Dude the Xeon e3-1230 v3 is basically an i7 4770 and it's cheaper than an i5! I don't recommend overclocking the iGPU as it will have prolonged effect on the CPU. Better to get a cheapo gtx 750ti
Well, I guess I should know how Xeon's work since I currently use one at the moment...but to put another 2 cents into this, I STRONGLY doubt that Brodolon/endeerman101 would need a Xeon or i7 processor taking into consideration that he won't be playing very demanding games/doing much processor intensive work (from what I know). Xeon processors were specifically made more for server computers, meaning that their strength in computing is very stable, can run 24/7, is comparable to i7 processors in speed, and uses less power. However, this comes at its cost in money - therefore more people would go for an i7 for a gaming computer rather than a pricy Xeon (for approximately the same speed with some extra benefits). In addition, I'm unsure of how well the integrated graphics is for either card, but of my knowledge, rather than risking overclocking (at your age/experience at least), simply go for a cheaper dedicated graphics card. Even if it's only 256mb VRAM, you'll notice the difference. Last but not least, similarly to what Path has previously said, go for Intel over AMD for processors - it will certainly be worth the money. I suggest an i5 processor going by what you have said you needed for in a computer. Xeon or i7's may be unnecessarily powerful for your needs...meaning you're simply wasting your money on processing power that you will not use most of the time.
I don't usually double post like this, but I guess it's necessary. Here, take a look at this comparison (http://ark.intel.com/compare/83505,75054) between the Xeon e3-1230 v3 and the i7 4770 mentioned by Path. Notice how the Xeon has quite a few more benefits than the i7 with a lower price, BUT does not have an integrated graphics card. Therefore, if you do plan on going the near top of the line processing power way (going for i7 power as compared to i5), by choosing a Xeon processor, you can use any extra money that you saved rather than buying an i7 to go towards a dedicated graphics card.
I hadn't taken Xeons into consideration... huh. I agree with siioh here, get a good Xeon and fork out for a dedicated graphics card. The nVidia GeForce GTX 750 fits into your budget at $150 and will offer you a good speed and so good performance in most games. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025). Obviously you might be looking for something cheaper, so I'll have another proper look.
I think i will buy the Xeon and probably buy a seperate graphics card even if it is bad i could just upgrade it later. Thanks!
im looking at the I5 it has slightly worse preformance but better price and built in graphics....... im torn between the choicesssss Y life u do dis????? :<<<<<<
i5 is 4 cores and 4 threads. i7 is 4 cores and 8 threads. The Xeon e3-1230 v3 is also 4cores and 8 threads therefore its a very cheap i7 and most gamers will never ever use the in built graphics so really its perfect.
Well...of course the i5 is cheaper with built in graphics, but from my experience with my i5 second gen vPro processor on an HP Elitebook 2560p (which I currently have but never use become of how slow it is ), I've run Alice at about 10-15 FPS with constant spikes when looking around on approximately medium graphics. It's perfectly fine if you decide to spare the money and go for integrated graphics rather than dedicated graphics, but at least go for an i5 with a cheap graphics card considering you have the space for it in an actual desktop computer. The integrated graphics would be perfectly fine for simply web browsing or watching videos, but anything further than that - go for an actual graphics card. Even this random $36.99 graphics processor might be better than i5 integrated graphics (http://tinyurl.com/ktdol4r).
A laptop i5 is not comparable with a desktop i5. The 2560p is also sandy bridge which had the appauling HD 3000 graphics. The Laptop i5 is 2c/4t and the desktop is 4c/4t! i5 is perfect for gaming but the price difference between the xeon and i5 makes the xeon a no brainer.
I am thinking about saving up for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1594324 For me it seems even without the combo deal I could spend around 100$ a month and get each piece individually and get a decent rig, although I may double the RAM and splurge on a better graphics card than the one I am currently running(Nvidia 9800gt). And I may pay the extra 20-30$ to upgrade the mobo in that deal to get the one that has the s/pdif optical out jack installed on it. I know the original has the headers on it and I can get an adapter for 15$, but I just want it on the mobo instead of a header.
I bought a gtx 760 when it was on sale. Cost me around 230 usd (Norwegian price).More VRAM = better, also: higher clockspeed = better. Get the best you can afford I'd say.
It depends if you do gaming or all-round things such as watch vids. If it's gaming, I recommend an AMD, which works flawlessly in my laptop. If it's not for gaming then it's fine to go Intel.
