Is it time to buy?

[DeathOnJuice]

I've been hoping to get a new computer for a while, and I worked a summer job (still in school) for a good amount of money this year. At the time, though, the newest technologies seemed to have been out for a while already (the first-gen Core i7s especially), so I postponed it. Now a use has been found for my old computer elsewhere and I'd really like to pick up a new one, but the same technologies seem to be in place. It may not be logical, but I feel like something new has to be released soon. This may be an unanswerable question, but is there likely big hardware leap/price drop on the horizon, or is it safe to buy now? Of course, if it helps, this is mostly for gaming.

 

[Slugbait]

Historically, Intel usually makes price cuts to their CPUs in February. Due to the Win7 release, that probably won't happen this year (except for perhaps their lower-end and Core2 procs). So let's say April.

nVidia doesn't have an answer to AMD yet. So I don't expect much in price cuts beyond what has recently happened already.

RAM prices skyrocketed a couple of months ago. They'll probably stay there until the initial wave of Win7 machines have been sold.

So yeah, I'd say it's time to buy if you need a machine now.

 

[Corsairs]

I would also agree that now is a good time to jump into the pool. i5/i7 systems can be built for a reasonable price right now. Early next year the i3 will be released, lowering the cost of entry but also the performance potential. Soon after we should see Gulftown 6-core CPUs, but those are likely to be unreasonably expensive for awhile to come. Fermi is on the horizon, but who knows how far away or exactly how it will perform? USB 3.0 and SATA 3.0-enabled motherboards will start entering the market, but again, how soon do you expect to be using devices that take advantage of these interfaces?

All in all, I'd argue this is the perfect time to get your new system. Why wait when performance can be had right now for a reasonable price?

 

[blackangst1]

IMHO the best time to buy is when your current system doesnt do what you need it to do. There really is no "best time". Sure, some times during the year prices may be 10-15% lower than others, but for the most part you can build a good system for a good price anytime if you are patient and keep your eyes open for what you want.

 

[blackangst1]

DP

 

[Blain]

It may not be logical, but I feel like something new has to be released soon.
This may be an unanswerable question, but is there likely big hardware leap/price drop on the horizon, or is it safe to buy now?

If you feel that way, you should not buy at this time.