Which system offers better perfomance/future proofed?

J

Jasumi

New Member
Set 1

CPU: AMD 6000+ 3.0 ghz
MOBO: DFI DFI LANPARTY DK 790FX-M2RS w/ 3 PCI 2.0
GPU: Radeon 3870 x2
HDD: Western Digital SE16 500gb
OD: Samsung 20x DVD R
PSU: Rosewill Stallion RD600N-2SB-SL-BK 600w
RAM: ADATA 4gb ddr2 800
OS: Vista Home Premium x64

SET 2

CPU: INTEL Wolfdale 3.0 ghz
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775
GPU: Radeon 3870 x2
HDD: Western Digital SE16 500gb
OD: Samsung 20x DVD R
PSU: Rosewill Stallion RD600N-2SB-SL-BK 600w
RAM: G.Skill 4gb ddr2 1000
OS: Vista Home Premium x64
 
The #2 system offers better performance and is more future-proof regarding the processor. Not only is the E8400 Wolfdale clearly faster than the #1 AMD processor now, it can also be overclocked considerably higher in the future.

There is however, a 2nd variable to be considered. That DFI mobo in the #1 build supports PCIE 2.0 whereas the Gigabyte mobo in #2 does not. Sometime in the future, when video cards probably will be using more bandwidth than PCIE 1.1 slots can handle, that gives an obvious bottleneck to the #2 system. Of course it all depends on exactly WHEN this happens and also exactly how cpu-bound and gpu-bound games will be then.

The bottom line is that system #2 is clearly the better one at this point in time. I am assuming you will be able to upgrade your mobo (if needed) along with anything else (vid card, etc) if you need to within the next 1-2 yrs.
 
Steelshivan said:
The bottom line is that system #2 is clearly the better one at this point in time. I am assuming you will be able to upgrade your mobo (if needed) along with anything else (vid card, etc) if you need to within the next 1-2 yrs.
Click to expand...

I was considering the PCI 2.0, too. I plan on updating my computer every 2-3 years and recycling the parts. When the new Intel P45/43 motherboards come out, what price range is to be expected?
 
From the very limited amount I've read, the P45 intel mobos will likely come onto the market at $250+.

Lol actually kind of an interesting question you brought up with your 2 systems. Only you know what your specific upgrade plans will be, including money spent. While we both know #2 is better for sure right now, I can easily think of upgrade scenario plans where the #1 system would be better. But then you have to also take into account AMD and Intel future processor upgrades, sockets, that stuff as well. My guess is that Intel will continue to rule for awhile...but you never know. The funny thing is, that X2 6000+ cpu isn't exactly a slouch either.

I would just get the #2 system now and cross any upgrade bridges when you get to them.
 
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