CPUs > Dual-Core CPUs > Processor upgrade > 200 GBP to 299 GBP

Advantages: ideal for intense computing environments
Disadvantages: none

...unbelieveable performance and The Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5100 series is ideal for intense computing environments, 32-bit and 64-bit business-critical applications and high-end workstation and Analysis in my mind Dual-Core Intel Xeon processor 5100 series-based platforms are expected to deliver up to 2.25 times the performance and 2.35 times the performance/watt of previous-generation dual-core Intel Xeon processors and realiable performance ... Read review

Advantages: Fast, Ease of Installation
Disadvantages: Daunting for new users

...Personaly i chose the AMD 64 4400 dual core processor. The reason for my choosing is because this procesor hits the perfect balance between performance and value. With the AM2 socket processors released the price of 939 socket processors ( such as this ) has dropped dramaticaly allowing customers to get an excellent deal. For anyone who's familiar with computer hardware, then installing this processor is incredibly easy to use. It even comes attached ...
...the old, and inserting the new. For unexperienced users however, installing such an expensive part seems daunting - It really isn't. Clear instructions are provided and although the process is quite 'fiddly' at times it doesn't take more than a few minutes. This processor is definitely worth it's cash - It even comes with a 3 year guarantee, a service most companies do not offer. ... Read review

Advantages: Overclocks amazingly well, very durable, runs really cool.
Disadvantages: 512MB Cache per core instead of 1GB, Wish OCed on less voltage

I purchased the Black Edition of the processor. The little thing is amazing. Its a very cool and low power processor. I was able to overclock it from 2.6 to 3.275 with almost no heat gain. It didn't come with a normal stock cooler so I had to buy one. http://www.ciao.co.uk/ArcticCoolingFreezer64ProProcessorcoole r 6478463 ^That is the one I purchased. This processor requires almost 1.5V for an overclock of 3.275. Any voltage above isn't ...
...mine were bent and it still works just fine, though it has to be pressed in some. The only con I really notice about this amazing little processor is that it only has 512MB per core, instead of a wanted 1GB per core. I recommend this to people on a budget who want to get the most out of their system. ... Read review

Advantages: Price,ease of instalation
Disadvantages: the cache, the speed

AMD have had some bad press over the years and this 4200 processor does not help them. With only a poor 1 mb cache it gets tasks dont but you wont find it doing them in record time. I also find amd products are overclockable but confusing to do. But on the value for money side you cant really go wrong because the price is a lot lower than an intel but unfortunately this is because the intel processor is that bit better. I would also say not to buy ... Read review

Advantages: Great OCing potential, Very cheap, Easy to install
Disadvantages: Higher models available at similar price

I have been using this processor since building my computer last year, the reason im still using it is because it is a superb processor, these days this processor is sold on auction sights and can be purchased either with the cooler at about a £100 or easily purchased OEM style as just the processor itself. However i managed to purchase mine for a mere 20 pounds off ebay and ive never looked back since. Since then ive ran games such as crysis on ...
...has it failed me even under the stress of crysis. Many consider its clock speed as very poor for a dual core but in my eyes this is a gem for overclocking. I managed with ease to clock this processor from a respectable 1.6ghz all the way up to 3ghz each core. Ive been using it as this speed for about a year now and it hasnt failed me yet. This processor is so overlooked and i think its beauty comes in its price and its potential for overclocking. ... Read review