No, it really is.
My head is literally spinning with all of the available options and a fairly tight budget ($600 would be probably max). So here is the skinny...
I was very excited to hear about power savings from possible "hybrid graphics" but it looks like that concept took a big steamer. I really wanted to stick with that concept even if a mATX board, but it really doesnt look like there will be much power savings (except for nVidia) and it looks like that market has died or something. Do I wait for Intel to come out with a motherboard that will support power-saving hybrid technology for ATI cards and Intel processors, or just scrap it and go with something else?
I currently have an HP m7070n and am looking to upgrade for gaming, movies (viewing and burning), music, and internet usage.
Current system consists of:
Intel P4 3.0ghz 64-bit (does it really matter what type, its slow)
generic 450W power supply (or so it states...)
2GB Kingston Value Ram DDR2-667
ATI X800XL
200GB WD 5400rpm HD
TV tuner card (possibly upgrade to HD tuner)
LG L245WP 24" monitor
Now, I am looking to keep as many components of my previous build as possible (including case and misc hardware), and not really looking to upgrade to Vista at this time (still not very fond of it). If I should dump the mATX board and get a mid/full tower case with an ATX board please let me know. I'm also thinking about adding another 2GB of ram and keeping my HD for the time being. I really was entertaining the idea of a Q9450, but I might go e2160 and OC it until quad prices come down more ($300+ eats half of my budget). I would also like to get the new HD4870. I'm trying to keep power consumption on the lower end, but looking at my components, that may not be a real option.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions/comments you guys and gals may have, I'm really lost with what to do here.
Thanks.
My head is literally spinning with all of the available options and a fairly tight budget ($600 would be probably max). So here is the skinny...
I was very excited to hear about power savings from possible "hybrid graphics" but it looks like that concept took a big steamer. I really wanted to stick with that concept even if a mATX board, but it really doesnt look like there will be much power savings (except for nVidia) and it looks like that market has died or something. Do I wait for Intel to come out with a motherboard that will support power-saving hybrid technology for ATI cards and Intel processors, or just scrap it and go with something else?
I currently have an HP m7070n and am looking to upgrade for gaming, movies (viewing and burning), music, and internet usage.
Current system consists of:
Intel P4 3.0ghz 64-bit (does it really matter what type, its slow)
generic 450W power supply (or so it states...)
2GB Kingston Value Ram DDR2-667
ATI X800XL
200GB WD 5400rpm HD
TV tuner card (possibly upgrade to HD tuner)
LG L245WP 24" monitor
Now, I am looking to keep as many components of my previous build as possible (including case and misc hardware), and not really looking to upgrade to Vista at this time (still not very fond of it). If I should dump the mATX board and get a mid/full tower case with an ATX board please let me know. I'm also thinking about adding another 2GB of ram and keeping my HD for the time being. I really was entertaining the idea of a Q9450, but I might go e2160 and OC it until quad prices come down more ($300+ eats half of my budget). I would also like to get the new HD4870. I'm trying to keep power consumption on the lower end, but looking at my components, that may not be a real option.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions/comments you guys and gals may have, I'm really lost with what to do here.
Thanks.