When the time comes for a new computer...

[kppanic]

Hello all,

first time post here so please bear with me

My Dell P4 560 that I financed back in December 2004 is almost up!! I financed it for 4 years(yes yes yes I know I know I already have heard everything possible on this matter)

Specs were

P4 560
2GB 533 DDR2 - Generic brand (or whatever Dell gives you... Micron?)
X800XT

and such... It runs games OK but it definitely is time for a new computer.

I am done and done with trying to build a computer that will last me 3-4 years. I've learned my lesson the hard way. I will also never buy a computer that costs $4000+.

My next PC build I will try to remain "modular", or should I say, more "agile", sensitive to partial upgrades and such, and the purchase will be made around Jan - Mar of 09.

My question is as such:

As I am trying to save up for a new computer, I need to plan ahead. I am planning to save about $1000-1500 for a new system. I have two routes to take:

1) Get a system that will be considered "budget" around that time frame such as E21xx and fit it with a single HD4870, try to stick with that for a couple of years max after which I will get another "budget" system of that time (hello Nehalem); or

2) Get a semi-future proof system with a SLI/xFire mobo and a decent CPU (currently speaking a Q6600/E8x00 or comparable CPU at that time), fit it with a relatively high end GPU, again HD4870 or the new NV700, play with it for a couple of years, and drop another GFX card and/or upgrade CPU.

Both system would obviously be fitted with at least 4GB RAM, 0.5-1TB HDD, etc.

Which would be a more smart, money-concious decision?

 

[Toaster Oven]

Wow 4 years to payoff a Dell...

If Intel stays on track with their Tick-Tock strategy of introducing new technology, then Jan - March 2009 will be a great time to buy a system if you going for a top of the line computer. But a bad time if you want a more budget system as mainstream Nehalem won't be available at a reasonable price until at least this time next year.

I prefer to ride the budget curve as you get the most bang for your buck and you can update often, staying relatively up to date without losing a lot of money. I'm not inclined to spend as much as you for a computer. Personally I am planning on doing something like the following:


1. Build budget system in June after all the new gear rolls out. Something like an E2180(E3140 if it's out) + HD4850/4870 + P45 mobo combo.

2. In 1 year give the system a midlife refresh by updating cpu and gpu. 45nm quads should have dropped in price nicely and there will be new cards from both ATI and Nvidia to choose from.

3. Build a new budget system in 2 years. That should be a few months after Nehalem gets shrunk to 32nm and price/supply have settled down. As well DDR3 prices should be around current DDR2 prices by then.

 

[engiNURD]

Its better to spend $1000 every year than to spend $4000 every 4 years, IMO. I typically spend $1-2k every two years.