New Build Worth it now?

[napes22]

I've been wanting to rebuild for a few months now but haven't taken the plunge. Current system is in my sig. I've done a few upgrades with the CPU and Video card, but would really like to do a full rebuild with Quad Core or i7. i7 is a little pricey right now so I'd want to stay away for now.

That being said, would it be worth for me to upgrade from my system below to a Quad core or Phenom system? My motherboard is an AM2 and not compatible with the Phenoms so I can't just buy a new chip. Or should I keep my current system and wait for prices to come down?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Guess all this comes down to what your system needs are? Are you in need of a faster system?

 

[napes22]

My system performs fine on XP, and games run well, but I always have the itch to upgrade . I've always had trouble lasting more than 3 years on the same build. I've hit the ceiling when it comes to CPU as I don't think AMD offers a better Dual Core for AM2, and while I love Lian Li cases, the airflow isn't terrific and mine is fairly outdated. The bottom line is I'd like to rebuild.

I'd like to make the switch to Intel and wanted to get something that is upgradeable. I guess the main question would be then is the performance jump from AM2/AMD Dual Core to Intel Quad Core worth it, or should I wait for i7 prices to fall?

 

[Blain]

Sell your sperm, plasma, whatever in order to upgrade now.

Carpe Diem!

 

[JTP709]

When I put together my first build in 2004, i got screwed because withen a few months AMD went to a new socket, PCI Express replaced AGP, and DDR2 and Dual cores were on the way. So I never upgraded because if I did I would've had to replace my CPU, Mobo, and Video card, never got the money for it.

ATM the current sockets for AMD and Intel are the newest, DDR3 is affordable, and PCI-E is still a long way away. The only thing on the horizon i can see coming is the new i5 from Intel and USB 3.0 which can be added with a simple PCI expansion card.

IMO right now is not a bad time to buy, as graphics cards are only ~$200 for the high end stuff, and AMD offers great performance for the dollar on top of Intel. Personally I think that the i7 is just overkill for gaming, where the extra $200 for an i7 920 and mobo over an PII x3 720 and mobo isn't worth the 15 extra frames per second.

But in the end its whatever is the best deal you can find on the internet, whether it be Intel or AMD.

 

[napes22]

Yeah I kinda want something that will last me a while - I love building new PC's but I don't want to have to do it all over again in a year to keep up wtih the technology.

 

[JTP709]

Trying to build a system that will last 3 to 4 years is impossible, even a 2k or 3k system will be outdated by software and hardware and will need an upgrade in a couple of years. Instead of building a real enthusiast rig that cost over $2k, you'll be better off building a mid-range system for ~$1250. A mid range system will play every game available now on high settings, and will last you a while. In a 1 to 2 years you can do a simple graphics, memory, and/or CPU upgrade to keep up as technology changes, and then in the next 1 to 2 years build a new rig. This way you'll get the most for your money and be able to play whatever games are on the market. Even when Crysis came out, mid-range systems could play it, the only justification for a 3k system was if you wanted to play it on the highest settings and maybe bragging rights for having a 3 way SLI.

 

[napes22]

If I were to go AMD, would I go AM2+? Are the AM3's anywhere near? For Intel, the 775 is still standard right?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: napes22
The bottom line is I'd like to rebuild.

I'd like to make the switch to Intel and wanted to get something that is upgradeable.

Either wait until Fall/Winter for the Core i5, or get a Phenom II now. Hit the front page of Anandtech to see a few Phenom II articles, such as this one which states "With the latest introduction of the Phenom II 955BE and the Phenom II 945 AMD now owns the midrange of computer performance."

Besides the high end Core i7, there is socket LGA 775 but supposedly there are no more CPUs coming out for it.

 

[JTP709]

AM3s are less expensive now, and if you want the latest DDR3 memory to better "future proof" (as much as one can really futureproof a PC) it might be worth the extra $40 or so. DDR3 memory is also much less expensive now and can be found on sale throughout the interwebs.

LGA 775 is the C2D and C2Q standard, but I think it is going to be replaced for the i5 CPUs that are supposed to replace the Core 2 price points (please correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[napes22]

how far away are the i5's? Will they be worth waiting for money vs. value? Or is Phenom II the true value option right now? I was hoping to move away from AMD since I've made it with my last 2 builds, and the last time I had some driver issues (most likely because I went with a Foxxconn mobo)

 

[napes22]

I just realized my question was answered above by Zap.

I know it might just come down to my personal preference and whether I can wait until the i5's, but can anyone give me their opinion in terms of my current build, vs rebuilding to Phenom II or waiting for i5?

Just trying to get an idea of if an upgrade is worth it at the moment.

 

[JTP709]

Honestly, if I were you I would wait. I'm building a new one now, but take a look at my system in my sig lol. an AM3 triple or quad CPU will do more in CPU intensive applications than it will for gaming, and going to a 4870 won't make much of a noticeable difference. Judging by this review there is no gaming difference between a core i7 and dual core AMD because its bottlnecked by the GTX 260 gpu. Unless you go to an SLI - Crossfire, or GTX 285 - HD 4890 you be taking advantage of the i7.

I would wait till Windows 7 is officially released and the i5, you're rig will definitely last that long. That way, you can really see what hardware best takes of Windows 7 new features, and if Intel can deliver on the i5 and AMDs response to it.

 

[bob4432]

what do you use your computer for?

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: napes22
My system performs fine on XP, and games run well, but I always have the itch to upgrade ...

Resist the urge.

Computer hardware will always be faster, cheaper and more capable 'just down the road'.

I'm not a big fan of Vista - others feel different. If you are getting the performance you need now, why bother?

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

i would wait.

 

[brblx]

i7's are going to see a big price drop eventually. you're buying into new tech and it's always priced to reflect that.

the machine in your sig is fine, if you want better gaming performance, upgrade the gpu, otherwise i think a 6000x2 should cut it for a pretty good while.

 

[imported_Imp]

I was about to build a new system a month back, but decided not to. While money is a partial issue, Windows 7 is the bigger factor for me. Hardware right now seems good. Most of the tech is new, I don't know of anything completely new coming out within the next few months.

When I bought my current machine, I made the mistake of buying an AMD 6 months before C2D debuted.

 

[supertle55]

Foxconn C51XEM2AA- 8EKRS2H
AMD X2 6000+ | Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro
4 GB CORSAIR XMS2 DDR2 800
HIS HD4850 w/ ICEQ Cooler
CORSAIR CMPSU-520HX
1x400GB Seagate | 1x150GB Raptor | 1x74GB Raptor
Lian-Li PC-7B Plus II
Creative X-FI XtremeMusic


If that is your system, I don't know why you are looking to do a full rebuild for. You can easily get 2 more years without feeling any pain until the very end when trying to play the latest 3d games.

I just did a full rebuild of my Pentium 4 D 2.6ghz with 1.5gig RAM, 250 GB HD. This old PC lasted me for a good 6 years I think. I am now a proud owner of an I7 920 @ 3.66ghz with 1.5TB, 6 gb RAM, ATI 4890, etc system that can spit out anything with ease. Even if money is not a factor, its a waste of time putting together a system and testing it. You have to spec out everything, design it, and then the ordering/assembling part. Even if you enjoy all of that, it still takes time. Continue enjoy what you have and you will love your next new build so much more.