AMD new built

[Chris]

Hi, this is my first post, after lurking for a few months. I am planning to build a new desktop. Currently my desktop was built in 2004. Way past the time to upgrade. I have ADM64 mobile 4000+, DFI nf3 UT mobo, overclocked to 3 GHz, in a Antec Sonata mid tower case, 400 W ps that came with the case. 24" Dell monitor (1900x1200 native res)

1. I want to do a faster job in photo editing. My current pc has 1 GB ram which is limiting, and I can't and will not buy more ram. My only game is Spyderman 3. Plan to play newer games, but not go overboard.

2. budget for C$1000.

3. Plan to buy either online from vancouver, calgary, or in Toronto.

4. I was waiting for Asus P5Q, Q9550 to drop in price, but just saw ad from Ncix:

AMD Phenom X4 9550 BE
Asus M3A78-T AM2+ Both bundled for $420.
Palit Radeon HD 3870 512MB GDDR3 PCI-E DVI-I HDMI $100
Mushkin Ascent PC2-8500 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1066 CL5-5-5-15 240PIN Dual Channel $170
Corsair TX750W $125

Total $814

I can go for ATI 4850, but that is another $100, and I do not really play that much games.

5. I will use stock HSF for now. Reuse my WINXP, current HDD's, Benq 16x DVD R/W, Dell 24" monitor, kb/m, etc . Not sure if I can reuse my Antec Sonata case which I like very much, since it is quiet and small. Please advice

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads. yes.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds. Yes, plan on overclocking. I read the review in the link here that it can go to 3.1 GHz.
AMD Phenom X4 9950 BE processor tested

8. Will built around Christmas to get a good sales price.

I was hoping to build intel (Asus P5Q and Q9550), but I am not thrilled at the fact that the new i7 processors and x58 board will render P5Q build obsolete pretty soon.

So, please advise: intel or AMD? Can I reuse my Antec Sonata case?

TIA.

[punk_zappa]

In 1 month (maybe 2) Deneb will come out. As per early reviews these new chips are really good so I'd suggest wait for it.

[Chris]

Thanks. If I waited this long, I might as well wait for another month or 2

[Soultribunal]

In my Opinion I would change the case around. Might not have enough Airflow ( I googled it , not remembering what it looked like, I hope I found the right one, there were 3 revisions).
I'm always a fan of Cases that Breathe properly , but that is all subjective.

Ultra Grid Mid-T Case with Ultra LS600 600 Watt Power Supply in Canada at TigerDirect.ca

Comes with Lifetime Warrantied PSU, at 600W. Good for buget build, Ultra isn't the best in cases but they do make some decent buget selection. Just a thought to consider.

Heck, if you can make that old case work than do it, all things I state are Opinions and suggestions. Nothing more.

Good Luck!
ST

[Chris]

Thanks for the suggestion of the case. I'll keep it in mind.

[geokilla]

Why AMD and not Intel? $1000 can get you a great Intel computer. I personally don't think that AMD bundle is worth it

Intel E7200/E8400/Q6600
ASUS P5Q Pro
Corsair 520HX
NVIDIA 9800GTX+/GTX260 or ATI 4850/4870
OCZ Reaper 4GB DDR800

Since you're reusing everything else, the most that would cost you should be around $750 before rebates. Then you can spend the rest on a case, faster, bigger hard drive if need be, and a CPU cooler if you ever decide to overclock.

I personally wouldn't get that Ultra PSU. I also don't see the point of getting Core i7. Overpriced imo. Just the motherboard and CPU alone costs at least $600, which is more than enough to get a decent budget computer.

Also, don't forget to price match and search around for better prices.

[Chris]

Thanks Geo. I was originally waiting for further price drop of Intel platform. However, since I tend to keep my computer for a long time, I am not too happy that i7 and x58 is going to make the P5Q and Q6600 obsolete much faster than the AMD platform. What other advantage is there of intel P5Q abd Q6600 over the AMD Phenom flatform which is still the latest, and even with the new Deneb, it is still compatible with the Asus AM2+ mobo? Thanks for any further input.

[geokilla]

The Intel rig can overclock better, it's faster, better bang for buck since you have a $1000 budget. I don't see the point in going for an AMD rig if you're going to spend $1000 on your computer. If you want, you can wait for Phenom II to show up and see whether or not they can give Intel a run for their money, but right now, Intel has my vote.

Core i7 and X58 can't make LGA775 obsolete. They're aimed at two different markets. I personally don't think you'll need a Core i7 if all you do is photo editing. Core i7 simply isn't worth it to me. However, that's my opinion.

Btw, don't forget that Boxing Day is coming up and if it's anything like last year, you'll be able to get some excellent deals at NCIX, Future Shop, etc.

[Nodscene]

I agree with geokilla. Here is a quick collection I put together. There are a ton of rebates with these parts and also easily pricematched to bring it even lower.

[Frank Encruncher]

Socket 775 is end of line, will be replace with Core I5 (socket 1156) in the second half of '09 for mainstream

The AMx series (socket 940 organic) still has a few years of life left
You can buy an AM2+ chip and board now, afterwards you can drop in an AM3 chip for one upgrade, then after that an AM3 board

Then new Deneb chips seem to overclock crazy fast, 4GHz on air all the way up to 6GHz on ln2

If you need to build now and want upgrade ability then AMD is the way to go