- Aug 28, 2010
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I'm in a catch 22...I currently have this setup:
-XFX Nvidia 790i ultra SLI motherboard LGA775
-Intel Core 2 Quad @ 2.6Ghz Q9400 cpu
-Nvidia GTX 470 1280Mb video card (card not the issue)
-case (compatible with 775 up to 1156 mobo
-power supply 850watts (not the issue)
-corsair 4GB Triple Thread memory @ 1066mhz
I have been watching the Intel Core 2 Extreme @ 3Ghz QX9650 LGA 775 price (as this is the best upgrade concerning cpu/compatiblity for my mobo within reason of my budget that I can upgrade to. The cost for the QX9650 Extreme cpu is currently 238.00 (a drop from 270.00 I believe its a sale price on pricewatch.com but anyways.
I am aware that the i-series cpus are predominately faster cpus than Core 2 Quad cpus (not going to give out all the chipset names etc.) but all in all I realize its new architecture, faster and benchmark rating scores are typically much higher.
Here is my dilemma (and I want your advice or input on what to do or how to debate the decision if any at all) : Should I forego my initial plan to buy the Extreme QX9650 (and potentially over clock it; with water cooling) for a new i-series cpu (perhaps an i7 920 or 930 model cpu) & compatible mobo (1156)?
If I do buy the new architecture that requires buying all new memory. I'm estimating around 550.00+ to do this (then I'm left with ebaying all my older gear etc.
Do you think I will get quality results (to my liking with my current setup (only upgrading to the Core 2 Extreme QX9650? (Obviously you can tell I'm leaning in that direction hehe)
The games I play on my pc are Starcraft 2 ( I am playing on ultra settings with no problems at all, beta testing Final Fantasy XIV ( I notice my video card screams quite a bit when I up my settings on my control panel and/or graphics display in-game.
I will be receiving a gift in next 30 days from my brother (Danger Den 470gtx copper cooling plate and tubing). Its up to me to buy the rest of the equipment to cool my video card but he's giving me that as a gift (keep in mind I am not factoring costs of these other things etc).
So what do u guys think? Should I enjoy my current setup with a 270.00 cpu upgrade? Just wait till next year and upgrade to the i-series (when prices subside a bit? Or make the move to i-series cpu /mobo now (and buy memory for it) ?
Will I get the near-quality out of the QX9650 (over clocked slightly ) as opposed to a mid-grade i7 series cpu /compatible mobo / middle of road memory upgrade?
Please feel free to reply with any and all advice and points of interest from what I've posted as I am seeking advice on decision(s) I should take.
My apologies for making this so insanely long.
-XFX Nvidia 790i ultra SLI motherboard LGA775
-Intel Core 2 Quad @ 2.6Ghz Q9400 cpu
-Nvidia GTX 470 1280Mb video card (card not the issue)
-case (compatible with 775 up to 1156 mobo
-power supply 850watts (not the issue)
-corsair 4GB Triple Thread memory @ 1066mhz
I have been watching the Intel Core 2 Extreme @ 3Ghz QX9650 LGA 775 price (as this is the best upgrade concerning cpu/compatiblity for my mobo within reason of my budget that I can upgrade to. The cost for the QX9650 Extreme cpu is currently 238.00 (a drop from 270.00 I believe its a sale price on pricewatch.com but anyways.
I am aware that the i-series cpus are predominately faster cpus than Core 2 Quad cpus (not going to give out all the chipset names etc.) but all in all I realize its new architecture, faster and benchmark rating scores are typically much higher.
Here is my dilemma (and I want your advice or input on what to do or how to debate the decision if any at all) : Should I forego my initial plan to buy the Extreme QX9650 (and potentially over clock it; with water cooling) for a new i-series cpu (perhaps an i7 920 or 930 model cpu) & compatible mobo (1156)?
If I do buy the new architecture that requires buying all new memory. I'm estimating around 550.00+ to do this (then I'm left with ebaying all my older gear etc.
Do you think I will get quality results (to my liking with my current setup (only upgrading to the Core 2 Extreme QX9650? (Obviously you can tell I'm leaning in that direction hehe)
The games I play on my pc are Starcraft 2 ( I am playing on ultra settings with no problems at all, beta testing Final Fantasy XIV ( I notice my video card screams quite a bit when I up my settings on my control panel and/or graphics display in-game.
I will be receiving a gift in next 30 days from my brother (Danger Den 470gtx copper cooling plate and tubing). Its up to me to buy the rest of the equipment to cool my video card but he's giving me that as a gift (keep in mind I am not factoring costs of these other things etc).
So what do u guys think? Should I enjoy my current setup with a 270.00 cpu upgrade? Just wait till next year and upgrade to the i-series (when prices subside a bit? Or make the move to i-series cpu /mobo now (and buy memory for it) ?
Will I get the near-quality out of the QX9650 (over clocked slightly ) as opposed to a mid-grade i7 series cpu /compatible mobo / middle of road memory upgrade?
Please feel free to reply with any and all advice and points of interest from what I've posted as I am seeking advice on decision(s) I should take.
My apologies for making this so insanely long.
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