| Unfortunately, with a new processor not only comes a new motherboard and ram, but I have to replace a barely-year-old nVidia 6800xt 256mb AGP card. I'm not looking to make huge leaps in the graphics department, but I am looking to double CPU performance over my Barton core Athlon 2800.
So, should I go all-out with this set up [newegg wishlist clicky]
Or should I save a hundred and thirty bucks and go for the milder option.
The machine will primarily be an average 'nix desktop, but I'm not sure if I'm going to transfer over the TV card or rebuild the replaced parts into a HTPC (that's why the HDD is in there, I may go for the more expensive core parts and not upgrade the disk yet). I will, however, be playing at least one or two modern RTS games (I'm working through C&C3 at medium graphic settings and 1024x768 and I hear that Supreme Commander is even more of a beast) which is why I'm not going for a top-of-the-line graphics card. I'll play HL2:EP2 when it comes out, but even that runs great right now. I just need more CPU and RAM. (Tell me not about ATI graphics cards, for I've had very good luck with nVidia drivers in 'nix, and these things are important to me).
Also, would there be any logical reason to get a 2.8GHz Athlon FX-62 at $50 more than the 6000+ above? Any point in looking at opterons? Other chipsets? (no, I don't need SLI but I like having all the upgrade options available when purchasing a motherboard). |
