need help with system upgrade

[Cr0nJ0b]

Any advice would be appreciated.

I curently have an ASUS A8N-E, 2GB RAM, 7800GTX, AMD3200+ on WinXP.

I'm looking for suggestions on upgrades...

should I go to the X2? another graphics card?

different Mobo? maybe a sound card?

or...will I only see a minor improvement for the upgrades considering the cost?

any thoughts?

 

[Xcobra]

if i were you, i wouldnt upgrade and wait until next year to see how the cpu market is doing, but if you cant wait, id also consider the price cuts that amd is planning for the x2s next month but again these are good if you do lots of multi tasking or if youre ready for change, go for Conroe?...about video card, id keep the one you have unless you have nothing to spend your money on, then id get like an x1900xt or something, but your system is good...imo

 

[jkresh]

you wont see much of an improvmeent over the 7800gtx (wait for dx10 cards next spring) going to an x2 (my 4400 will be up for sale soon ) would probably be your best bet in terms of price/performance change.

 

[pcoffman]

Originally posted by: Cr0nJ0b
should I go to the X2?

Yes. You have a single-core CPU, so dual-core would be a nice upgrade.

or...will I only see a minor improvement

You should see an improvement in the snappiness of your OS. Also if you use any multithreaded apps, they will show improvment.

If you go with the 939 platform, as opposed to AM2 platform, you should be able to use the memory that you have.

I would wait until after July 23 or 28--whenever it is that desktop Core 2 launches--because the bottom is supposed to fall out of the prices of almost all current chips.

If you want the next big thing, you will have to switch platforms and go with Intel after July 23/28.

 

[Cr0nJ0b]

Thanks,

that's what I'm looking for. I would say the best bet based on advice would be waiting for prices to drop, then I'll jump on an X2 processor.

questions: What about conroe? I've seen hot benches on it, but I have a problem with Intel and their heat and power issues. I would like to stay with AMD, unless there is a compelling reason to move... ie, if Intel has a good speed advantage and isn't a huge price difference...(not going to happen probably).

also, what about a sound card? I've been using the Mobo sound for a while, but I see lots of people with the new audigy cards...and I'm wondering if that is a good place to buy right now?

thanks

 

[pcoffman]

Originally posted by: Cr0nJ0b
What about conroe? ... I have a problem with Intel and their heat and power issues

It looks like Intel has licked their heat and power woes, and come up with a faster processor at the same time. This shows Core 2 using up 21% & 23% less power than its AMD and NetBurst counterparts at idle, 16% & 19% less under full load. Here's another page that shows comparative Core 2 power figures under stress.

I would like to stay with AMD, unless there is a compelling reason to move

If you're a performance junky, but it doesn't sound like you are. Also, if you want to stave off obsolescence for as long as possible, and put off upgrading for a longer time, then I would recommend the new CPU. If you don't mind a trailing edge strategy, and upgrading slightly more frequently, then the X2's a bargain.

if Intel ... isn't a huge price difference

Expect to pay at least $200-$300 for the new CPU, plus you will need new DDR2 memory. Some of the other dual-core chips are supposed to drop to under $100.

also, what about a sound card?

You can always get an Audigy later if the onboard audio doesn't meet your needs. Onboard is enough for most people, maybe not audiophiles.

 

[Skott]

Wait until at least first of August and then look at whats availble (all components and not just procs) and at what price. Then ask yourself again.

 

[cmrmrc]

imo, get a cheap X2 like a 3800 when their prices drop, and wait til next year to make a bigger upgrade