Processor speed same as in 2002 - worth getting new computer?

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Purplehaze

New Member
I spent around 3k on what was a top end computer back in 2002 or 03 (Dell 8250). : 3.04 GHz, 1 GB ram, graphics card: Radeon 9500 pro / 9700. I have been looking into getting another top end computer for the next gen of games that will be coming out, however I've been surprised so far at how little improvement has been made in processor speed. The highest I can find is 3.4 GHz. Back in the early 2000's it seemed like the processors were making huge leaps in speed every few months. So if I were to get a new computer the processor would be the same speed as it was 3-4 years ago? Or has the processor speed improved significantly in some other way? Also my computer is still using the old Ram memory (400 MHz FSB). I know a new type has come out and is supposedly much faster. How much of a noticeable increase is it really though?

My question is if it is worth spending a lot (3kish) for a top end computer at this time, and if I do will it be a highly noticeable difference over my current computer. Or should I wait for the next big leap in computer processor speed that could be around the corner in the next couple years. Basically is 3k worth it taking into account the increase in speed/performance I would get over my old computer at this time?
 
I would say the only real investment that you would/should make is just in updating your video card to something like an NVidia 7800 or ATI X1800... Pretty much processors aren't going faster so much as more efficient lately, but with an upgrade of your video card, you should be set for another few years again.
 
ghz isnt everything. the amd CPU's perform better than the higher clocked intels in gaming. like dcisouts said it is better to just upgrade. get a better video card, more ram and maby more HD space. since your is old im guessing that its still AGP so you might want to look into getting a new mobo or get the fastest AGP video card, the 7800GS AGP.
 
Thanks, I will defiantly look into getting a top end video card. As far as RAM being upgraded. The new Ram that came out doesn't fit into my computer. I can't get the old type of memory from most major stores, and have to order it online if I were to upgrade. Is the new Ram really a whole lot faster or will adding another 1 GB of the old ram be just as good, or at least close.
 
what type is your memory? DRR, pc3200??

adding another 1gb would be good and you can also overclock it make it faster if you want.
 
PC 800, like I said, old stuff. Which is why im thinking of getting a whole new system since its expensive to upgrade this memory anyway. Have to order it online. New graphics card and upgrading this memory to 2gb could run over 1k anyway. If the memory thats out now is significantly faster it might be worth the investment.
 
PC 800??? If that's the case (I'm hoping that's a typo...) then yeah, by the time you buy a motherboard and RAM, you're probably going to need a processor, etc... So, you could get some money back by selling it and getting a new one, but it's kinda an iffy situation...
 
dciscouts said:
PC 800??? If that's the case (I'm hoping that's a typo...) then yeah, by the time you buy a motherboard and RAM, you're probably going to need a processor, etc... So, you could get some money back by selling it and getting a new one, but it's kinda an iffy situation...
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Might be RDRAM, which is discontinued.
 
yeah, I really wouldn't spend like 600 dollars on a gig of RDRAM, or w/e much you want add, remeber, you have to upgrade in pairs. I would just buy a whole new system.
 
Purplehaze said:
I've been surprised so far at how little improvement has been made in processor speed.
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These days, both Intel and AMD are moving into Dual Core processors for their high end machines.

Basically is 3k worth it taking into account the increase in speed/performance I would get over my old computer at this time?
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It depends a lot on what you intend to use it for. Your video card is about the most outdated component in your system, an AGP 6800GS, at under $200, or 7800GS would tide you over for a while, if you're not looking for max resolution in your gameplay.

For $1.5k, you can get a superb system
 
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