I can't decide - socket 939 or 775?

[Der SchattenJager]

Hey, fellas. I've visited the HardForum several times the past couple years, and I think you guys will be best able to ease my frustration.

It's been a LONG time since I upgraded my computer (~1998, I have an AMD K6-2 450+ ), and have been saving up to build a somewhat extremely-high-end system for the past couple years.

I'm finally ready (with a budget of ~$3,500), and of course, around the time I decide to buy, there has to be this big technology shuffle, so I don't know what to go with.

What I'm looking for most is something that will be the most future proof, since I have a tendency to not upgrade often. That's why my initial reaction was to go with the brand spanking new socket 775. This is what I would buy if I went this route:

Case: CoolerMaster WaveMaster TAC-T01
Mobo: Asus P5AD2 Premium
CPU: P4 550 3.4/800
RAM: 2x512 (667) Corsair Twin2X 1024-5400
PSU: Antec True550
Video: probably the 6800GT if/when it came out in PCI-E
Sound: Audigy 2 Platinum

= ~ $2,000

Now, the problem with that is it's key technologies are obviously very immature (new), such as PCI-E and DDR2. In fact, the high end cards aren't even available in PCI-E yet, so I'd have to wait until they do. Plus it's largely unproven, being a brand new socket/chipset.

Because of this, and the lack of any real present-time benefits, some people think I should go with an AMD 939 based system, namely the Athlon 64 FX-53. This is what I'd get if I went that route:

Case: CoolerMaster WaveMaster TAC-T01
Mobo: Asus A8V Deluxe K8T800
CPU: Athlon 64 FX-53
PSU: Antec True550
RAM: 2x512 Corsair XMS PC-3200 TwinX1024-3200LLPT
Video: 6800GT
Sound: Audigy 2 Platinum

= ~ $2,200

The problem with this is that 1) it seems to be a little more expensive (the FX-53 is friggin' $800+ alone), and 2) it's not on the bleeding edge of technology like the 775 based system.

One thing worth mentioning is that I do a lot of graphics work being a graphic designer by profession. I spend probably a good 70% of my time on the computer using programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, and 3D Studio Max, and I've always heard Intel was better for those kind of applications.

What I want to know is how these two platforms compare, both in gaming and in design applications, and which would be better when looking for something more "future proof". Additionally, are there any suggestions on different components, or does what I have listed look good?

Help me decide!

 

[defakto]

939 is not old technology, 754 is the old technology and will be discontinued in teh long run as it was put out to bring the Amd64 product to the market earlier.

Seriously, where do people get teh idea that socket 754 is bleeding edge, it was the first socket out for amd64 for the consumer level market, 939 is the newer technology.

also, socket 775 does not exsist for teh amd platforms.

As for platform comparison, socket 939 will be moving towards dual core chips int he future but most new chips will be put out for that platform anyway, at least on high end, so it's the safe purchase. I can't tell much on performance between 754 and 929 but only because I haven';t followed it much, you will *probably* get better performance out of a 939 system.

 

[wangFu]

if you have the cash, go 939, its more future proof, and youll get more performance out of the fx-53 than a regular a64
im going on the 754 way because of the cash factor, im not ready to drop 500+ on a cpu -,-

 

[Frallan]

Hmm the guy has an INTEL 775 and an AMD 939 system and compares them not a soc 754 and 939.... Answer the right questions. And in that case he is right in 775 is bleading edge but 939 holds the performance.

Q: Do U overclock?

If so get a Vapochill and a socket 754 3000+ and upgrade when the new 90 nanos and 939 Nforce4 comes out.

 

[wangFu]

heh, sorry bout that, anyways, the 939 is better

 

[Der SchattenJager]

if you have the cash, go 939, its more future proof, and youll get more performance out of the fx-53 than a regular a64
im going on the 754 way because of the cash factor, im not ready to drop 500+ on a cpu -,-

Explain to me how 939 is more future proof. Because it's 64 bit enabled? I was just assuming that 775 was more future proof since it's the one using PCI-E and DDR2.

To answer some of the other questions/comments:

No, I don't plan on OCing.

Yes, I'm comparing an AMD based system and an Intel based system. These are the two platforms I'm interested in at the moment. The 775 because of its possible scalability/upgradability and the 939 because of its gaming prowess.

