Upgrading help? AMDx2 or something else?

[JMPHOTO]

Hello all, I plan on redoing my PC for my photography business (heavy Photoshop CS use) I was looking at an AMD64X2 4800 since some I already have 1g of DDR400 memory that will work with it and then add another 2g for a total of 3g. Or is there sommething new on the way that is worth waiting for? I am currently using P4 Prescott 3.2. Also, is an AMD 64 opteron 180 denmark much better performance than a 64X2 4800? I am talking in terms of Photoshop and business apps, NO GAMING on this machine.
Thanks for your honest input. I am just looking to put together a workhorse for my business.

 

[Steaksauce]

Only thing new would be AM2, but details of what exactly are coming out hasn't been released. Only thing that's known is that initial testing of the chips have resulted in minimal gains over the chips of 939 sockets.
The 180 and 4800 are teh same except you can overclock a 180 further because it requires less voltage and runs cooler.

Conroe sounds like it's worth waiting for though.

 

[pkme2]

I just built a Graphic workstation to handle my future photowork. 'My Rigs' will bear me out, and like you, I'm quite discerning about my graphic components.
And I don't game either.

I have a X2 4400+, w/2GB OCZ RAM (quite sufficient) and a FireGL V3100.
A Nvidia Quadro FX card is my next update.

I'm planning to get a 4800+ for my video rig, but it's perfect for your workstation.

I use Illustrator a lot with my Photoshop. My former PS teacher gave me a terrific hint. She said "if you compose your picture properly, you needn't have to do to much work on perfection". I'll always remember that.

 

[JMPHOTO]

pkme2, your teacher is right! I teach photoshop classes and Digital SLR classes. I use photoshop to convert my RAW files from my 16.7 mp Canon 1DSmkII camera so I am generally pushing around some very large files. Sometimes 300 at a time. The full size tiff files from that camera are 48mb. Other than converting RAW, I also use Photoshop for filter effects, B&W conversions and minor retouching. But, you teacher is correct, if you are using photoshop to fix your improperly exposed image files, then you should go back to basics and learn to get it right in the camera.
As for CPU, what is the Conroe all about?

 

[pkme2]

Conroe is Intel's new replacement to their Pentium 4.
http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2713

I like Intel's stuff but couldn't afford them from Day 1, so AMD always had something in my price range.
What I've gleaned from the AT threads is that Intel's CPUs run a lot hotter than similar AMD CPUs.

I'm very satisfied with my AMD in many ways, but the final choice is yours.
My rigs temperatures run roughly 47C at full loads.
All of them are AMDs, and roughly idle about 38C.
I use Yate Loon 120mm/80mm case fans.

I am very impressed with Canon 1DSmkII pics. Its out of my league, but WOW! My Sony DSC-717 feels insignificant.

 

[Howard]

What's your budget? What power supply are you using?

 

[TanisHalfElven]

if your on a budget a x2 3800+ would work best. otherwise any X2 in your price range is great.

 

[imported_UncivilizedAMD]

If you can wait till end of July, then go Conroe. Conroe will be the new dual core performance leader both in performance and performance per buck by a wide margin judging from reviews of ES chips and news stories. 316 bux for the Conroe E6600 looks like the sweet spot, equivalent price to AMD's cheapest X2 (3800+) but can demolish AMD's best chip (FX-60) which is a 1000 dollar chip.

 

[JMPHOTO]

I can wait until July. My budget is about $1200 for CPU, MB and Memory.
I currently have a 550W Antec Truepower 2.0 PS. I plan on getting a Matrox PCIexpress Videocard. I have always had Matrox cards and they seem to be the best for 2D graphics work. I have a new LianLi case that I have been using and plan on to continue using.

 

[JMPHOTO]

Any words yet on the Conroe? Are they expected to run cooler than the P4?