Whats out there?

[-=WooDWorKeR420=-]

I have been considering doing some kind of upgrade to my machine, but dont have the unlimited budget that some people do. While I know that there are threads out there about people asking this forum to recommend them processor, however that is kinda what I am doing.
I have not followed ALL of the news regarding the processors, and have started to do my research, however I would still like to know what other people are suggesting as an upgrade to my existing set-up.

My specs are in my sig.

Thanks to any input

 

[3far4shot]

Your current CPU isn't that bad, i still remember when people where going crazy over the E6600, plus they are still very good when OCed. Also my bro has a Intel Bad Axe 2 board, there great.

You should definitly upgrade that video card a 2900XT will pretty much get you no where, i suggest maybe a Ati Radeon 3870 if you are on a budget, if not get a 4870.

If you want to future proof your system, theres always Quad Core CPU's. You can get a Q6600 and try and OC it or get a Core 2 Extreme if your pretty rich. 45nm CPU's are out now and they run cooler and OC better, but your board doesnt support them, so you can get and 65nm Core 2 Quad CPU(Q6600, Q6700 and what not)

 

[RamonGTP]

Your system is pretty decent. What applications are you using that aren't seeing the performance you'd like them to have? This would determine what (if anything) should be upgraded. The 3870 isn't much of an upgrade over a 2900XT from a performance perspective. It does use much less power and run much cooler, but it's not a worthy upgrade IMO.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=7

 

[-=WooDWorKeR420=-]

Great.
Thanks for the input guys, its nice to know that I am not that far behind with limited upgrades done in the last 2 years.
I will read a few more reviews regarding the 3870 or 4870. The main purposes of my upgrading would be for 2 very different reasons.
I use CAD on a regular basis, so I am looking for a system that handles Autocad well, and will help with a dual monitor set up in th near future (The dual monitor part is not much of a concern as most GPU's are dual DVI now)
The second reason, is the winter 08 and 2009 games schedule. There are lots of smokin titles coming up and the 2 I am most excited about would have to be Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2. So I wanted to make sure that my system will be able to handle those types of games, and still manage the Autocad when its required.

Thanks

 

[3far4shot]

Your system is pretty decent. What applications are you using that aren't seeing the performance you'd like them to have? This would determine what (if anything) should be upgraded. The 3870 isn't much of an upgrade over a 2900XT from a performance perspective. It does use much less power and run much cooler, but it's not a worthy upgrade IMO.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3151&p=7

Ya, if hes on a budget i suggest getting a 3870, but if he can pay a little more the 4870 will be a huge upgrade from the card he has now.

 

[RamonGTP]

The 3870 is a waste no matter what budget he's on. It is only 6-10% faster on average, that's nothing. If he's on a budget, he should go with a 4850, not a 3870.

 

[-=WooDWorKeR420=-]

Well the 4870 is looking pretty tempting. Again, my keys are AutoCad, and gaming applications. I will probably wait to see if the 4870 is compatible with Autocad. As far as the gaming aspect, how does the current system (with the possible upgrade to a 4870) look for the new games that are coming out? Mainly Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2, I havnt seen any requirements yet for either game, but just to get an idea?

 

[RamonGTP]

It's tough to say without knowing the requirments, but I'm pretty sure the E6600 will handle it without any problems.

 

[3far4shot]

The 3870 is a waste no matter what budget he's on. It is only 6-10% faster on average, that's nothing. If he's on a budget, he should go with a 4850, not a 3870.

I forgot about the 4850.lol