Budgit pc build.

[Boozu]

I am building a PC for a friend on a budgit. What do you guys think?

Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 2.5GHz
2Gb DDR2
EVGA GeForce 210 Video Card
500Gb HHD
Windows 7 x64

He is a light gamer and I was wondering how the Pentium CPU will do with that?

Thanks.

[Geek-9pm]

Windows 7 x64

Seems out of place  for a budget.
Unless you plan on more memory later.

[Boozu]

If you are referring to the 64 bit part then there are a few reasons.

1. Everything(almost) is 64 bit now so why go back when computers advance so fast.
2. The 2Gb of RAM was only to stay in budget and I will be recamending an upgrade to 4Gb.
3. He does some gaming so the added boost, however small, will hopfully make up for a slower CPU.

What exactly did you mean by "out of place for a budget"?

[Geek-9pm]

What exactly did you mean by "out of place for a budget"?

The 64 bit OS does not use memory in an economical way.
If you do not ad more memory it will crawl like turtle.
Most, if not all, of the free stuff is 32 bit.
Using a 64 bit OS is justified on a huge database or application that needs more that the 3GB limit of the 32 bit system. Otherwise, having 64 bits available for a typical low budget application has no value.

OK, if you are running a internet server, it matters. But for personal use it is of no value unless you use an application that  really needs a big address space.

[Boozu]

Interesting. So I should recamend the 32 bit version if my friend does not go for the 4Gb upgrade?
How do you think the CPU will handle gaming? Will the GPU be able to handle enough to compensate?

[Geek-9pm]

Maybe this may help:

Can I run 32-bit programs on a 64-bit computer?
Most programs designed for a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows will work on a computer running 64-bit versions of Windows. Notable exceptions are many antivirus programs, and some hardware drivers.
Drivers designed for 32-bit versions of Windows do not work on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows. If you're trying to install a printer or other device that only has 32-bit drivers available, it won't work correctly on a 64-bit version of Windows. If you are unsure whether there is a 64-bit driver available for your device, go online to the Windows Vista Compatibility Center.

For more use:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

You can read that over and see what your think. My impression is that more better use of huge memory is the whole point of the 64 bit system.
There is not indication that anything else is better. Under 4GB the 64 bit OS does not have any edge.

[BC_Programmer]

aside from 64-bit instructions and the ability to process 64 bits of data at one time, effectively doubling the speed of almost any operation.

This same tired arguments were used for the 16-bit to 32-bit shift, and none of them were valid.

[Boozu]

Only the most obscure unmanages hardware would not have proper 64 bit drivers now. Even If They don't have Win7 drivers most likely they will have Vista drivers witch will work until Win7 ones come out. While running the RC of Win7 I had to use Vista drivers for my TV tuner and optical drive and I have not seen any improvement now that I have the proper drivers. The part about the Antivirus is not as true now as far as I have seen. But if my friend ops for the 2Gb then would the 32 bit version be better?

[patio]

The 64 bit OS does not use memory in an economical way.
If you do not ad more memory it will crawl like turtle.
Most, if not all, of the free stuff is 32 bit.
Using a 64 bit OS is justified on a huge database or application that needs more that the 3GB limit of the 32 bit system. Otherwise, having 64 bits available for a typical low budget application has no value.

OK, if you are running a internet server, it matters. But for personal use it is of no value unless you use an application that  really needs a big address space.

I respectfully disagree with the above assertions...

[Boozu]

So Patio. You are saying 64 all the way?

[patio]

I ran both Vista and the RC of Win7 64bit with 2G of RAM and never experienced what is mentioned above.

Beyond that if and when he does add more RAM with a 32bit OS he would be limited to under 4G.

[Boozu]

Thanks Patio. How do you think the Pentium will handle?

[patio]

Should do fine...
I run a Q6600...rock solid.

BTW with Win7 you recieve both a 32 and 64bit DVD in the package so there are still options...

[Boozu]

Well the Q6600 is a core 2 Quad, so I hope it is solid. The OEM copys don't have both 32 and 64.

[mroilfield]

Well the Q6600 is a core 2 Quad, so I hope it is solid. The OEM copys don't have both 32 and 64.

If you are building this PC wouldn't you be buying a copy of the OS instead of using the OEM version from another PC?