Debating if I should buy this...

[ptech]

Hello everyone! I am looking for some advice... I was thinking about buying a GeForce 7950 GX2 (the one with 1GB GDDR3! nice... for around $600) and either an Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 (around $600), or... if I really want to spend the money, an Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (around $1,150). (prices based off of microcenter.com)

Now first, with the graphics card, just like all other types of hardware, Im wondering how long it will be before a new and improved version of a graphics card will come out. Does anyone know any info if there is another graphics card in the works (which im sure there is)? Then again, I think 1GB of GDDR3 will be up to date enough to run most of the upcoming games that will be coming out, and with its support for SLI, I'm sure I'll be fine with purchasing this card. Now that I tought about it while typing this, I'll prolly pick up this card.

Now, with the processors... after looking at the difference between both of these chips, unless microcenter.com is misrepresenting the information, the only real difference is that the X6800 is ~300mhz faster. Unless I am missing something, why is there a ~$550 difference between these 2 processors? Also, right now I have a 3.0ghz Pentium D processor, how much of a performance boost do you think I'll see between the proc I have now and if I purchase one of the Core 2 Duo's?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ViviTheMage]

DX10 should be arriving soon for the newer line of cards.

I am not sure on exact dates when this will happen though.

either way....that is a SEXY card .

 

[smopoim86]

the xtreme has an unlocked multiplier.... if your not OCing it's not worth it

 

[ptech]

Am I going to see a noticable difference between my Pentium D 3.0ghz and the Core 2 Duo E6700?

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: ptech
Am I going to see a noticable difference between my Pentium D 3.0ghz and the Core 2 Duo E6700?

Very different.

 

[ptech]

And I'm assuming by 'Very different' you mean that in a positive way... I hope What exactly is the biggest improvement on this proc, the 4MB L2 cache?

 

[Baked]

Expect to have your work done in half the time w/ the new CPU.

 

[soydios]

There's a host of architecture improvements/revolutions (compared to the previous Intel desktop processors; it's actually not too different from the Intel mobile processors) with Core 2 Duo.

 

[UsandThem]

Now first, with the graphics card, just like all other types of hardware, Im wondering how long it will be before a new and improved version of a graphics card will come out

Usually six months max. One year if you are lucky. Unless it is ATI, they seem to release a new variation of their cards weekly.

 

[ptech]

I was just looking around online and I see that there are reviews for a 7950 GX2 XXX, with the core and RAM slightly overclocked. I cant seem to find it to purchase anywhere online... am I just not looking hard enough?