PC building for the Future

[The Codfather]

Hey all, first post go easy on me.

I need some help, due to my current rig deciding to go tits up on me and the RAM slowly dying I'm being forced into an upgrade (I thought it better to go for something new rather than just changing bits as they die) but as times are with AM2 appearing next week and Conroe due July time it's a bit of a weird time to be doing this.

I'll only actually be upgrading core components for the moment, CPU, Mobo, GPU (moving to PCI-E) and RAM (Upto 2GB)

I've always been an AMD fan but like many other's I've been having naughty thoughts about switching to Intel due to the fantastically clockable Pentium D 805 and the oncoming Conroe which should be amazing if it does offer the performance stated.

Herein lies the dilemma. I'd like to go with something that's going to last a bit and will give me decent gaming performance. I know that AM2 pretty much offers no advantage over S939 but will give a rock solid system and leaves room for future CPU upgrading along the AMD route.
My other main thought is about Intel, I was thinking of going with the D805 for the moment and hopefully (I hear it may be possible) a bios upgrade will allow useage of Conroe (as I believe it's still socket S775?)

My last consideration is graphics, I've been a solid Nvidia user since I can remember, although I had one point with a 9800PRO and was pleased with it. I'd like to go with SLi in the future, but my concern is the Nforce4 Intel chipset and whether or not it will be upgradable to allow Conroe or if I'm going to have to change board again at a later date.

So, *breathe.

Any thoughts on which route to take and advice on boards to go for (I was looking at the Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe), RAM to choose (as I've no experience with DDR2 being an AMD user for most of my computing history) and whether or not it'd be worth converting to ATI and going the Intel i975x chipset route to make sure that Conroe upgradabilitiy is a definate.
I'd need help with Crossfire info if that's the case though.

That's not asking too much is it

[-ChEM-]

try this http://www.mikeshardware.co.uk/RoadmapQ306.htm

somewhere there is this:

This chipset is the replacement for the i945GZ with support for Conroe in addition to the current Smithfield and Presler cores

so it looks like youll just have to get it later

[MSIC]

If reliability is a priority, then dont get the brand new chipsets. Quiet often version 1.0 of things can be buggy, so you're actually better off getting current generation stuff.
Then again, the new Intel stuff does look tasty....
You are never going to be 'future proofed', the next greatest thing is always around the corner, so i reckon just find something now that is within your budget and go for it.
Speaking of budget, i'd be happy to post back with recommendations if you let us know
a) what your budget is
b) what you want to achieve

[kasavien]

Right, processor wise, i've heard that the pentium D is a good clocker also, but the way i see it is that if you get that processor now and overclock it, a few years down the line you won't have anywhere to go, because it will already be at its maximum clock speed. I'm still quite a fan of socket 939 as it's established and works well. If i were to change paltforms i would wait a month or so after both AM2 and conroe and released for the dust to settle to see which is best and then buy accordingly.

Graphics card wise i'm a fan of the current ATI range, wish thats what i had and i may well change in the near future, depending on the pricing. If noise is an issue with something like the X1900XTX then take a look at the HIS range of cards as they come with the iceq 3 cooler which as far as i know is a lot quieter than the reference cooler found on most boards.

It may help to know how soon you need a new system and what kind of budget you're looking at?

edit: Heh posted at the same time as MSIC, said pretty much what i wanted to say in a better way really

[The Codfather]

Thanks for the replies people.

I'm planning to build around the end of June beginning of July time, budget is expandable but not infinite, I'd say around £700 - 800 to start, could be a little more, but I can't see any reason as of yet to go any more than that.

It'll be a 50% gaming, 50% net browsing, music listening machine. Just general entertainment really.

A better idea would be to give the current spec;

Athlon XP 3200+
Gigabyte Cheapo Mobo
1GB GeiL Ultra X PC3200 2-2-2-5 (Which has decided to fail on me -__-)
Gainward GeForce 6800GT Golden Sample (400/1100)

That's all that has to be changed basically, I'll be getting £130 back on the 6800GT as I've a mate who's interested in that, so that helps a little. I may need to factor a PSU into the equation (if I go Intel) as mine doesn't have the 8pin power plug that Intel boards use (Currently using Hiper Type-R 580w) so was thinking of Tagan if that needs to be changed.

Graphics wise, I've always had the eVGA 7900GT CO in mind, but I'm always contemplating whether or not to bump the bit extra and push for a 7900GTX. Keeping in mind that whatever card I go for I'd plan to stick another with it in half a year or so, just to keep things running smooth

[FatalSaviour]

I know it's not entirely relevant to your upgrade plans, but doesn't the Geil Ultra X come with a Lifetime Warranty? If it's just the RAM that's affecting system stability you might be able to get an RMA and hold off a little longer if you'd prefer.

[The Codfather]

It does indeed, I've got some Corsair as a replacement though, I'll try and get in touch with Geil and get that RMA'd then I'll have some backup RAM at least (possibly for a second system or something)

I was going to upgrade sometime soon as it was, I guess the RAM thing just made me want to push it forward, this just gave me a valid reason to.

[MSIC]

It's entirely a personal choice, but i never like to get the very top end components (particularly CPU's and graphics cards) as you get a crap curve of price/performance towards the top. Basically i'm saying the 7900GT is much better value for money, given a system that costs under £1000, IMHO. You can put the difference in money towards more memory, larger hard drive, or (what i'd really recommend) the £100 difference on serious quality mouse & keyboard. Now there would be something that you could appreciate and know where your money went.

[The Codfather]

Good idea about the mouse and keyboard.. I'm quite fond of my old tank like IBM keyboard, but I have been eyeing up the Logitech G5 for a while now..

HDD wise I'm all good, I have a 40GB, 80GB and a 120GB in here at the moment which I'll keep until (or if) I decide to turn the old parts into a seperate machine and fully update the new parts.

I've been reading around various places and I think I'm pretty much sold on the P4D 805, for the price, the perfomance and overclockablity it offers (and dual core!) is stunning.
What I really do need though is advice about DDR2 RAM as I've never used it or read up on it, which is strange because I usually like to keep upto date on everything tech wise.. I guess I've just completely looked over Intel until now.
Could anyone recommend a good set? I was looking towards a 2GB Corsair PC5400 set at the moment, is it worth the premium for the PC6400 stuff? or am I better sticking with lower clock, lower latency alá AMD?

[The Codfather]

Sorry to drag this up again, I just wanted to know, does anyone know if the Intel Nforce 4 SLI chipset actually supprorts the D series? as I can't find anything about it being Dual core compatible.

Also would be handy to know if anyone knows whether there's plans for this chipset to support Conroe.