The reason I'm scared to go something other than the 775 is because of the possibility that PCI-E will become the video card format of the future, in which case, my brand new 6800GT that I bought for theoretical Athlon 64 FX-53 will have to be completely changed out once things go PCI-E.

Add to the fact that with the SLI support for the PCI-E version of the 6800GT and the fact that 775 based motherboards should soon support it, you wouldn't have to REPLACE the video card, just ADD another.

Also, keep in mind I do a lot of graphics work. Which platform is better for that?

 

[Tigerbiten]

Ask yourself are/ will/ do you want to upgrade your software to a 64 bit envioment before you do your next hardware upgrade.
If so then AMD is the way to go.

The other thing is that if you do a lot of Graphics work then you will want 2 Gig of memory as a minimum.
4 Gig would be better as you could handel bigger files with less swop file useage.

Luck.......

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Ask yourself are/ will/ do you want to upgrade your software to a 64 bit envioment before you do your next hardware upgrade.
If so then AMD is the way to go.

The other thing is that if you do a lot of Graphics work then you will want 2 Gig of memory as a minimum.
4 Gig would be better as you could handel bigger files with less swop file useage.

Luck.......

So are you basically saying there's no point in 64 bit enabled hardware since software/OSes aren't 64 bit yet? I can understand that. I think it'll take quite a while for all the software companies to come out with 64 bit software.

About the 2 gigs of memory. I'm not quite sure I'm willing to lay down THAT much coin. After all, I'm doing my work right now with 256. Have been for about 2 years, where before then I was using 128. I'm sure I can manage with 1 gig. But if I have the extra cash, I'll probably go with 2.

Anyway. That still doesn't answer my questions: Which platform is best for graphic work/gaming, and which is the more sound purchase, with thought to the future?

 

[defakto]

Really, as of yet, there are no video cards that take can max out and agp 8x bus, so pci-e, while nice, isn't 100 percent necessary yet. However, if you plan on not upgrading anything for 2-3 years you might as well get teh pci-e as by then the vid cards may need the bandwidth.

 

[Anarchonixx]

However, if you plan on not upgrading anything for 2-3 years you might as well get teh pci-e as by then the vid cards may need the bandwidth.

Not to mention SLI capabilities on the PCI-E cards. It's a tough choice between the 2, honestly. I have no recommendations, just hope you end up happy with your purchase.~

 

[Tigerbiten]

So are you basically saying there's no point in 64 bit enabled hardware since software/OSes aren't 64 bit yet? I can understand that. I think it'll take quite a while for all the software companies to come out with 64 bit software.

No.
I'm saying if in a years or so's time there is a 64bit OS and Graphics programs out with an AMD you could just install them.
Where as with an Intel then you will have to to change your hardware.
But if you dont intend to upgrade to a 64bit OS untill your next major hardware upgrade in say 5 years time then it wont matter which cpu you buy.

An other thing to concider is that AMD is going to be bringing dual cored cpu's out in a year or so.
So you could change you single into a duallie.

Luck..........

 

[Phildeeze]

If you don't plan on upgrading for 2-3 years, it doesn't matter how future-proof the tech you buy now is. By then, I can't see you wanting to keep any of it. If you plan on upgrading the video card in the next year or so, I can see PCI-E being a factor. If you think your next upgrade won't be until 2006-2007, the motherboard/video card you buy now won't matter because you'll be buying a new one.

When you use the term "future-proof" here it doesn't sound to me like you mean "able to adopt new technology as it comes out", it sounds like you mean "able to run the software I want at decent speeds for a while". If that is what you mean, I think either system would be fine, but I'd lean toward the FX-53, since things I've been reading indicate that even 32-bit software gets a boost when running under Windows XP 64-bit Edition.

 

[spencers]

Get the AMD Machine.

 

[Benny Blanco]

If you don't plan on upgrading for 2-3 years, it doesn't matter how future-proof the tech you buy now is. By then, I can't see you wanting to keep any of it.

This is what I keep trying to tell people, but never could get it to come out right. This guy put it pretty well though.

I say don't blow your wad, and stick with what is known to work well.

(unless money is no object )

Anything you get is going to be sufficient for what you want or need at the moment... but think about the point of diminishing returns.

If it were me:
A64 3200+
Low/mid range socket 754 mobo, maybe K8T800 based
1gb RAM
2 x 80gb hitachi sata (RAID 1 mirror)

Regardless of what the future holds, the fact of the matter is this: no matter what you put it up against, A64 on socket 754 more or less holds its own. You can't go wrong.

