Bit of a Dilemma

[polomint]

Keep Opteron 146, good for 2900, at least.

Replace with 3800 x2 at current price.

Conroe is not an option for some time.



Spec is:

DFi Lanparty NF4 Ultra-D
ATI X1800XT
1gb Corsair 4400c25

 

[Tetras]

What are your uses (of the PC )?

 

[polomint]

Bit of gaming. Surfing. Semi-serious Overclocking. Nothing very heavy.

Occasional fit of 'must learn to design, etc. something using my PC'

My main concern is for the future as I probably won't be spending very much for ages, shall i bother, do you think?

<...could spend money>

 

[a1ex2001]

I'm in exactly the same situation, I'm looking at the falling prices of the 3800 and thinking I could get on of those but is it worth it from my current 146. I would describe my PC usage as general I do a bit of everything. My main motivation is that by the looks of things getting an X2 on 939 in six months could be akin to finding rocking horse poo.

So I guess the question is would buying a 3800 now not hit my performance to much and give me better future proofing as more multi-threaded stuff comes out?

 

[Chris Beard]

Moore's Law

Let’s be honest, when it comes to computer parts it never makes financial sense to buy now when you could buy later - future proofing is a silly concept. Sure, this chip may not be available for your socket in 6 months time, but then something else might be, or the reduction in price may allow you to buy another mother board.

The only reason to upgrade when you don't really need to is that it's fun. So the question really is; does the fun outweigh the cost. If not then put the cash in a bank account or other saving scheme with a view to get the most out when you think you'll next want/need to upgrade.

 

[maranello168]

make the switch to dual core, do it do it

 

[polomint]

Must resist....

 

[verbal]

Let’s be honest, when it comes to computer parts it never makes financial sense to buy now when you could buy later - future proofing is a silly concept. Sure, this chip may not be available for your socket in 6 months time, but then something else might be, or the reduction in price may allow you to buy another mother board.

The only reason to upgrade when you don't really need to is that it's fun. So the question really is; does the fun outweigh the cost. If not then put the cash in a bank account or other saving scheme with a view to get the most out when you think you'll next want/need to upgrade.

If you had hit the nail on the head any harder the hammer would have shattered.

I'd like to think that is what I would have written had i got to this topic before you.