Should I get 3700+/7800GT or X2 3800+/6800GS?

[DL402]

I wont be overclocking and I want this to be future proof...

I know the 3700+ setup will be better for games, and the 3800+ will be better for multitasking, but I can't decide. I want this rig to last 5+ years too. Is there a huge increase in performance in games with the 3700+ setup compared to the 3800+?

 

[AzNPinkTuv]

7800gt will last quite abit longers then the 6800gs

 

[TomSM]

I don't think any of your setup will last 5 years. In fact, there isn't any setup that last 5 years. Computer technologies are moving so fast. Seriously, if you're on budget, get 3700+/6800GS. Otherwise go x1900xt/x2 4400 or better.

Originally posted by: AzNPinkTuv
7800gt will last quite abit longers then the 6800gs

Yeah, 7800GT will last 1-2 years.

 

[classy]

5 yrs? That is a long time, especially considering without overclocking, your talking mid-level performance now let alone in 5 years. I would say suck it up and get the 3800 x2 and the 7800gt. If you are dead set, I would take the 3800 x2 and get a good 6800gs like the XFX XXX edition or the evga CO.

 

[BernardP]

The 3700+ / 7800GT is the safest, best balanced option for gaming. It will have a longer useful life, as the 7800GT is on average about 33% faster than the 6800 GS in games.

This 33 % translates to about a year of added longevity

I have seen a test (X-Bit Lab I think) showing that a 2.2 Ghz A64 processor, like the 3700+ is about the best match for the 7800 GT. You don't want your GPU to be limited by the processor, and you don't want to spend additionnal money on the processor if there is very little performance increase.

With the 3800+ X2 / 6800GS combo, you will be trying to rely more on a stronger processor to keep up-to-date in games. But better results in games with the X2 processors is dependent on software patches and hope that future games will better take advantage of dual-core, probably with mixed results. And in any case, the most demanding games are limited by the GPU, not the processor.

Also the 6800GS is based on the previous generation of nVidia GPU's. There are more functionnalities in the 7 series.

I know everybody is saying dual-core is the future, but I think your safest bet at the current time for a gaming system that will stay in the race for the longest time is to go with the faster GPU (7800GT) with a well-matched single-core CPU (3700+).

 

[Avalon]

If I wanted to last five years, I'd really try to get the 7800GT, but I think a dual-core will be very important in the coming years. Is there no way you can save up a bit to get the X2 3800+ and the 7800GT both? That's the only way I can foresee you lasting that long.

 

[Furen]

I agree with Avalon. Try to get the X2 and the 7800GT if possible.

The way I see things it seems that CPUs are evolving at a much slower rate than video cards, so a dual-core CPU should easily last you quite a few years. A video card, on the other hand, will probably need an upgrade down the line simply because of new effects, more shader operations, etc.

 

[Dadofamunky]

Me three. The 3800X2 and the 7800 GT are a really good fit (see sig).

 

[BernardP]

Yes, 3800+ X2 and 7800 GT is a good match but pricier than alternatives in original question.

For a lower-priced but well-matched combination, you could pair the 6800GS with a 3200+ or even a 3000+.

 

[Gamer X]

3700+ is a waste of money,you can get 3000+ or 3200+ ,overclock it
and spend the saved money on a 7800gt.I would get 3800+/6800g if
I were you though.

EDIT: yeah, if you can get the 3800+ and the 7800gt that would be great.

 

[starwars7]

EDIT: nevermind answered my Q

 

[hooflung]

I have a X2 and a 7800GT, no complaints here.