AMD Athlon II X2 250 - Athlon II X2 Regor Dual-Core 3.0 GHz Socket AM3 65W Desktop Processor - ADX250OCGMBOX

Pros: This is my current CPU of choice when building budget dual core computers.

It is only $60 for a 3Ghz dual core in a box with a cooler.
It is only $20 more than the AMD 145 single core.
It overclocks to 3.3Ghz on stock voltage and cooler.

With a $30 aftermarket cooler I had this chip stable at 3.6Ghz at 1.45 volts.

AMD=Value.
$60 for this CPU + $60 for an AM3 880G motherboard + $50 for 4GB DDR3 1600 ram = $170 to upgrade an outdated store bought computer to a fast and current system.

Cons: THERE ARE NO CONS TO BUYING THIS CPU.

I guess you could go budget intel?
Intel 3Ghz dual cores cost $80 minimum..
You would still be on a LGA 775 board...
Might as well just get DDR2 then...

I guess you could go core-i something, but then your in for hundred+ for a CPU alone...

Overall Review: This is a good CPU to use for desktops which main functions are to check email, run MS office, play some browser based games, listen to music, and watch video.
Basic mainstream computing.

I have a Phenom II X2 555BE in one of my other computers to compare this with.
The x2 250 overclocked to 3.3Ghz performs just as well as my 555 on stock speed for $30 less.

Final thoughts are:
If you want a dual core, buy this one.
If you want a 555 or a 565, just buy an X4 640.

Pros: Good Processor.. Handles apps with ease in win7

Cons: AMD is not updating drivers

Overall Review: None