What's the best processor at the moment? (Jul 2010)?

Question

I want to put together a new PC, doing mostly simple things, but on a fairly tight budget, say, £500.

What do you think is best for somebody not into hot gaming or video processing (though I do convert DVDs to watch on my mp4 player).  I'm thinking dual processor, maybe only single processor even, don't see the need for quad, but perhaps put money into fast RAM.  It would also be nice to reduce power consumption, as the PC is on for 4 to 8 hours a night.  So, what's the best value for money processor now?  
Processor budget, say, up to £100 (also known as 100GBP, about 117 euros, $150)

Note - not too patronising, please, I have been building and mending PCs since the days of the 8086, but need up-to-date advice this time.

Nature · Accepted Answer

AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor HDX945WFGMBOX 
$139.99

This AMD quad core processor should be your best bet. It is much better than any dual core (be it core i3 or core i5)

If you want something cheaper, here is a good one:
AMD Athlon II X4 635 Propus 2.9GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor ADX635WFGIBOX 
$99.99

This is the cheapest quad core around which is really powerful. ( Good for multi-tasking and gaming as well)


However, if you are planning for a intel processor, here is a rather decent one (though not as good as the  Phenom II X4 945)
Intel Core i3-530 Clarkdale 2.93GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3530 
$124.99 

If you want to get even better processors (Like the intel Core i7 980x six core processor costing $999.99) you will have to spend much more.

And if you one a six core processor, here is the cheapest one: (and latest from amd)
AMD Phenom II X6 1055T Thuban 2.8GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT55TFBGRBOX 
$199.99

Anonymous · Answer

The best commercially available processor at the moment is the Corei7 980x Extreme edition.
You wont get one of those for anything less than $900

If you've only got a $150 budget then you should go for the Corei3 530 or 550

? · Answer

Id say maybe a pentium, core i3 or core i5
you can find them pretty cheap on amazon

George H · Answer

I would guess any of there's 3 would be good...http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007671%2050001028%20600005863%20600005577&IsNodeId=1&name=Phenom%20II%20X2
nice up to date dual cores

defused · Answer

intel core i7

&quot;That Guy&quot; · Answer

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115215

This is a bit pricier than what you are looking for, but it is ballin'

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What's the best processor at the moment? (Jul 2010)?

6 Answers