And if for no better reason, I would stay away from LGA775 and prescotts for their insane power requirements anyway.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

No.
I'm saying if in a years or so's time there is a 64bit OS and Graphics programs out with an AMD you could just install them.
Where as with an Intel then you will have to to change your hardware.
But if you dont intend to upgrade to a 64bit OS untill your next major hardware upgrade in say 5 years time then it wont matter which cpu you buy.

An other thing to concider is that AMD is going to be bringing dual cored cpu's out in a year or so.
So you could change you single into a duallie.

Luck..........

Ah, I get it. That makes sense.

When AMD brings out the dual cored CPUs, do you suppose current A64 motherboards will support it?

 

[Tigerbiten]

AMD roadmap.
Looks like they are going to be an extension of the Opteron / FX chipset.
So hopefully a 940 / 939 pin mobo will work with just a bios flash if needed.

Luck........

 

[Der SchattenJager]

That map leads me to another question. When should I buy, once I decide? If I were to go with the FX-53, would it be best to go ahead and just buy it now or wait? Same with the 775?

With the 775, i'd probably end up waiting until the high-end cards come out in PCIE, anyway.

I'd like to avoid waiting TOO long though. I want to be able to play HL2 around the time it comes out.

And, as someone once said, "Waiting to build a computer only leads to more waiting"

 

[Benny Blanco]

Decisions decisions

Use the force Luke

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Decisions decisions

Use the force Luke

If ONLY!

:mind tricks Intel execs to give me free prototype computers:

 

[4keatimj]

That map leads me to another question. When should I buy, once I decide? If I were to go with the FX-53, would it be best to go ahead and just buy it now or wait? Same with the 775?

With the 775, i'd probably end up waiting until the high-end cards come out in PCIE, anyway.

I'd like to avoid waiting TOO long though. I want to be able to play HL2 around the time it comes out.

And, as someone once said, "Waiting to build a computer only leads to more waiting"

Ultimately, that is your choice. If you want to buy now with what you have decided, do it. If you want to wait a little longer, wait a little longer. The thing with computers is that they change so quickly, technology changes and you have to make another choice, and another, and another...

I would go the socket 754 route, with 1gb of RAM and a 6800GT. Killer system for less bucks than a socket 939 system. But if you want to wait until the high end cards come out for PCI-E, then you should, but only for a little while. The socket-939 looks future proof, and offers excellent performance. If you go that way, you should buy it now. At a high speed, so it stays current for longer

Good luck with it mate

 

[Stiletto One]

Explain to me how 939 is more future proof. Because it's 64 bit enabled? I was just assuming that 775 was more future proof since it's the one using PCI-E and DDR2.

To answer some of the other questions/comments:

No, I don't plan on OCing.

Yes, I'm comparing an AMD based system and an Intel based system. These are the two platforms I'm interested in at the moment. The 775 because of its possible scalability/upgradability and the 939 because of its gaming prowess.

The reason I'm scared to go something other than the 775 is because of the possibility that PCI-E will become the video card format of the future, in which case, my brand new 6800GT that I bought for theoretical Athlon 64 FX-53 will have to be completely changed out once things go PCI-E.

Add to the fact that with the SLI support for the PCI-E version of the 6800GT and the fact that 775 based motherboards should soon support it, you wouldn't have to REPLACE the video card, just ADD another.

Also, keep in mind I do a lot of graphics work. Which platform is better for that?

Same goes for 939 boards. nVidia has nForce4 on the way (with SoundStorm2, which is already a nice selling point), VIA's got something on the way, as must SiS. Right now, the only PCIe support on the Intel side is freaking expensive...and isn't as fast anyway.

DDR2 isn't fundamentally better than DDR; it's just a newer electrical design (which is incompatible) which will allow for high RAM clock speeds in the future.

The futureproofing argument doesn't hold a whole lot of water IMO; 775 is Intel's New Socket, 939 is AMD's New Socket. AMD64 does seem to be a lot more popular with programmers and whatnot than Intel's (rather sorry) EMT64, at least at the moment. I think Microsoft stated a while ago that they will not release two versions of Windows just to support a separate 64-bit ISA from Intel; x86-64, AMD64 style, is here to stay.

Anyway, if you take the 939 route now, you can hold onto everything you already have (RAM and graphics card and PCI cards), buy a CPU, and then wait until a slew of irresistable PCIe stuff (like motherboards) come out. By purchasing then, you'll have reduced your financial impact by spreading out purchases over half of a year. Not bad planning, I think.

