Future proofing, is it worth it?

[kanati]

I'm planning on building a new system some time in the next few months (my first homebuild). My current system isn't all that dated, but a poor choice of motherboards has limited my upgrade possibilities. The current chip is a CD2 E6400 and the best I could go up to is an E6700. I'd like to avoid being stuck like this with my next build. So my question is, will spending the extra for a Core i7 based system (with the more expensive boards and ram) pay for itself in the future by allowing me better upgrade options 3 or so years down the road? Or should I just worry about what gives the best price/performance now?

Also, what gives the best price performance ratio in the $1,000 price bracket right now (taking into account that I'm carrying my 8800gt over to the new system)?

 

[jaypamps]

I'm planning on building a new system some time in the next few months (my first homebuild). My current system isn't all that dated, but a poor choice of motherboards has limited my upgrade possibilities. The current chip is a CD2 E6400 and the best I could go up to is an E6700. I'd like to avoid being stuck like this with my next build. So my question is, will spending the extra for a Core i7 based system (with the more expensive boards and ram) pay for itself in the future by allowing me better upgrade options 3 or so years down the road? Or should I just worry about what gives the best price/performance now?

Also, what gives the best price performance ratio in the $1,000 price bracket right now (taking into account that I'm carrying my 8800gt over to the new system)?

yah Id like to know this as well.

 

[ohiou_grad_06]

Well you could always look at either an amd socket am3 board and phenom 2, or at an i7.

 

[jaypamps]

there ARENT any good AM3 boards tho and even if you find one....

there are almost no AM3 CPUs LOL!

 

[WR2]

My current system isn't all that dated, but a poor choice of motherboards has limited my upgrade possibilities. The current chip is a CD2 E6400 and the best I could go up to is an E6700. I'd like to avoid being stuck like this with my next build.
Also, what gives the best price performance ratio in the $1,000 price bracket right now (taking into account that I'm carrying my 8800gt over to the new system)?

What motherboard do you have?
List the other components as well (including monitor size/resolution, case and PSU)

Are we talking a gaming system here?
You might be better off getting a new motherboard and giving the E6400 a nice boost through overclocking and upgrading the video card.

 

[Zorg]

There is no protection against the future. Do you even need an upgrade?

First determine whether you need an upgrade.

Is there something that you want to do that you can't do now?

Ask your questions with that in mind, otherwise keep what you have.

 

[kanati]

It's true, I don't actually need an upgrade. My dad is looking for a new system but needs XP for work software. My system dual boots vista and XP so I've offered to sell it to him and put the money towards something new.

The specs are:
-Intel Core 2 E6400
-Asus P5LD2-VM
-2x1gb ddr2 5400(?) OCZ
-Antec NeoHE 430
-Nvidia 8800gt (which will be joining my new system)
-WD 250gb HDD with XP
-Seagate 250gb HDD with Vista
-Antec Sonata II

 

[kanati]

I use it for some gaming and photo work. Right now I'm playing supreme commander, which really pushes the E6400 to its limit.

 

[Zorg]

It doesn't matter what you do, your PC will be old in short order.

Get what makes you happy, but don't expect it to last.

I'm waiting for the octo-core, with 16 threads.

Time marches on.

 

[WR2]

I don't actually need an upgrade. My dad is looking for a new system

Now I'm not a family relations specialist but I say help your dad get the shiny new PC now while you wait for the mainstream Core i5 CPUs and motherboards due out later this year.