Upgrade Question

[Wurrmm]

I have been pretty consistant with AMD CPUs and AMD based systems but and getting to that point where I want to upgrade. This is basically going to be a gaming system. I am currently running the following:
A7N8XDeluxe
AXP1700+
2x256MB Corsair DDR (Not the new XMS)
GF3Ti500
I basically have 2 choices:
1.
Upgrade CPU to Barton XP2800+
2.
Get a Springdale based mobo when it comes out and one of the really fast Intel P4s 2.5ghz+

As far as my GPU is concerned, I will get either a 9700 pro, 9900 pro when it comes out, or the Next Nvidia NOT THE GFX.

The biggest reason for asking all of this is that I don't know much about Intel machines and was wondering if it would be worth moving to the springdale? I plan on getting Corsair TwinX1024 PC3200LLPT since I hear the springdale has dual DDR400. I am having trouble deciding whether I should or should not wait. I really don't need to upgrade now but want to before summer. This upgrade also has to last me a long time, like 1-2 years. Or should I wait for the Hammer? Will the hammer support Dual DDR? Sorry for all the questions, I don't keep up with all the newest stuff like I use to.

 

[cmdrdredd]

wait until they're reviewed before you comit. It's still far off.

 

[Chaotic42]

Is there anything that you can't do on your computer that you want to? If not, I wouldn't mess with it yet, unless you've got money to burn. *Maybe* a new video card. That would be about it.

 

[compudog]

Welcome to AT!

Either choice is a good one and will last a while. When I did my latest build, I was going to go with Intel, but they keep changing chipsets, and CPU sockets etc so frequently that I opted for AMD instead. I am now running an Athlon XP2100+ and I know with my nForce 2 board (A7N8X) I can move to the Barton core with a simple flash. Just my .02. If your rig is giving you decent performance now, just wait until the next wave of stuff comes out. The Hammer chipset (Crush K8 from nVidia) is supposed to support dual channel DDR IIRC.

 

[Wurrmm]

I don't plan on getting anything until May. But I want to do some casual research before then so I can start getting the necessary funding together. There is so many new things comming out and more around the corner that it is making upgrading a real hassle. I remember the good old days P2s and K6s. Life was much simpler.

As far as getting a Hammer system, I will wait on that until DDRII is mainstream and cheap....so around mid 2004. But I want to beable to play Dues Ex 2, Tomb Raider AOD and Doom 3 without any problems and with good speed and quality. May is that magic month for me, so I can only hope there are alot of reviews. I have around 2000 bucks I can drop into my upgrade. I think I have it narrowed down to either a Barton 3000+ to 2800+ or P4 3.06 w/HT and Springdale chipset. I am quickly losing faith in Nvidia as far as graphics cards go and can only hope something new comes out. You think Nvidia will have something new out by May?