To upgrade or not to upgrade CPU now, later, never?

[JaBro999]

Since Socket AM2 has arrived for the Athlon64 X2 and is coming for the Opteron line, is time quickly running out for me to purchase a dual-core Socket 939 processor to ensure the long-term viability of my current system?

I am running an Athlon 64 3200+ at 2.2 GHz (not very ambitious, but the chip isn't much of an overclocker) on a Socket 939 DFI LanParty which I purchased at the beginning of this year. My long term "investment protection" plan was to switch to a dual core Socket 939 processor at some later time. I would like to avoid buying a non-Socket 939 processor (AMD or Intel) for another couple of years, since it would require replacing the motherboard and memory as well.

Would you recommend a CPU upgrade now while Socket 939 processors like the Opteron 165 are in good supply?

Would waiting until the end of the year / early 2007 drastically limit my Socket 939 options?

Or, should I stop worrying and wait until my current system isn't up to snuff for whatever game I want to play (Half Life 2 - Episode 7) and then see what my options are?

Just curious about what people think.

Thanks!

 

[beemercer]

Welcome to the forums.

I would suggest a S939 x2 3800+, only $152 on Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

If what you have is doing the job for you, why upgrade? Don't join the ranks of the upgrade for geekdom's sake crowd. Save your money for when you need to upgrade for the way you use your computer. Let the 'bleedin edge bleed.'

 

[Noubourne]

I don't think you need to feel rushed right now, but I bet dual core 939s start to get scarce in late 2007.

They'll announce it when they discontinue manufacturing 939s. I think you have a while yet.

 

[deadseasquirrel]

What are you using your computer for? What do you hope a faster (or dual-core) CPU will accomplish for you? Also, you left off an important piece from your rig sig-- your monitor. That component makes a huge difference in determining what resolution you're system is capable of playing games at. i.e. if it's 1024x768, your 6800gs is likely fine and you could use a faster CPU to improve gaming performance.

However, if your LCD forces you to 1600x1200, your money would be much better spent on a faster video card, and your CPU speed (even dual-core) wouldn't provide much, if any, peformance increase.

 

[Spikesoldier]

just crank your 3200 the highest it can go

i have a hard time believing that your chip cant go very high, be sure that you are doing it right.

 

[Bobthelost]

Don't upgrade if you don't need to.

 

[myocardia]

While I've always agreed with the "don't upgrade if you don't need to" school of thought, if you've got $150, I can just about guarantee you that any new X2 3800 will do 2.6 Ghz, on any Skt. 939 DFI motherboard. Of course, not if you don't know how to overclock. What core is your 3200?

 

[JaBro999]

I would like to thank everyone the responses to my question.

As suggested, I updated my signature with my monitor info (SyncMaster 193p).

As for my current 3200+, it took 1.475 v. to get to 2.2 GHz and run stable for long term SuperPi / Prime95 / Sandra Burn-In tests, which made me a bit concerned about how high I wanted to push the chip. I'm sure that I could go higher, but I didn't want to have to crank the voltage to > 1.5 or consider an after market cooler for optimal stability. Since I was happy with my HL2 framerates at 1280 x 1024 I didn't see the need to fiddle with further overclocking.

I am definitely leaning towards just enjoying what I have for the time being, though that X2 3800 for $150 is awfully tempting.

My original intention was to put off any upgrades for some time yet, but I believe (could be mistaken) that AMD is about to shift all production to Socket AM2, and I wasn't sure if there would be decent/cheap Socket 939 CPU upgrade options 6-9 months from now.

Thanks again!

 

[NuAlphaMan]

As everyone has stated, you do have some time. There is no need to upgrade for upgrading sake. If your PC is still serving you well, save your money. AM2 will be taking over for 939. I'm certain an announcement will be made before they do away with 939 technology. Continue to enjoy your current rig!

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: NuAlphaMan
As everyone has stated, you do have some time. There is no need to upgrade for upgrading sake. If your PC is still serving you well, save your money. AM2 will be taking over for 939. I'm certain an announcement will be made before they do away with 939 technology. Continue to enjoy your current rig!

personally don`t upgrade if you don`t need too.
It seems as if alot of people who are gaming and over clockers are the main ones who are jumping on the new Intel chips.

Yet personnally I am waiting for intel to introduce there 16 core Kazunka Chip that will have 16MB L1 cache as well as 32 MB L2 cache!!
Good Luck!!

 

[xgsound]

I say if you ever might want to upgrade, do it now while the parts are not only avaliable; but at a reasonable cost too!

By the time they announce that 939 is over, the prices will go up if you can get parts at all.

From your system specs it appears that you may do some audio and video decoding and/or burning. If nothing else does, this should benefit from dual core with current programs immediately. That should serve you well until there is a dramatic improvement in performance per dollar.


Jim

 

[deadseasquirrel]

It's often hard to plan the right upgrade at the right time. X2 3800+s falling to such a cheap price (compared to where they used to be) is very tempting. And, trust me, I get a case of upgradeitis often too.

Like others have said, wait until your current system can't handle something at the settings you play at, THEN look into what would be the best upgrade. It might be that X2 or, more likely in your case, it might be the video card.

Let's take the upcoming BF 2142, for example.

Your 6800GS gets 25.1fps at 1280x1024 with 4xAA. Not smooth for a FPS. As you can see from that chart, a $230 7900gt will just about double your performance at those settings. At those settings, there's really no CPU upgrade that's going to offer the same kind of performance increase.

Whether or not you want to play 2142, you can see an indication of how an upcoming (and likely popular) game is going to be handled by your current system.

And, all of this advice is based off of your gaming habits. If you use, or begin using, your system for more CPU-intensive activities, such as video encoding, an X2 would be a great upgrade, whether it improves your gaming performance or not.