Building a "future proof" system?

Okay, I KNOW there is no such thing as a future proof system. But if you were building a system TODAY, what memory/chipset/cpu combo would you choose that is most likely to have an upgrade path in the future? I really don't want to build my new system on a platform that is already on its way out!

Well, if you want to build a "future proof" system today then I would look at AMD rather than Intel. Intel will be releasing their Nehalem CPU at the end of this year (the Extreme version) with mainstream versions coming out in Q1 2009. Socket LGA775 will die a sudden death when Nehalem is released 'cause it will introduce new sockets.

The bad thing about going with AMD now is their relative poor performance compared to Intel's CPU. That's why they are cheap. In addition, AMD is stuck in a rut, Phenom took too long to get off the ground and it hit a few stumbling block when it was released.

AMD's next CPU will probably be socket AM2+, but given their track record since the release of Intel C2D CPU, are you will to purchase a lower performing CPU now in hopes that AMD will hit a home run next time around? Considering AMD's shaky financial standing, I don't think they will have the money to invest into a "Nehalem killer" anytime soon.

I recently built a new PC and I decided to go with Intel's C2Q, the Q9450, despite Nehalem's mainstream introduction about 10 months from now.

If you want SLI, NVidia 780/790 chipset (790 offers slightly better SLI performance but requires more expensive DDR3 RAM).

Anything else an Intel X38 or X48 motherboard that uses DDR2 RAM. As much as possible 800mhz CL5 or better timing (CL3 or CL4) or DDR3 1066 or 1333mhz CL5, anything higher is wasted as your processor fsb can't keep up.

Processor is simple either Q6600 or Q9450/Q9550 depending on your budget.

Graphics, I'd wait a few weeks. Plenty of affordable high performance cards coming out this month.

SkullTrail ???

heh heeh heh.

Or, take the same amount of cash, build it yourself with similar components that YOU choose, get the same performance and keep 1/2 of it in your pocket.

1. Buy a computer in a developed country.

2. Move to a country where you can't get any new software.


If you were lucky enough to get a CPU and GPU update released close together, and buy them straight away, chances are you would be able to get something twice as powerful within the year to as little as 6 months. Also being an early adopter you'd have to put up with poorer drivers for the GPU early on, and less stable steppings on the CPU that my affect overclocking performance.

Just buy a computer now and upgrade the thing as parts are released/you have the money.

Top end parts always keep their resale value better, as people will want them more for upgrades than midrange, but it's not an excuse to buy them at over inflated prices right after release.

Thanks for all your responses. It *does* seem like an awkward time to buy with AMD struggling and INTEL on the verge of a platform change. I"m not sure what I will do at this point.. most-likely buy a cheap and dirty intel upgrade to what I have.. then in a year or so do a "real" upgrade. Thanks again.