Processor questions?

[Mushin]

Ok I am building a new system and I want to see what you thinkg would be better for the processor..... below is the MOBO and what I am trying to decide between as far as the processor.

It is going to be AMD based with DD2 (Since I will be able to garner a lot of DDR2 chips from system pulls over the months ahead.)

I am using the Asus M4A785-M Motherboard
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5235299&sku=A455-2881

My question... I am trying to decide what to go with as far as the processor.

The Options:

AMD Athlon II X4 630 Quad Core Processor - 2.80GHz
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5073819&sku=A79-0630

AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition Dual Core Processor - 3.10GHz
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4695457&CatId=4431


The main uses will be
1.) store a large number of Acronis Images
2.) Be a backup location for Acronis Images that are created of computers before they are worked on as a fail safe
3.) Be a LogMeIn Backup Storage Computer
4.) Run virutal machines of clean installs of XP, Vista, and 7 for the following experiments:
Removing infections via migration.
1.) Migrat Programs to a clen OS image contained in a virual machine
2.) Scan and remove any residual threats.
3.) Create image of new clean system
4.) Restore clean images back to original computer.
NOTE: Please don't let this post turn into a discussion on #4.... This is an experiment and IS not an efficient process (It is even quicker to Nuke and Pave.)

 

[Alan22]

Personally I'd go with the AMD Athlon II X4 630 Quad Core Processor - 2.80GHz. I think the Quad Cores are more beneficial than the L3 Cache.

Have a look at this article at Tom's Hardware:
Athlon II Or Phenom II: Does Your CPU Need L3 Cache?
There's not too much performance difference. Also, ratings over at cpubenchmark.net show the Athlon II X4 630 rates higher than the Phenom II X2 550.

 

[Mushin]

Thanks for the good input.

I was leaning toward Quad but now I feel power hungry find myself wanting to build it with the Phenom II X4 955 but really don't want to spend the extra money...


Anyone else have input on the two original processors I am considering?

Or a better AMD processor suggestion in the price range of up to $120