Oh yeah, I REALLY don't like the current Pentium 4 offerings. So I'm kind of biased. Sorry, but the things just aren't very competitive with Athlon64s.

***

What are you current specs, anyway?

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Same goes for 939 boards. nVidia has nForce4 on the way (with SoundStorm2, which is already a nice selling point), VIA's got something on the way, as must SiS. Right now, the only PCIe support on the Intel side is freaking expensive...and isn't as fast anyway.

DDR2 isn't fundamentally better than DDR; it's just a newer electrical design (which is incompatible) which will allow for high RAM clock speeds in the future.

The futureproofing argument doesn't hold a whole lot of water IMO; 775 is Intel's New Socket, 939 is AMD's New Socket. AMD64 does seem to be a lot more popular with programmers and whatnot than Intel's (rather sorry) EMT64, at least at the moment. I think Microsoft stated a while ago that they will not release two versions of Windows just to support a separate 64-bit ISA from Intel; x86-64, AMD64 style, is here to stay.

Anyway, if you take the 939 route now, you can hold onto everything you already have (RAM and graphics card and PCI cards), buy a CPU, and then wait until a slew of irresistable PCIe stuff (like motherboards) come out. By purchasing then, you'll have reduced your financial impact by spreading out purchases over half of a year. Not bad planning, I think.

Oh yeah, I REALLY don't like the current Pentium 4 offerings. So I'm kind of biased. Sorry, but the things just aren't very competitive with Athlon64s.

***

What are you current specs, anyway?

Here are my specs as it has remained largely unchanged for the last 3-4 years:

Processor: AMD K6-2 450+
Mobo: FIC VA-503+
RAM: 2x128 PC100 SDRAM
HDDs: 1x20GB WD, 1x6GB Seagate
Case: Some old steel AT case
Sound: SoundBaster 16 ISA PnP
Video: ATI Rage Fury 128
CD/RW: TDK 32/10/40B
CD-ROM: some 40x that doesn't work
NIC: Kingston KNE20 ISA PnP
Modem: Creative Labs Modem Blaster 28.8-33.6 PnP
Monitor: Samsung SyncMaster 753DF 17"
Mouse: Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer
OS: Windows 98SE

So do you think it would be best not to go all out, then? I'd be OK if all I had to upgrade in the next couple years was a motherboard and CPU, but the reason I wanted to go with PCI-E was for the hope that I wouldn't have to change out my video card any time soon.

I've also heard another form factor is in the works, BTX, which will necessitate a new case purchase. So maybe it WOULD be better if I didn't go so high-end.

But since I haven't had a decent computer for a LONG time, it's kind of hard to resist going all out. I'd like to know what it's like to run one of the fastest computers on the market for at least a LITTLE while.

 

[Buckus]

I had the same problem when purchasing my upgrade..whether 'twas better to wait or to go now. But with computer stuff, there can be more advantageous times to buy in terms of pricing on the same equipment, but overall, you pretty much have to buy what is available now and bite the bullet and try not to regret your purchases. There will always be something bigger/better/faster 3-4 months down the line, but you will not have had the pleasure of using that faster computer for those 3-4 months.

BTW, I would not get the FX, I would go with a Socket 939 Athlon64. Yeah, it has 1/2 the cache, but it's also a lot less expensive. But that's just my wallet talking.

 

[4keatimj]

BTX is a standard Intel devised to get the processor near fresh air. But there is little to no gauruntee that AMD will follow it, or whether the standard will get accepted at all. So no need for panic there just yet.

If you can afford to go all out, there really is nothing stopping you. I mean, if you want it to last as long as your current one, then you should.

 

[wallijonn]

just about any 775/925 combo you buy now will probably be obsolete within 4 months as the higher fsb procs will be out then, probably at 1066 MHz.

DDR2 is twice as expensive as DDR400/PC3200; which is why some mobos are coming out with 865 dual channel, agp and a 775. for a balanced system you probably want a $400 cpu with $400 worth of memory and a $400 video card. the 64 bit P4s will be out soon.

Since I refuse to do VIA I would have to go with a 939 and nVidia. 939 mobos may still be too expensive for some. you'd probably want that 2 gig of mem here, too.

