Hey all, I have been asked to build a computer for general use, including but not limited to, web browsing, microsoft word, ect. I have not been keeping tabs on new parts over the past three years, so I am hoping that you folks can enlighten me on a good combo. Budget is loosely $700. Don't want to charge too much for it since they wont need a lot of power. I am thinking $500 will be enough. My original idea was to go with the quad core FX from AMD, however, the six core FX-6300 is only $10 more at the moment. I know nothing of intel chips in regards to how they compare to AMD other than the fact that they are a bit stronger in productivity, which this computer does not require. I am only looking for a good CPU+MoBo combo, I already have a decent idea as of what to get for the remainder of the parts. If the fx-6300 is a good choice, then I just need a mobo recommendation as I am having trouble finding one I like. Additionally, if you know of a site that can update my information on parts, please link it.
Short version: Need CPU and good MoBo for general purpose computing. Try to keep it under $300, I don't need overkill.
I am considering an FX-6300 paired with the ASUS M5A00FX. @Calvus There is no limit but I figured I would go with a larger computer b/c small MoBos are more expensive(?)
Here is my sub US$500 build for a general purpose PC. It is the full build but I used the CPU/MoBo combo for another SFF general computer that I built.
That looks good to me. Too bad I know nothing of intel to compare them. About how fast is it? Can it handle having multiple programs open at once? about how much would the next-best cpu cost?
It is 3.7GHz 2 core w/ hyperthreading, so effectively 4 cores. It multi-tasks just fine, multiple browser windows, watching video and working with spread sheets.
I would personal do something like this and I would stick to Intel because if you go with one of the FX chip sets you will be stuck with ddr3 ram and you would need to get a gpu because those particular chips don't have integrated graphics. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/jXRfMp
For general use I'd also go with Intel. I find that stronger single core performance just overall feels snappier than something like my Athlon X4 860k, even with a ssd. And as shadow stated, you can use integrated graphics on the Intel side.
Also, 8GB is probably plenty for a build like this. There's no need for 16gb.