Wait for newer Conroe mobos or build now?

Zinthar

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Aug 1, 2006
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I'm getting ready to build an Allendale (E6300 or E6400...not sure which yet) rig, but I'm debating over whether I should wait and see what the nForce and other mobos bring to the table.

I've already decided on an ATI Radeon X1900 XT and have no plans of doing Crossfire or SLI in the future (I'll just sell my X1900XT and buy a powerful single card when I go to upgrade), and my 500W Enhance PSU probably is too weak to pull off Crossfire or SLI anyway.

My main concern is overclocking potential & stability with the E6300 or E6400. Right now, the Gigabyte DS3 is (from what I've read) an excellent choice for this goal, but before committing to it I was wondering what mobos are on the horizon. Ideally, I'd like something that could handle Kentsfield if I ever want to upgrade the CPU without changing mobos. I know the DS4 is coming, but I'm not sure what it offers over the DS3.
 

brianlam425

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Jul 27, 2006
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dont get a x1900xt..you would be better off getting a 7900gt or x1800xt, both of which are better

imo, upgrade now. the only thing that will happen is newer technologies coming out, but ask yourself if you really need it, and what will you use it for. just because there's kentsfield cpu's coming out doesnt necessarily mean you need them

 

Zinthar

Member
Aug 1, 2006
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Ummmm...I think you're confusing the x1900xt with the x1900 gt. The X1900XT carries the exact same features and shaders as the X1900XTX (the highest X1*** series ATI card) and the only difference is that it's clocked slightly lower (which can be corrected with an OC), whereas the 1900 GT is the budget model that was supposed to compete with the 7900gt.

Based off of everything I've read, it's X1900GT/GTO < 7900GT < X1800XT << X1900XT < X1900XTX. Depending on how much value you put into the superior image quality of the X1900XT & XTX, you could probably put the 7900 GTX somewhere amongst them high-end 1900's.
 

Hidden Hippo

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Aug 2, 2006
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There have been some incredible overclocking feats performed with an Allendale/DS3 combo, some reaching an FSB of 450+. If you want a Kentsfield compatible mobo (quad core if I'm not much mistaken) then the DQ6 has the same overclocking features as the DS3/4 and also has support for quad core processors. As for the X1900, go ahead. They are fantastic cards and will be high end until the DX10 becomes mainstream (about 1.5 years in my opinion).