Originally posted by: mpmdpz
The 3400+ would be an excellent choice if I was a gamer, but i think it would burn up if it was doing these things at the same time:
Composing a program (exrememly large files and intense graphical items)
Creating and editing a video file (around 50GB)
Creating a software script
To put it in simpler terms, it is like having 50 Doom 3 games running at the same time.
:::SIGH:::
Now how is that possible? It's within 3% performance of three of the chips you have listed? Within 6% of the other two.. You're gonna notice 3%? While at the same time it's 200-400% cheaper. I would notice that.
I don't think you're looking for bang for the buck at all. Ether that or you don't know what it means. Here allow me to explain:
Any first year economics course will explain price/performance curves and how they affect consumer spending. The sensible consumers are the ones that take a detached, unemotional view of buying. This leads to money saved and spent elsewhere where it can better accumulate. It's a fundamental, accepted concept. It's so childish, they don't even bother writing a formula for it. If something costs twice as much it should be twice as good. Or in the case of CPU's twice as fast.
Those chips you have listed are an emotional and a foolish choice right now since it's performance does'nt scale with price. This purchase is not based on an extensive cost/benefit analysis. There is little or no consideration of price/performance ratios. You want hype and you're going to pay a haevy premium for it.
Perhaps you like paying a premium because it sets you apart from the rest of the rabble as being refined, in tune, special.....something powerful you they can tinker with and brag about? There is a definite sense of community because you' know that the vast majority of people have not invested as much money into their computers.
Fine get the FX's, EE and thousand dollar processors. I'll scoff at your "bang for the buck" thread too.
Most OTOH buyers take a more common approach to puchasing. Obviously by it's popularity. They had a rough idea what level of performance would satisfy their requirements, and they compared many products to see which one offered the most performance for the least money. Rationally they understand that the -400-600% price premium would be better spent elsewhere than for 3-6% performance gains. They are not cheap, or poor, or tight-fisted. They simply would rather use that money for something more productive. Like a better video card or SLI. Huge monitor. comfy chair and the like...or even better bank it..or buy stock like I sugessted.
This is the 3400.