I would get an Intel 875PBZLK (EE capable), a Norwood 3.4C and 2 gig of mem. (4x512). That should hold you for about 2 years.

the Intel price cuts due out in a few days do not seem to be extended to the norwoodies. i hope i'm wrong. there may yet be a 478 3.8E coming out this year. now if they would only come out with a 3.8C.

No matter what video card you buy today it will be obsolete in a year. PCI-E may be nice but do you really think that ATI and nVidia will stop making them (agp) in 2 years time? unlikely. if they are working on SLI today why can't they come out with dual core GPUs in an agp?

if you plan to go with 64 bits, expect to change every piece of software on your machine. everything will probably be settled in 2 years. By then you'll be able to buy dual core cpus. so anything you buy today will be obsolete in 2 years. sooner or later AMD will increase their fsb, etc.

wait a few days until Intel drops their prices. then wait some more until the 1066MHz procs come out. then wait a little more until the higher fsb AMDs come out. by then you'll be able to buy the PCI-E cards you want with lower priced DDR2. figure another 12 months.

the reason I wanted to go with PCI-E was for the hope that I wouldn't have to change out my video card any time soon.

Doom IV may be out by then.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Okay.

I'd like to know what all of you would do in my situation.

You're ready to buy now. You have a budget of $3,500. You're looking for something that runs design programs well AND games well. You want to plan for having to buy new hardware in a year or two.

What do you get?

 

[Buckus]

Okay.

I'd like to know what all of you would do in my situation.

You're ready to buy now. You have a budget of $3,500. You're looking for something that runs design programs well AND games well. You want to plan for having to buy new hardware in a year or two.

What do you get?

Sounds a little like Dennis Hopper asking Keanu Reeves "You've got a bus that will blow up if it slows below 50MPH and you don't know where it is. What do you do?"

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Sounds a little like Dennis Hopper asking Keanu Reeves "You've got a bus that will blow up if it slows below 50MPH and you don't know where it is. What do you do?"

And I guess your response should be: "Whoa."

 

[Frallan]

A decent not to expensive 754 board 100$
A 754 2800+ - 3000+ ~150$
2*512 matched memory (no the 754 is not dual but U will want it in november) OCZ 3700EB is a good suggestion.
A good graphics card.
A good PSU (~500W) + case
A cheap but reliable HD now (but big since U'll use it as File storage in November)

Build it together and then in november December when the A64 90nm are out on 939 with the new Nforce4 get that and 512MB normal 3200 mem and a Maxtor10.

Then build your new 939 together in the new case and put your 754 on the old and use it as Backup. This will be both more futureproof as well as fast. U will only have "wasted" 250 $ of your budget and will be on top for a lot longer then if U buy now.

As for 775 bc of the PCIe. - If U dont want to upgrade in 1-2 year why want a PCIe?? Neither programs nor cards will be using more then the AGP8 for some time any way. Your better of getting the futureproof socket 939 and CPU then the Futureproof PCIe.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

After reading some benchmarks, I've decided that the 3500+ is the best deal...and I might go with that.

 

[Stiletto One]

Okay.

I'd like to know what all of you would do in my situation.

You're ready to buy now. You have a budget of $3,500. You're looking for something that runs design programs well AND games well. You want to plan for having to buy new hardware in a year or two.

What do you get?

Holy shit! $3500?!

What do you mean by "design programs", anyway?

Um...for that much, I guess one of the current Intel-based PCIe boards isn't quite so expensive after all. If that's what you want (PCIe, not necessarily Intel), get your storage, RAM, and graphics card(s) sorted out before pricing out your processors.

And maybe you can get away with a dual Xeon box at that price point, although I'm not quite up to date on that side of the market.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Holy shit! $3500?!

What do you mean by "design programs", anyway?

Um...for that much, I guess one of the current Intel-based PCIe boards isn't quite so expensive after all. If that's what you want (PCIe, not necessarily Intel), get your storage, RAM, and graphics card(s) sorted out before pricing out your processors.

And maybe you can get away with a dual Xeon box at that price point, although I'm not quite up to date on that side of the market.

Design programs = Photoshop, Illustrator, Quark, 3D Studio Max, Flash, Dreamweaver, et. al.

the $3,500 is the maximum I'm willing to spend. So far, I'm coming in about $500 under that.

This includes in addition to the CPU, Case, RAM, and motherboard:

2 10,000RPM 74BG WD Raptors
Klipsch Pro-Media Ultra 5.1
GeForce 6800 GT
Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro
NEC dual layer DVD/RW
Sony DVD-ROM

 

[Stiletto One]

Hmm.

