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Cheap Computer Parts

Over the last few years both major processor manufacturers have introduced new sockets and motherboards for their products. Intel has completely abandoned LGA775 and replaced it with LGA1156 (mainstream) and LGA1366 (high end). With the introduction of the Sandy Bridge platform both older sockets were once again abandoned and replaced with LGA1155 and the upcoming LGA2012.

In this time AMD fortunately has kept its AM2 and AM3 compatibility on its new AM3+ platform, but has also released a new, FM1 socket for low-end and mainstream APU (Accelerated Processing Unit) processors.

Cheap Computer Parts (Source: pclaunches.com)

With all these advancements in technology comes good news for users who need new low end computer systems, as these got a lot better too. The most important thing is that both AMD and Intel have managed to completely integrate the graphics processor into the main processor chip using 32nm technology. Some parts of these amazing processing units have been disabled or slowed down in order to qualify as low-end products, but the user is still left with a lot of horsepower and efficiency for just 50-70 bucks / processor.

For basic 3D gaming the cheapest computer part is an AMD A4-3300 dual core processor, which also includes a Radeon 6410D graphics processor, capable of delivering frame rates in 3D games comparable to low-end graphics cards. Featuring 160 stream processors, these APUs outrank any Intel product when it comes to 3D processing, but Intel strikes back when it's time to convert video files, as even the slowest and cheapest Celeron G440 single core processor supports the Quick Sync video technology. I haven't seen actual tests with low-end processors, but the same integrated Intel GPU managed to complete video compression tasks with quad core Sandy Bridge processors much faster than the most expensive video cards (GTX 590 and Radeon 6990).

Cheap Computer Parts (Source: pclaunches.com)

Fortunately memory modules also became very cheap, so configuring a very fast office computer with virtually zero loading time is cheaper now than even.

The AMD A4-3300 APU costs around $70, a motherboard for it just $60 and a 2 x 4GB memory KIT will cost you $45. These are the main parts that will define the computer's speed, but you'll also need a 7200RPM 32-64MB cache SATA hard drive and a monitor with an appropriate resolution and size. These prices are from Newegg's website and I have chosen the AMD platform because it runs Windows 7 Ultimate much smoother than the Intel platform. For example AMD's A4 APU can handle 3D applications, FullHD playback and Windows 7 graphical effects at the same time without dropping frames. Of course if you just want fast video conversion, then go with the cheap Intel platform.