1st ever build now or wait for sandy bridge?

[tl9015]

I currently have a Macbook Pro 13inch as my main and only computer for school/home. I already have all the external accessories (monitor, mouse/keyboard, speakers etc.). I've always been thinking about getting a desktop for my desk (main computer + gaming).

This is my preferred build. If I can get one, I mind as well sell my mbp as well and get a netbook or even a macbook air for school/travel.

What I want to know is, whether I should go ahead and build this desktop (please suggest other parts if cheaper or better) or wait a few months for the sandy bridge (only 2 months away and I don't NEED it right away).

Also, once the sandy bridge comes out, will it be much more expensive than the build I have here? (for similar level of products). If so, I can always get the current build as it will be even cheaper than now.

Thank you for your help!

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[tl9015]

By the way, the total comes to $1,524.22.

[_dangtx_]

perhaps wait, but the case i would change to a cm 922. hd6870 if you buy now.or better, dual 6850's. good, but overkill psu even for cf 6850
power draw numbers

[Reyzac]

Yeah, the 902's a good, cool case but it's a PITA to work in.

[fishingfanatic]

Consider looking at the Asus P6X58D-E 4 a mobo. Great performer, with usb and sata 3. With a bundle deal like that, I would consider it myself though.

Switch the psu to a modular one, you'll thank yourself 4 doing that later on.

If you care to, switch your DVD to BR. They've come down in price considerably.

Keep an eye on the BST threads. You may be able to get a pr of 460s or even a 480 for close to the same $.

Overall it looks like a solid build. Prices will come down with the launch of the new line, so if you wait a little longer the bang for the buck will be better.

If the new cpus are that much better and not too expensive, it may be a better choice as well.

What's a cpl of months if you're ok 4 now.

[Sagath]

I would wait if you dont need a computer today. From the early release numbers, the new chips are putting out about a 30+% increase in performance per watt. They consume about 10% less power, and are ~25% faster clock for clock according to Anandtech (which is about the only guy I would trust when he says these unreleased specs).

[chrisk]

Originally Posted by Sagath

I would wait if you dont need a computer today. From the early release numbers, the new chips are putting out about a 30+% increase in performance per watt. They consume about 10% less power, and are ~25% faster clock for clock according to Anandtech (which is about the only guy I would trust when he says these unreleased specs).

Thanks Sagath. The article drools over Sandy Bridge...here is the paragraph:

All that said, we do need to take a moment to name drop: Sandy Bridge. Our early testing shows it to be around 25% faster than the currently shipping parts, especially Lynnfield and Clarkdale. It will have better multi-threaded and single-threaded performance, and while idle power may not change much the load power consumption should drop quite a bit. Anand measured 121W for the entire system under load with an i5 2400 (3.1GHz), and that's 8% less power while being 23% faster than the i5-760 it replaces. If that pattern holds up, we're looking at overall performance per watt going up by almost 35%. To make matters worse, Sandy Bridge will also usher in a new socket, chipset, and motherboards: goodbye 1156, hello 1155! If you're looking to get the best performance from the most efficient architecture and you don't want your motherboard outdated next month, it will likely be worth waiting for.

I'm not one to wait for future hardware (I waited for fermi for folding, and never saw the numbers I hoped for), but this is a pretty trusted source as you pointed out.

[Reyzac]

Ah, screw it, wait for Sandy Bridge. As you're not needing one now, just wait for the better performance.
Sounds like what FF said

[krajee]

The 902 isn't bad from the outside, but I'd suggest getting a case that's easier to work with on the inside.

[Reyzac]

Originally Posted by krajee

The 902 isn't bad from the outside, but I'd suggest getting a case that's easier to work with on the inside.

Yeah that's what I said