C2D Buy now? Or wait until april? or longer?

[gamebro]

Well, while struggling to get even 20fps on lowest settings in OBLIVION, I realized today that my AMD 64 3200 (single core) 754 motherboard, with 1gb ddr 333 ram, 6600GT 128mb, just isn't cutting it anymore

I've had this rig for years, and it is time to upgrade..... Or is it?
Countless threads of infinite information has my head spinning, and my brain fried like a honey roasted peanut! 8O I hope you experienced fellows can help me come out with a good game plan for what, and when I should buy a new rig.

I have long been an AMD fan, but I see by many charts, and testimonies, that the core 2 duos are dominating right now, especially for overclocking which is something I would very much like to do (even though I don't know much about it).
I have heard about the rumored intel price drops coming on april 22, but dang am I tired of waiting! Will the price drops be significant or slight? Xbit labs says the E6600 will be 224... Is this accurate?
also--

(QUOTE FROM XBITLABS) " in early Q3 we expect them to launch Core 2 Duo E6x50 with 1333MHz bus, which are also supposed to be priced very attractively."


Dang, so I suppose this means that if I buy a MOBO that only supports up to 1066 now, I am really gona regret it when the hot new 1333 comes out in 4 months? Or will those be bad overclockers?


I do have a reasonable budget here, but I don't wana throw money away if this is a bad time to jump in. I was thinking of just getting a E6300 with 2gb ddr2 800 ram for now, overclock the bejeezers out of it, then slap in a QUAD CORE when they are cheap, and actually used by games in oh say..... 1 year?

But for now.... My rig isn't cutting it anymore... I mean seriously, I need a new rig. So what should I do?

 

[NMDante]

If you can wait a little longer, then just wait and see where the items you are looking to buy end up (in the price scale, that is).

If you just can't wait, well...you can always get what you said you were thinking about, and drop in another CPU later (that is, unless a new motherboard is needed, which is sometimes the case).

 

[Trunkz_Jr]

I would just wait until April for their price cuts, Thats what i'm doing [I already have $3000+ saved up, and now even more since i'm waiting lol]

After that, it's pretty much Video Card. with saved money, for me to either get the 8800 Ultra [what Might come out April] or wait till the R600 comes out. ^_^

 

[locky28]

The 8600 series won't be released till a bit before, or at the same time as when AMD releases the R600. That's my IMO and I think that's what Intels marketing department would be planning on.

Trunkz, I was facing the same problem of to wait or not to wait, so I said f*ck it, bought a FSB1333 compatible board an didn't wait. I'm glad I didn't now but I'm sure I'll feel diferently after april price drops

 

[elcold]

After that, it's pretty much Video Card. with saved money, for me to either get the 8800 Ultra [what Might come out April] or wait till the R600 comes out. ^_^

Nvidia doesn't use the ultra tag anymore, its more likely to be 8900 GTX.

 

[gamebro]

I forgot to mention.... My ancient 754 mobo.... (please don't laugh) does not have a PCI X slot!

Indeed, that is another big reason why I need, and want to build a new rig, as my AGP options are quite limited (and also very expensive).
Sure, I could buy the ATI 1950pro 256mb AGP card, and play oblivion fine now, but I would basically be throwing $200 away later when I do finally get a PCI X mobo.
I see the 8800GTS is $250ish (from newegg deals-rebates). That is definately up my alley, but I will need a PCI X mobo....
Uhhg..... I guess I shall have to just live with nintendo 64 quality graphics until late april....

Thanks for the advice guys

 

[chungdokwan]

I'm making an assumtion which always tends to be a dangerous thing anyway but if your running a socket 754 board with a 6600GT you will probably have to upgrade your power supply as well.

Honestly I'd hold out a bit longer then grab a core 2 duo system of when the price comes down a bit.

*edited for general lack of literacy skills*

 

[Trunkz_Jr]

Really? I saw on some places like these -

I also get more news about 8800 ultra and dates then an 8900 gtx comming out around R600. [Or maybe i'm wrong, not sure lol]

http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/video/display/20070316211223.html

and

http://digitpedia.com/video/the-geforce-8800-ultra/

I hope the Intel Price cut involes the QX6700 cause thats what i'm gonna be gettingz ^_^ Right now its $1178 CAD at DirectCanada, i'm hopeing it drops to about $900-$950 CAD.

 

[gamebro]

The dark side is more powerful then you could possibly imagine!


And to chung-- yep, my 450W power supply definitely needs to go too. What do you guys recommend for a core 2 duo with 8800gts or gtx? 650-750 watts right? Will I ever need more? Any generic 650W PS is good right?

 

[slashzapper]

The dark side is cool 8) plus Black is my colour :lol: