Help, I'm lost

[Vertigo]

I'm currently considering my CPU/mobo/memory upgrade options. I currently have an old S478 Prescott 3.2 on an Abit IC7-G with a gig of Corsair PC3200.

The problem is that I used to be well up on all the latest tech and benchmarks for processors but over the past couple of years I've totally lost track of all the different models, cores and relative performance.

My plan was to go back to AMD (I have no particular Intel/AMD brand loyalty) with a 64 X2 as they seemed to be a much better bet than the P4 D processors but the imminent arrival of Conroe seems to have muddied the waters somewhat. We also have new M2 socket format with DDR2 support arriving soon I think.

What's the general consensus on Conroe? Are there any preliminary tests out there? Would I be best to wait? If not, then what's the best bet with regards to an AMD chip, either at stock speeds or overclocked. Would I be better off going for an Opteron rather than an X2 if I want to overclock? I'm sure I heard something about a particular Opteron model being a very good overclocker.

If anyone has any general advice or can point me at some online articles which will help me get back up to speed I'd be grateful

 

[kmistry]

Atm it seems as if everyone is saying wait for conroe and to be honest, if you can afford to wait, then wait Early benchmark tests have shown Conroe to be beating the pants off AMD your best bet is to google, but if not try this article

http://www.hothardware.com/viewarticle.aspx?articleid=794&cid=1

If you do want to upgrade now then get AM2 as after all it is the new standard for AMD

 

[Mr Jones]

I'm sure I heard something about a particular Opteron model being a very good overclocker.

The Opty 170 - best so far.

 

[div0]

My plan was to go back to AMD (I have no particular Intel/AMD brand loyalty) with a 64 X2......We also have new M2 socket format with DDR2 support arriving soon I think.

Socket M2 - renamed to AM2 - used for X2 cpu's

So basically M2/AM2/X2 are out now!! And yes they require DDR2 ram.

 

[m3csl2004]

Socket M2 - renamed to AM2 - used for X2 cpu's

So basically M2/AM2/X2 are out now!! And yes they require DDR2 ram.

not just x2's they have smepys and venices on there aswell

its out now


wait for conroe - btw, your board if fully boxed "as new" will fetch a mint at auction

 

[Stelly]

I would go for an opty if I was buying now other then that conroe here I come

Stelly

 

[Vertigo]

The Opty 170 - best so far.

Or 165 as I've now discovered.

Surely a 165 clocked up to 2.8Ghz+ has to be the best option if I can find one?