Need help buying CPU

[Destructus86]

So, I currently have an Intel Duo 3166mhz (or 3.16)
And apparently I need a quad core to run some of the latest games...specifically Assassin's Creed 4. Which requires a quad core 2.5mhz for even medium settings.

With so many options I am having a hard time deciding. But I also only have $80 or less to spend. I mean...I don't need something that will run everything on max settings...but I want to at least run on High or Very High with AA enabled.

I was hoping some brilliant person here could offer me some links for good choices.

oh and I was considering this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113329

 

[Teelie]

This is going to be interesting.

Before you jump into DIY computers, you should realize a few things. Intel and AMD are usually incompatible in motherboards designed for one or the other. Intel won't work in AMD and vice-versa. Even Intel and AMD boards are not always compatible with their own chipsets, depending on the CPU you're using. There are a lot of configurations out there and to get them to work you need to make sure they are compatible.

First thing's first, I assume you've got a pre-built computer from Dell or HP or someone like that? You'll want to find out what your motherboard supports. It'll be an Intel CPU but like I said, not all Intel CPU's will work in all Intel motherboards. It's going to be on the motherboard somewhere what it is but it may be easier to find out on the website or at least post the model of the computer itself.

 

[Destructus86]

This is going to be interesting.

Before you jump into DIY computers, you should realize a few things. Intel and AMD are usually incompatible in motherboards designed for one or the other. Intel won't work in AMD and vice-versa. Even Intel and AMD boards are not always compatible with their own chipsets, depending on the CPU you're using. There are a lot of configurations out there and to get them to work you need to make sure they are compatible.

First thing's first, I assume you've got a pre-built computer from Dell or HP or someone like that? You'll want to find out what your motherboard supports. It'll be an Intel CPU but like I said, not all Intel CPU's will work in all Intel motherboards. It's going to be on the motherboard somewhere what it is but it may be easier to find out on the website or at least post the model of the computer itself.

It's custom built. I'm pretty sure the board is ASUS...i'll double check when I am home and post it here.

Sounds like i'll probably need to stick with intel.

 

[Teelie]

You will want to find out the motherboard's model is. There are a lot of them out there and ASUS makes a lot of different configurations too. They're very popular.

 

[Destructus86]

Ok! Looks like I have an Asus P5Q

so, now I need to find an intel cpu for under 80 that is a quad core...sigh

 

[Teelie]

I'm not sure they exist for that motherboard. I've only looked around a bit but it seems your computer (or parts anyways) is at least 6-7 years old and outdated.

 

[Destructus86]

I found one that is a little faster. But I don't see myself upgrading much else for a long while...I mean...I'd basically have to buy a whole new computer just to upgrade since new components would require a new motherboard...which would require pretty much new everything...

 

[Teelie]

There are three main components you'd need to upgrade: mobo, cpu, ram. Almost everything else would be compatiable without needing to buy replacements. That can quickly get expensive though so it's good you were able to find a CPU to work with this board.

 

[Destructus86]

There are three main components you'd need to upgrade: mobo, cpu, ram. Almost everything else would be compatiable without needing to buy replacements. That can quickly get expensive though so it's good you were able to find a CPU to work with this board.

What about video cards? That was my biggest concern considering how expensive they can get...if I have to upgrade my motherboard which currently is using an Nvidia GTX 650...won't I have to get rid of it? Don't new motherboards use a different video card slot?

Or am I wrong? I hope i'm wrong because that would totally make changing out motherboards an option eventually then

 

[Teelie]

It depends on the video card and the motherboard but usually there's far less trouble upgrading or reusing video cards than there is CPU or RAM on motherboards. Most video cards are PCI-E (Express 2.x-3.x) or AGP to a lesser extent now. Even a few are just plain PCI still. There's still some variation between PCI-E cards but not near the differences as in CPU configurations or RAM.

In theory you can still use an ancient Voodoo3 card (late 90's era) on a modern PC and it would work, albeit severely downgraded from what even an integrated motherboard graphics chip could do but it would work.

Nvidia GTX 650 looks to be a 3.0 card so it should work fine provided the new motherboard supports 3.0, which is probable.

 

[Destructus86]

Awesome! Hope for the future then. haha
thanks!!!