Tough decision to make...which will yield most benefits

[Neptune3000]

Gentlemen, I have a delemma.

I cant deicde whether to buy the swiftech APEX water cooling kit, OR get a dual core cpu. Here is the problem.

-I want to get water cooling so I can get a faster CPU for all my multi tasking etc, BUT getting a double core CPU would solve that problem.

-the dual core cpu comes in a combo, so there is the possibility of getting a dud chip.

-the water cooling will cost 210 at the most and the cpu combo 379+cost of PCIe video card.

I am looking for the choice which will yield the best benefits. I just want WC so i can OC to get a faster PC. If i get the dual core combo it might be a dud and the mobo sucks for OCing.

Any suggestions?

P.S. I am also a tad poor(school)

 

[Overkiller]

If you are a tad poor the system you have is more than adequate. What do you use it for. Video/audio production, gaming, server, etc...

 

[Neptune3000]

Originally posted by: Overkiller
If you are a tad poor the system you have is more than adequate. What do you use it for. Video/audio production, gaming, server, etc...

A lot of multi-tasking. Stuff like photoshop, maya, audio encoding, burning CDs, etc.

Did i also metion my setup has changed somewhat?



A64 2800+ at stock due to unstable OC caused by XP120
DFI 754 NF3 UT
1gig Crucial RAM (512x1,256x2)
ATI Radeon 8500LE
74GB WD Raptor;160gb seagate; 160gb maxtor
Antec Performance II Case w/Antec SL400 PSU
4 case fans; 2 in, 2 out



I guess the cheapest alternative would be getting a sempron and OCing the hell out of it w/ the water cooling.

 

[The Green Bean]

I would get the Dual core. Your 2800+ doesnt have too much overclocking potential left in it even on water seeing that you already have gotten it to 2.5giggers.

 

[The Green Bean]

Also if you use photshop and maya and do that much multitasking, the most beneficial would be an extra gig of RAM.

 

[Neptune3000]

Originally posted by: hatim
I would get the Dual core. Your 2800+ doesnt have too much overclocking potential left in it even on water seeing that you already have gotten it to 2.5giggers.

hmmmm, good point!

 

[imported_itr]

faster cpu > WC, any day.