best time to buy'n'build?

[neilm]

I was waiting for the dual DDR ram with their supporting motherboards.. (supposed to be about a few weeks time?), well anyways.. I figured since this is all new, I'd have to wait a couple of months for reviews and stability tests, by that time it'd be just before christmas and prices will be sky high cause everyone would be on a spending spree, so would the best time be january?

Looking to buy a video card also.. so nv30 might be released, which inturn may drop the price on its ti4?00 range.

Am I way of the track here?

 

[kgraeme]

I agree with your assessment of where things are going. The best time is always two weeks away.

 

[neilm]

Hehe, yea.. I've always been putting it off and made my mind up with getting a certain setup that included rdram.. it was only until I noticed a few weeks ago dual DDR will have almost the same speeds.. so why do with rdram when DDR ram is upgrade friendly and cost efficient? So, since I've been putting it off for so long I'll definitely be getting it, it's just since coming up to christmas and it getting new (not tried and tested) it has to be put of for a little while longer, if ya get what I mean (not that I'm waiting for anything else..)?

I take it prices during christmas time is alot more expensive compared to january (january sales, so to speak)..

 

[kgraeme]

Right on all counts. There are people that will tell you that if you're going to buy, now's as good a time as any since things are going to change in two weeks. It doesn't matter when "now" is and what's coming in two weeks, it's just that you can't win so just buy and be happy. I agree with that somewhat, but I also figure that if I don't need to buy now, if I'm just wanting something cool, then I can wait and wait and see what shakes out. I've saved thousands that way.

Of course, I just purchased a new ti4200 because I'm finally playing a game that doesn't play well even at low settings on my current card. I know 9700 prices will fall. I know NV30 will be coming out. I also know that I want something now and by the time my ti4200 card is no good, the prices on NV30 products will be much, much cheaper than at introduction.

(Also note the quote in my sig of what someone called me.)

 

[Lint21]

kgraeme: Just curious, what game was it that forced you to upgrade? UT2K3 has been pushing me closer and closer.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

this thread kinda made me laugh cuz i just went thru this with the wife a few weeks ago. she knows next-to-nuthin about computers but heard me talking about building a clawhammer soon with the latest nvidia card, etc. well, i let her know about a month ago that it evidently wasnt gonna happen anytime soon cuz of delays. but i still had the huge urge to build.

so i bought an xp1600, ti4200, antec case, sk7, 512 sammy 2700, WD 80 caviar. my wife's like "what the hell? i thought everything you wanted was delayed?"

i explained to her that our son's p3 350 optiplex was getting too old for him (he's 5, btw) and he needed an upgrade.

"and yer gonna give him this new one?" she asked, instinctively knowing damn well that i was gonna give him my p3 600 and use this new one for myself until i'm ready with the next build in about 6-12 months.

she may know nuthin about computers, but she sure knows me.

i say, build now. everytime u do, u learn something else new and hone the craft a bit more. and, yeah, build again in another six months or so too.

deadseasquirrel

 

[KavMan]

Just buy now if you have a American Express Gold Card

They have a Best Value Guarantee
With the Best Value Guarantee, you'll pay the lowest price available on items purchased with the Card. If you see a covered item advertised in print for less than you paid within 60 days of the purchase date, we'll refund the difference to you, up to $250 per item

Best Value Guarantee assures the lowest price available on purchases made entirely with an eligible American Express Card in the U.S. Refunds are limited to $1,000 annually per Card account. We will gladly honor your request for a refund on a savings of $10 or more. For more details or to file a request for a refund, call 1-800-557-8317. Coverage is subject to certain Terms, Conditions, and Exclusions.


Good stuff!

 

[kgraeme]

Originally posted by: Lint21
kgraeme: Just curious, what game was it that forced you to upgrade? UT2K3 has been pushing me closer and closer.

Mafia. It runs like crap on my system. I think it's because the game requires a DirectX8.1 card and my Radeon 64 came out before that spec.

 

[ndee]

It's ALWAYS the right time to buy'n'build cuz there ALWAYS will be something better and faster a month later.