course you need a system right now

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

If the OP can wait until the Core i3 CPUs are fully released in th next week or so it maybe worth a look. AFAIK,the Core i3 530 should be under £100 although the motherboard pricing is not clear ATM.

[golwg]

Maybe i should save up for an i5 system then? Would that be a better way forward if not going for an AMD setup?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Maybe i should save up for an i5 system then? Would that be a better way forward if not going for an AMD setup?

If you want to stay with Intel this is the best way forward IMHO! I would also wait a few weeks for the Core i3 and Core i5 dual cores to be available in quantity to see what their pricing will be like and also how much their associated motherboards will cost.
The Core i5-750s is also being launched which maybe cheaper than the Core i5-750.

[golwg]

I think i would prefer a quad now.