Thread: Core 2 Quad vs i7

The expense factor between Intel & AMD is moot these days. They pretty much have identical pricing with comparable products. You could easily get away with a Core 2 Duo (I have a C2D e8400 in my rig). A quad isn't necessary yet for a gaming machine. Games are just starting to take advantage of the true dual core CPUs, and it will be a few years before that's the case for most games. Heck, Valve just introduced multi-core...

What?? games are going from dual core to quad core. not from single to dual. i recommend going with quad core. cause games like gta iv require quad core. even resident evil 5. if you buy duo core you will have to upgrade by like next september. Dirt 2 requires a core i7. if you cant afford a quad core. go with amd x4 it costs 100$

After doing a bunch of research, since I'm on such a tight budget, I'm choosing AMD Phenom II X2 550 as my cpu. I figure that I can later upgrade the cpu to a quad core.

If you're on that low of a budget, I'd go with AMD. The boards and CPU's are generally cheaper. You can get a AM3 Dual core for sub 80 bux now, and upgrade to quad later if you have too (still waiting for multi-threaded games)

With a limited budget, you are still better off with a reasonably fast dual core than a slower quad core for gaming. My grandson has no complaints with his E2180 and HD 4650 on his WoW box. You can always upgrade both the processor and video card later when you can afford it if you choose the other components carefully with upgrading in mind.

I doubt you will be able to afford a Core 2 Quad if you're budget is only $500 and you want to make the computer for gaming. For gaming, the video card makes the most difference in performance, however if you plan on using the computer for a good amount of time a quad core is a good option, something like the Athlon II X4 is a good option and cost around $100.