Yet another system upgrade query - but wait for Nehalem?

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8 Nov 2007
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Hi all,

I've got my system running quite nicely as you can see in my sig, so of course what is the next stage? Replace it! Yeah I know it doesn't make sense when you look at it that way...

Anyway. I'm planning on a motherboard/cpu/ram/gfx upgrade, as I can then also use those bits in my gf's computer, so she can get an upgrade too. She's currently on a P4 with 6800GS on AGP. So going to an overclocked Q6600 with the 8800GT will be a big boost for her.

My first question is, with Nehalem round the corner, is it worth waiting for it? Is it going to bring any huge increase? Is it even known that it will bring such a big increase yet? I'm suspecting it will be the first system to make proper use of DDR3. it's using the X58 chipset, correct?

If not Nehalem (and I am willing to wait a couple of months), what would you recommend for a system now? I can distill my questions down to a few points I suppose.

Dual core or Quad core? I have to say I'm leaning toward the E8400 or something over a Q9550. It's cheaper, seems to clock better (I like to overclock, but not extreme), and while I play a few games that support dual core (eg warhammer) I don't do much that can tax 4 cores, as far as I know.

Motherboards. I've been okay with this 680i one, but I would probably step back to an intel chipset. Can someone point me in the direction of the difference between P45, X38 and X48 chipsets? Also, I suspect I would go single PCI slot rather than crossfire, unless someone thinks it's a really good idea. I have been wary of how flaky some games etc have been with SLi.

Graphics cards. 4870 for sure. Is it worth going for 1G version? I don't think I'd go 4870x2 right now as they're noisy.

For Ram, I think I can work it out, though I'd stick with DDR2 I think.

Also, I have issues with my Tuniq Tower not fitting really well in my case, and I don't find its performance to be amazing, what would you recommend instead? Quiet is as important as good performance.

Thanks in advance guys, have to say I'm looking forward to upgrading already! Well it is almost christmas ;)
 
Can someone point me in the direction of the difference between P45, X38 and X48 chipsets
Target Market:
P45 = Mainstream
X38/X48 = Enthusiast

Crossfire support (maximum, may not be implemented by board manufacturer):
P45 = PCI-E 2.0 8X/8X
X38 = PCI-E 2.0 16X/16X and PCI-E 1.0a 4X
X48 = X38

Southbridge:
P45 = ICH10 series
X38 = ICH9 series
X48 = X38

Maximum official FSB:
P45 = 1333 FSB
X38 = 1333 FSB
X48 = 1600 FSB

Maximum unofficial FSB:
P45 = Beyond 1600 FSB
X38 = Beyond 1600 FSB
X48 = X38

Manufacturing Technology:
P45 = 65nm, TDP (max est) 22 Watts
X38 = 90nm, TDP (max est) 26.5 Watts
X48 = 90nm, TDP (max est) 30.5 Watts

Feature set conclusion:
Pick P45 for single card setup or mid-range Crossfire.
Pick X38 or X48 for high-end Crossfire.

Known compatibility issues:
X38/X48 with HD 4870X2 cards (P45 unknown).
 
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