3800+ or 2GB RAM?

[CyNics]

Greetings!

it's been a while since I last upgraded my PC.
Am now thinking of getting a new processor as well as a larger capacity of RAM. I've narrowed down my options to the X2 3800+ and 2GB of OCZ 2-3-2-5 DDR 400 modules.
However, at the present moment, I can't affort to upgrade both. My daily usage involve quite alot of multasking (I have dual mon setup and it's basically my home entertainment system), and it's also my workstation. I do alot of image processing everyday. will get one fo them tomorrow, and will the second item maybe next month if my budget allows.

So in ur POV, which one would u get first, if both are equally important to u?

 

[evilharp]

Hey CyNics,

If you are upgrading from the system you list here: http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=18556 you will notice an enormous increase in performance thanks to the CPU alone. Even though the X2-3800 and your barton are close in clock-speed, the A64 is more efficient thanks to a greatly improved core (yes, the A64 is based on the Barton) and memory controller.

As for ram, you will be ugrading from 512mb right? If you are considering 2gb, you might want to hold off for a bit, and go with only 1gb. Why?

1) 2gb is really expensive right now. Big 1gb dimms are fairly new on the market, and to get a stick with tight timings you end up paying a hefty premium. If you can wait a while, prices should drop soon. Good 512mb (2x256) were insanely expensive a few years ago, and now they are cheap. The same can be said for 1gb (2x512) kits. Give it time, the prices will drop.
2) See: http://www.corsair.com/corsair/products/tech/AN506_1GB_vs_2GB.pdf For most systems you won't see a huge boost in performance by switching to 2gb (with the exception of certain applications). Sure it may be future proof, but you can always upgrade later when the prices are better. However, search the web to see what gains people have seen from 2gbs with the "image processing" software you use. If you are into heavy imaging/video creation, 2gb may be really important to you.

Finally, if it is an either or choice, then go with the A64 first.

Incidentally, your "current" rig is AGP. Were you looking at upgrading to a PCI-E setup as well (i.e. nForce 4)? If so, the cost of a new vid card could influence your decision as well.

 

[The Green Bean]

I would go with the X2 given the choice. I agree with evilharp that RAM is easier to upgrade.

 

[Viper87227]

Have you factored in the cost of a new motherboard if you get the X2? What do you plan on getting?

 

[Bona Fide]

Can you manage an X2 3800+ and a 1GB stick of Value RAM?

 

[CyNics]

My apologize for my dated spec sig.

Im no longer using my barton. the system I have now is running on a S939 A64 3200+ with a gig of TCCD ram.

 

[ncage]

well if it were me id get an x2 3800+ and a gig of either corsair value or geil value and sell the TCCD ram. I am not saying that TCCD ram is not good because it definitly is but id rather have 2 gig of ram. I have had the corsair value & geil value overclock very well. I got to almost 260 with geil value and corsair value...250ish. You can get 2 gig of geil value for about $200. Just my thoughts and maybe you could fit it in your budget after your sell your TCCD ram. I hear people hymmm and haww about how people don't need 2 gig of ram on here. Well i do. I defintily am one of those individuals who uses crap loads of memory because what he does.

peace,
ncage

 

[theMan]

get the cpu for sure.

 

[Fallengod]

Oh man, If I wasnt drunk, id swear you asked if 2gb of ram or a dual core cpu would be a better buy. Stick with 1gb of ram. Get the dual core.