New Computer Possibilities - Part Seven

Pulling up the rear-guard

So, in an earlier post, I explained how I was going to save up $700-800 and replace my computer guts (MB/CPU/RAM/GPU). Well, I haven't even got my PII up and running yet (Tuesday or Wednesday) and I'm already apprehensive ~ I used it this winter and it was doable but sometimes painful.

Instead of trying to buy lots of the latest hardware all at once, what if I just did the basics and then slowly upgraded my components as needed? Then I would be able to get a new computer sooner rather than later. Sure, I'd end up with more parts than the first plan but if it allows me to wait another six months, prices will drop on the higher-end parts and perhaps it'll end up being about the same. Additionally, I can throw the cheaper parts into an HTPC box.

Motherboard ($150): Here is where I don't want to skimp too much. It will be the backbone of my computer. I had previously been looking at flagship boards, especially from Gigabyte (no more ASUS for me...), including the new Intel X38 chipset which supports dual PCI-E x16 (P35 and earlier boards with two x16 slots castrate the second one to be electrical x4 or x8). However, in all honesty, the chances of me using dual video cards are slim. Even with a dual-monitor setup, I just need a video card with two DVI outputs and that should be able to handle it just fine. SLI is only available on nForce boards and I haven't really been looking at them much.
Current choice: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ($90)

RAM ($100): I don't have to worry about replacing anything here when I upgrade, instead I just add more memory as needed. I'll be fine until the world moves to DDR3 (which is still stupid expensive). Fast memory is an expensive premium for little improvement - 4GB of DDR2 800 will be better than 2GB of 1066 for approximately the same cost. On the other hand, don't buy dirt-cheap memory, buy only from well-established and respected companies. RAM quality effects your whole system stability. Right now through the end of the month, Patriot, Corsair and OCZ are offering deep mail-in rebates (up to $40 - over 50%!) on NewEgg.

My last system had 512MB of RAM, which I bought for nearly $100 in 2004. Now memory is less than 1/5 of that price. Although it worked fine, last year I was looking at adding another gig. I think 2GB should be standard and it's easily obtainable. 4GB is the effective maximum for usefulness but some programs can benefit from 8GB or even more (if your board supports it).
Current choice: OCZ Platinum 2x1GB ($73 - $35 MIR = $38 until 11/30)

Video ($75): Again, the market changes rapidly here. I also have no real need for anything excessive, as I'm not trying to pull the most frames out of the latest FPS games. At most, I want to be able to watch movies and have 3D acceleration (that works well under Linux). My gaming tends more towards the RTS and (standard, not MMO) RPG genres than FPS. I want to be able to play Warcraft III and some older games. I am also interested in Oblivion but that will have to wait until I can upgrade. The 8800GT is sweet and all the rage but also $300 and I don't have a justification for that yet.

I'm looking at the GeForce 7 series right now and I see a 7200GS for $50, the 7200GS was released this year into last year's series. It's intended as an entry-level upgrade to integrated graphics but the motherboards I'm looking at don't have any graphics anyway. However, for a better card, it's not much more expensive. Gigabyte has a 7300GT for $60, which is not bad. The 8800GT is definitely my gaming card that I'll get at some point in the next few months. However, for playing a few games and watching movies and in general putting pictures on my monitor through a PCI-E slot now that AGP is dead (which is what is in my PII) it's worth it. It's not a low-profile card but it's fanless, which makes it great for movie-watching.
Current choice: Gigabyte 7300GT 256MB ($60)

Conclusion: With a total budget of $425 (closer to $300 if we take the low-end solutions), we're looking at half the price of my original plan. However, this is not nearly the killer machine the original setup would be. Whether this is acceptable remains to be determined. Upgrading would involve replacing the CPU and the video card, both of which are ~$300 purchases. Thus we are looking at spending $1000 instead of $800. In return, we are left with an extra processor and video card, which may be used in another box. I can afford this in two months so I'd be looking to buy in February, after Penryn shakes the CPU market up. Is this a good time frame to be productive in? Meaning, if I can use a midstep computer three months earlier than if I kept saving for a higher end one, is it worth it?

Perhaps this upgrade path is best: start with the E2140, buy an LCD monitor (before I move), then go back and buy a quad-core beast (saving the E2140 for another computer or selling it), upgrade to a gaming-quality video card such as the 8800GT and then add a second monitor. Going this route will provide opportunities for smaller purchases of new toys throughout the coming year or two. In the end, I might just save money by waiting around until prices fall and being content with what I have.