PCA Forums

I don't know very much about pentium chips so please bear with me. What is the "sweet spot" for P4 cpu's right now? That is, which chip gives you the best bang for the buck? The user in question is not a gamer but would like a modern P4 machine. He already has 1GB DDR PC 3200 RAM to use. Also, mobo suggestions welcome.

i dont claim to be a computer guru, but I thought most p4 machines use Rambus memory (pc800)

also, just out of curiosity, why dont you head for the AMD option?

In my opinion, the sweet spot for P4 CPUs is the 2.4 GHz model. If your friend overclocks, I would go for the 400 MHz model. If not, then get the 533 MHz model. Both can be purchased for under $200.00.

As for motherboards, I've had good luck with my Asus. They have the P4G8X which is based on the Intel Granite Bay chipset and I hear its a fast stable motherboard.

MAC

u can use the ddr in a p4 board. Umm I'd say like a 2.4ghz is about right.

P4 2.4 400 are going for ~160$ and the 533 ~170$

I bought mine a few weeks ago at Newegg and paid ~195$, now its on sale for 164$ (retail box).

For a non overclocker the 2.4b is the best bet, as others have said.

I would venture to say that lately rambus users are the vocal minority. I wouldnt mind going 512 of pc1066 RIMMS but my 512 ddr400 does well enough price/performance wise