CPU Price Projections

[WhiteEagle]

Since I like to rip DVDs to my HD, it would be a good build choice for me to go C2D or even quad-core in my new build right?

Probably with the proper mobo, I could see good gaming perfomance, am I right here as well?

Just curious, asking before I put my plans in ink on paper (ink's very hard to erase! ).

[Panda Man]

I'm very exceited to see the prices fall. I didn't think they would fall like this so fast though. I wonder why.

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by One4yu2c

The quick answer is no, it's not worth upgrading to a C2D if you already own a solid X2 platform. If I was buying today, undoubtedly it would be a Core 2 Duo foundation, but to upgrade from a 3800+ X2 would be a sideways move in terms of real world performance.

The longer answer would depend on what you do with your system. If you're heavy into encoding (not casual or typical usage), then an argument could be made that it's worth the jump. But most users just aren't going to see a difference outside of benchmarking, and the money spent overhauling your platform could go towards other upgrades with more tangible performance benefits.

That's a great little real-world comparison (which I am always interested in hearing about), thanks!

As for the new Intel processor shuffles, I am particularly excited about the E4XXX series; can't wait to see how those perform with the 800 MHz FSB. That little $113 gem looks like a winner to me!

[One4yu2c]

Originally Posted by WhiteEagle

Since I like to rip DVDs to my HD, it would be a good build choice for me to go C2D or even quad-core in my new build right?

I wouldn't invest in quad-core right now; wait for the software to catch up with the hardware, and by that time, quad-core will offer a far better bang/buck. But I would seriously consider a C2D for any new build, as previously mentioned.

Originally Posted by WhiteEagle

Probably with the proper mobo, I could see good gaming perfomance, am I right here as well?

By far, the single most important component for gaming is the videocard. Everything else matters relatively little, assuming you have a modern machine. You won't see a licks worth of difference in your gaming between two motherboards with all other parts being equal, and I'd suggest choosing your mobo based on the features you need (overclocking? dual LAN? SLI? etc) and reliability.

[Capper]

Paul is exactly correct...all the way around. The new Quad Cores are just like the Pentium D Dual Cores, the Pentium D wasn't truly a "Dual Core", it was two single cores jammed together....the new Quads are just two Dual Cores jammed together........Wait until INTEL does it right, or wait for AMDs Quad Core solution.

Video Cards make the single biggest difference when it comes to gaming and eye candy......but unless you have to have the biggest and baddest system, you can easily get away with a companies mainstream card and see no ill effects.

When it comes to motherboards you have ease of use, stability, features, and overclocking......it all comes down to what you need. If you just want a good solid board that runs well and has a good bundle.....ECS, Foxconn, and Gigabyte are good choices, Overclocking? DFI and ASUS. ASUS makes arguably the best all around boards, but they cost a lot more than the others.....so take in account what your goals are before buying.

[jph1589]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

That's a great little real-world comparison (which I am always interested in hearing about), thanks!

As for the new Intel processor shuffles, I am particularly excited about the E4XXX series; can't wait to see how those perform with the 800 MHz FSB. That little $113 gem looks like a winner to me!

I'm starting to see a few of these around and I noticed that you can pre-order the E4300 in about 30 stores online. Some are estimating 2-3 week delivery. The price is at $186 and above, but these are all no-name stores. So it should be cheaper when it hits the Egg.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Man, quad-core is like mouth-watering...

[Tyreal]

The quick answer is no, it's not worth upgrading to a C2D if you already own a solid X2 platform. If I was buying today, undoubtedly it would be a Core 2 Duo foundation, but to upgrade from a 3800+ X2 would be a sideways move in terms of real world performance.

Thank you! I have some money from Christmas and I am trying to figure out what I want to do with it. I was thinking of either selling my X2 S939 platform and going C2D or getting a mid-range video card (probably an x1950 pro). I'm certainly going to buy the videocard now and stick with my X2. Thank you for the insight Paul.

[wtcnbrwndo4u]

Originally Posted by Tyreal

Thank you! I have some money from Christmas and I am trying to figure out what I want to do with it. I was thinking of either selling my X2 S939 platform and going C2D or getting a mid-range video card (probably an x1950 pro). I'm certainly going to buy the videocard now and stick with my X2. Thank you for the insight Paul.

You have a 7800GT. Wait a few months for a DX10 card man. Of course, you can buy the X1950 Pro and give me your 7800GT as a Christmas present!

[Tyreal]

Originally Posted by wtcnbrwndo4u

You have a 7800GT. Wait a few months for a DX10 card man. Of course, you can buy the X1950 Pro and give me your 7800GT as a Christmas present!

I've been thinking about that but there are some reasons why I am considering buying the X1950 Pro.

1) The X1950 Pro is cheap. 230 will net be a pretty strong card that will most likely be able to play these new DX10 games decently.
2) I'm not keen on buying first generation parts. A.K.A Not a pioneer.
3) Therefore not interested in using Vista until it settles down.
4) As I stated earlier, it will be able to play DX10 games, just without some of the new flashy effects but in the end it will look just as good on a DX9 card.

though I'd gladly jump on a 8800 GTS for less than 400 dollars.