Dual or Quad Core?

[SnowCrash]

My home system recently crashed, and I don't really want to invest any more in the old technology. I am reasonably sure that it is either the motherboard, ram or processor. I actually think its the motherboard, when I turn it on the fans start spinning but nothing comes up on my monitor and I don't get any beeps. I was planning on upgrading around christmas anyways, so I figure I'll just replace the mb/ram/cpu then figure out whats wrong later. I currently have an ASROCK motherboard, AMD 3700+ processor and 1gb of varied ram. I am thinking of upgrading to an asus p5q, either the e8400 or q6600 and 2gb's of ddr2 ram. I don't game(anymore) or overclock(anymore). I basically use the computer for the internet and a little bit of work (I'm a software developer, but almost never work from home). Either of these will be a big upgrade from what I have, and most benchmarks agree that the e8400 is faster but I am looking for the most future-proof system I can get for less than 500. Any suggestions? Also, I am in Toronto but am used to ordering from ncix or directcanada. I can pay cash if anyone knows of a place downtown Toronto where I can get a good deal.

[Siwy]

If all you do is browse the internet and do some programming, I would go for E7200. Believe me, you won’t notice the difference. Save yourself $60 and use it for something else.

I recently got myself a Q6600 for my home theater pc, but I convert HD movies (to DVD) for my dad and watch HD shows/movies, all at the same time, so a lot of the time all of the four CPUs are being utilized. In your case the other two (or most likely three) CPUs would sit idle and draw unnecessary power.

[willy]

I would go for E8400 ... http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=12200BD0467&vpn=BX80570E8400&manufacture=INTEL

It should last you quite a long time ...

[evanx]

An entry level dual core would be a good fit for your needs.

[mr_raider]

My home system recently crashed, and I don't really want to invest any more in the old technology. I am reasonably sure that it is either the motherboard, ram or processor. I actually think its the motherboard, when I turn it on the fans start spinning but nothing comes up on my monitor and I don't get any beeps. I was planning on upgrading around christmas anyways, so I figure I'll just replace the mb/ram/cpu then figure out whats wrong later. I currently have an ASROCK motherboard, AMD 3700+ processor and 1gb of varied ram. I am thinking of upgrading to an asus p5q, either the e8400 or q6600 and 2gb's of ddr2 ram. I don't game(anymore) or overclock(anymore). I basically use the computer for the internet and a little bit of work (I'm a software developer, but almost never work from home). Either of these will be a big upgrade from what I have, and most benchmarks agree that the e8400 is faster but I am looking for the most future-proof system I can get for less than 500. Any suggestions? Also, I am in Toronto but am used to ordering from ncix or directcanada. I can pay cash if anyone knows of a place downtown Toronto where I can get a good deal.

What socket is you 3700? If it's AM2 it still has life left in it.

[SnowCrash]

Thanks for the tip on the 7200, I think I am going to go with that processor. Should be plenty of power for what I need and is a lot cheaper.

[SnowCrash]

It's an old socket 939 chip

[willy]

Thanks for the tip on the 7200, I think I am going to go with that processor. Should be plenty of power for what I need and is a lot cheaper.
If cost is a concern, you should look at $95 E5200 ... I personally don't think E7200 justifies the cost ... but that's just me ....

[mr_raider]

It's an old socket 939 chip

Meh.... HTPC build :cheesygri

[Sgt_Strider]

OP, you would be a fool to get a quadcore based on your intended use. Just get a E8400 like me and OC it. This will be more than enough for your needs.