01-14-2006, 07:35 PM
gekko,Jan 13 2006, 11:30 PM Wrote:With all the dual core chips starting to appear, the prices of the current "standards" -- socket 939 on the AMD side in particular -- should really drop in the near future.
gekko
Socket 939 is dead. The last processor for it was just released this month, and come the middle of this year, 939 will be officially phased out.
Now is NOT the best time to upgrade your computer, at all. Upgrading your video card and expanding your RAM are all very viable, affordable, and worthwhile upgrade paths right now (almost always are). However, to build a new system right now would be pointless. Both Intel and AMD are set to deploy a whole slew of next-generation technology during the course of this year (Intel has already started this, with much more coming by next September, at the earliest, for their new "Merom" chip; AMD is about to start on a similar path, but probably not until summer time), so picking from the crop now would be fruitless (no pun intended).
I would go with one of the ATI 9600's, or an X700. The 6600 is outdated at best, was designed as a middle-of-the-road card, and is WAY overpriced for what it's offering you. Pass on it.
Above all else, go with what you can afford. The X700 will give you added longevity, but depending on when you upgrade next, that may not be needed. If, for example, you plan to upgrade by the end of this year, chances are it won't be necessary to get the extra "oomph" out of the card. On the other hand, if your upgrade is a ways off (halfway into next year), or if you really seek better performance, the X700 may be worth the minor extra dough.
All up to you and what you're seeking.
Roland *The Gunslinger*