Upgrade time

[Reaver]

Alright, I'm looking to finally upgrade my computer. Actually, it looks like I'm technically going to be building a new computer since I'll need to replace everything except the hd and the monitor.

Although I've had AMD for years and years now, it looks like I'm going with Intel this time around. I'm looking for scalability, and the Asus mb I've seen let me go from Pentium 4 all the way to quad core on the same mb.

So, here's my question. What the hell is the diff between the Pentium 4 3.0 ghz, the Pentium D dual core 2.8 ghz and the Core 2 Duo E6300 1.8 ghz cpus???

My early research indicates that the only real differences are that the FSB runs at 533, 800 and 1066 mhz, respectively. The on board cache is 1 mb for P4 and 2 mb for the other 2.

The Pentium D is $100 cheaper than the Duo. Does the Duo offer any significant performance gains over the P4 or D?

I'd like some links to good hardware review sites, plz. :D

I'm trying to keep this on the cheap side for now, to upgrade again when Crysis comes out. I also need an inexpensive but good pci-e card.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

My very prelim spending outline:

$125 Asus P5B
$99 P4 or $99 P D or $195 Core 2 Duo
$100-150 PCI-E card
$120 DDR2-800 1 GB PC-6400
????
Profit!

[Shadowrat]

the p4 is an aging single core chip. The Pentium D is an economy chip. I don't know the specifics of what they skimp on, but it's intended for general purpose computing like emailing and surfing.

The core 2 duo is the one that is getting all the praise. there is also a 2.0ghz version with a 4mb cache that i've often seen for less than $100 more than the 1.8.

i think there are a gazillion choices of inexpensive video options that would tide you over until a dx10 card is affordable.

[Reaver]

Well, damn. After more searching, I might just stick with AMD. Looks like they cut the price on a bunch of their X2 dual cores. And I love nforce mobos...

[Creole Ned]

Intel is expected to cut prices next month. I'd wait a few more weeks to see how it pans out. Nvidia should be coming out with their lower-range 8000 series DX10 card, too.

[Paladin]

Intel is expected to cut prices next month. I'd wait a few more weeks to see how it pans out. Nvidia should be coming out with their lower-range 8000 series DX10 card, too.

I'm not sure how much lower you are talking about, but I've seen 8800 GTS's with 320MB (vs 640 on the standard 8800 GTS) for $299 (vs $450). Even the GTX prices have come down some.

[Creole Ned]

I'd guess around $200.

Brief blurb on the 8500 and 8600 (http://www.slashgear.com/new-geforce-8600-and-8500-cards-coming-soon-164337.php)

EDIT: Gizmodo story (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/peripherals/pricing-details-on-nvidias-first-budget-dx10-cards-233498.php)

Budget gamers listen up. Before you spend your life savings on a new 8800 GTX video card, you may want to wait for Nvidia's new midrange 8600 cards, which are rumored to be out in March. The 8600 GT, which will have a 350MHz core and come with 256MB of RAM, will go for about $150. Other cards like the high mid-range 8600 Ultra and the entry-level 8300 GS will go for $179 and $79 each. The pricing and release date aren't official, but even if they're somewhat on the mark, we think they'll be worth the wait.