Cheap CPU
CPU (Central Processing Unit) is a very important part of your computer, and the speed of your computer will mostly depend on your CPU speed. It is the second most important thing for gaming, after graphic card, and more important than memory.
Even if you have a lot of money, you should never buy the latest CPU. It is way too expensive, and not worth it. If you want top of the line, get at least parts that are 2-3 steps bellow the top of the line product, or as a reference opt for the last year's top models.
example:
| $295 |
- |
athlon 64 x2 3800 dual core |
| $355 |
- |
athlon 64 x2 4200 dual core |
| $455 |
- |
athlon 64 x2 4400 dual core |
| $547 |
- |
athlon 64 x2 4600 dual core |
| $627 |
- |
athlon 64 x2 4800 dual core |
You see, to get around 12-14 percent gain in performance you have to pay almost 100% more money. And this is also the same for most other computer parts. 99% of the software does not need top of the line CPU (or any other part, for that matter) to work properly.
For example, in time of this writing $355 64 x2 4200 dual core AMD CUP is enough for any of today's programs, or game, in conjunction with a good graphic card. And at any other time, a CPU in that price range will be just enough. Well, unless you are planning on playing the upcoming game Crysis, for example, that will e probably require top of the line PC to run in maximum details. But as soon as Windows Vista comes out in early 2007, and with its a support for DirectX 10, most of the games will look amazing. Check out these screenshots.
| AMD Athlon X2 |
Intel Pentium 4 |
|
Laptops