Build now or wait

[mect]

I am debating whether I should build a new computer now or wait until Christmas. When I say now I guess I really mean the end of June. Just to provide perspective, I'm currently running a p III 800 mHz system. Yes, I can still get by on it (I probably just think that because I don't know better). I use it for word processing, editing digital pictures, messing around with music, homework and stuff, and when I have time, games. I usually don't get a game until it has been out a year and I can pick it up for about $20. If I were to build a system this summer, the specs I was looking at were somewhat as follows:

mobile athlon xp 2400
nforce 2 ultra mb
512 mb ram
Radeon 9800 pro

I've pretty much set a $600 budget, will need a case, but not a monitor. So, with that kind of a budget and with my needs (as I said, I could make it til christmas on the one I have), would I be better to build this summer, or wait until December when all the new stuff has come out and settled down a bit.

 

[dullard]

There are a lot of new things coming out in the coming months. In a budget situation like yourself, the biggest issue (to wait for) will be the video card. In early May, ATI will have their newest line and NVidia will be going strong with their latest release. If I were you, I'd pay close attention to that area. No one really knows what ATI has to offer. By June you should be able to get any of these cards, but you might want to wait one generation for prices to settle (end of summer).

I see no other reason to wait. Nothing else that is significant will be coming to the low end computer you are after.

 

[theNEOone]

you might want to wait for pci express, but since you're running a PIII 800, i'd say upgrade now. you're not going for any top of the line components, so waiting till december is probably the wrong decision. you'll probably pay premium for ram right now though. june would be a good time to upgrade IMO. as dullard explained, many of the new cards will be rolling out, and will thus lower the prices currently. ram prices might take a dip also.

however, the 9800pro isn't really a good choice for someone that's playing games that are a year old, but if you can get it for $160-170, then i'd say go for it.


=|

 

[airfoil]

Based on your current rig, it wont hurt to wait, IMO.

 

[gsellis]

Wait.

Remember that when you do go to buy, it will always be cheaper and faster soon after that. There is always something new coming and what is fast now will be cheaper. So, at some point, you just do it and shrug your shoulders when the newer, cheaper comes out. It just will, so get over it 😉

 

[GeneralGrievous]

The way I see it, decide when you want a computer and buy it now. New stuff is always on the horizon. Only exception would be before a MAJOR release, such as Geforce 6800 series or Athlon 64 series, etc.

 

[Special1Sauce]

Wait patient one!

 

[Duvie]

You are obviously not buying bleeding edge stuff so I don't see the real reason to wait....

1) The cpu 2400+ will not change much in price regardless of newer chips coming out since it is so bargian basement now...

2) Ram is starting to climb drastically with changes of low supply be greaer in hte next few months so waiting here is going to cost you...

3) Mobo nothing special there prety damn good price now...


4) the only thing I see is the the 9800pro....It is quenstionable what the price drop on this will be...I see the R420 being priced much higher then current 9800pro so in my gut I don't see it move much for awhile....


So sum it up!!! BUy NOW and search deals for the best prce 9800pro....

 

[Markfw]

What Duvie said. And newegg has a 9800 pro for $175 (refurb). I already had to rma one refurb that I got for $165, and it cost me $8 to ship back, but they credited me that. My next refurb has been delived ($175 for this one) and I will reply back tonight and let you know if it works, since they still have more like this for $175.

 

[PanzerIV]

I agree with what most of the posters have suggested to go ahead in June and get your new system. As was mentioned you're not on the cutting egde now and with that budget you won't be which is fine because everybody doesn't need or want to be. Seeing as how many things will probably come down even more by June (RAM unfortunately will NOT be one of them), what's available now will give you a dramatic increase in speed and performance leaving you with a smile on your face and on target for your budget.