Got a good reason for going dual Raptors? (No, RAID0 is not a good reason.) Try going single Raptor (or dual 36.7GB, if you REALLY want a RAID0 array) in addition to a nice 7200rpm drive or two for mass storage.

If you're really audio-sensitive, consider getting an M-Audio Audiophile 2496, with a basic Audigy 2 ZS for gaming purposes. And audition some Creative GigaWorks speakers; I prefer them to the Klipsh ProMedias, they seem a bit flatter on frequency response.

Here's a VERY pricy motherboard. With an onboard SCSI controller with (limited) RAID functionality. And both PCI-Express AND PCI-X.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Hmm.

Got a good reason for going dual Raptors? (No, RAID0 is not a good reason.) Try going single Raptor (or dual 36.7GB, if you REALLY want a RAID0 array) in addition to a nice 7200rpm drive or two for mass storage.

If you're really audio-sensitive, consider getting an M-Audio Audiophile 2496, with a basic Audigy 2 ZS for gaming purposes. And audition some Creative GigaWorks speakers; I prefer them to the Klipsh ProMedias, they seem a bit flatter on frequency response.

Here's a VERY pricy motherboard. With an onboard SCSI controller with (limited) RAID functionality. And both PCI-Express AND PCI-X.

Dual Raptors in RAID 0 not a good idea? Why's that? I did the math, and technically, you get more space for the money with the 74GB (74GB are like $2/GB, 36.7 are like $3/GB). Anyway, I want at least one Raptor. By why not 2 with RAID?

Also, why the M-Audio AND the Audigy 2 ZS and not just a Audigy 2 ZS Plat. Pro?

And...I've never been a big fan of any speakers Creative has come out with. If I were to choose an alternative to the Klipsch, I'd probably choose the Logitech Z-680

 

[Benny Blanco]

Have you been running all those design programs on that AMD K6-2 450?

Frallan put it best. Get just enough to get you by, and then when what you want comes out, splurge on that. The more you splurge now, the less you will have to splurge later.

From the little bit of info I've read, the 90nm A64's are sounding pretty damn good. So good in fact that I would either spend as little as humanly possible on a pc now, or just wait altogether.

Along the lines of what Frallan said, I'd build a machine in such a way that when the 90nm A64's and nforce4 comes out, all I have to do is just swap out the motherboard and cpu for the new goods.

I'd probably get a microATX A64 mobo (under $100), a A64 3000 (under $200) which I would later put into a nice small slim microATX case that would be perfect for a backup, a second machine that doesnt take up much space, or a lan gaming rig.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

Have you been running all those design programs on that AMD K6-2 450?

Yeah....

Frallan put it best. Get just enough to get you by, and then when what you want comes out, splurge on that. The more you splurge now, the less you will have to splurge later.

From the little bit of info I've read, the 90nm A64's are sounding pretty damn good. So good in fact that I would either spend as little as humanly possible on a pc now, or just wait altogether.

Along the lines of what Frallan said, I'd build a machine in such a way that when the 90nm A64's and nforce4 comes out, all I have to do is just swap out the motherboard and cpu for the new goods.

I'd probably get a microATX A64 mobo (under $100), a A64 3000 (under $200) which I would later put into a nice small slim microATX case that would be perfect for a backup, a second machine that doesnt take up much space, or a lan gaming rig.

That's why I'm thinking about the 3500+. It's not TOO much, and in a year or so I could justify buying a new mobo and CPU.

 

[Benny Blanco]

If $459 is not too much for you, I'm not sure if I should be happy for you or feel sorry for you LOL

(Sorry, don't mind me, I need a job lmao)

Seriously though, that's a $300 difference that you won't ever notice. You could put that into a VIDEO CARD, something you WOULD notice.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

If $459 is not too much for you, I'm not sure if I should be happy for you or feel sorry for you LOL

(Sorry, don't mind me, I need a job lmao)

Seriously though, that's a $300 difference that you won't ever notice. You could put that into a VIDEO CARD, something you WOULD notice.

Money grows on trees, didn't you know?

But yeah. I don't think I'd have too big a deal spending $459 if it gives me a year or so of play.

 

[Der SchattenJager]

So will someone tell me why RAIDing two 74GB Raptors is a bad idea?