Any new insight on sandy bridge-fusion cpu's

[lone1dog]

Still running my old e6600. Just havent been able to bite the bullet again. Since getting glimpses of the new intel-amd line of cpu's. Feel like maybe its not yet time to spend hard to come by money.

I really dont extreme game but enjoy some sims out and coh,kinda want to try the new napoleon out. I do very little photshop ect.

Wow AMD cpu's are cheap right now ! But I figure after the new one's hit they will make my e6600 look like a dino.

If I build again I will try and stay in the 800 to 1000 range. Considering what I do and what I have what do you think? I havent built but 2 puters in the last 6 years the last when I built this one. So I need advise as to upgrade verse performance now. Thanks for IMOs.

e6600
intel board 775
2 gig ram
nividia 9500gt 1 gig pci-e
current xp pro/ want to upgrade

[KarmaKiller]

For ~$1k, you can easily get parts to make a great system. With the new chips coming soon, they of course will lead to price drops on the current hardware out now. But there is always a next line of hardware getting ready to come out in this field, so anymore I'd say if you have the money go for it.

Honestly though, your current system should be enough to play most games on low settings. IDK if your happy with that or not, but unless your really being held back by your hardware in certain applications, I don't really see a need to go all out with a new system.
That said, your system could probably use a little bit of a boost. 2 more gigs of ram would help, a slightly faster GPU couldn't hurt, and Windows 7 is the way to go now-a-days. (IMO of course)

And building a PC hasn't got any harder, in fact, it's probably gotten slightly easier now with more and more people taking the leap and doing it themselves. There are more after market parts to choose from, better guides on the web, etc etc..

All in all, if you really feel you need a new system, I wouldn't wait. I'd go ahead and start trying to find parts you want, and start looking for the "deals" when they show up.

(and the razorbacks has a great game today!)

[lone1dog]

Very good thought. I dont know how much upgrading I can do to this system, cpu wise( I am sure the 775 line are cheap now) and ram is just dirt cheap these days. I could save alot of money right now. And see what the crystal ball holds in store( what ever it is ,it will be for profit steps) .

I am reading reviews barely out that the new cpu will have built in gpu, thus does that mean no more video card ? And they are 25% faster? I bet they are gonna be pricey !

Having said all this would upgrading this system make much difference,what cpu would you recommend or upgrades to just hold me a while? Till the new stuff settles in and comes down as always.

This has not been my most favorite MB,it has a mind of its ownLOL but this is it:
Intel 975XBX2KR Motherboard - Intel 975X, Socket 775, ATX, Viiv Ready, Audio, PCI Express, Gigabit LAN, S/PDIF, USB 2.0 & Firewire, Serial ATA, RAID at TigerDirect.com

just wonder what my options for minimal upgrade for now might be? I think you might be right as to just doing this for now.

Perhaps a new MB,cpu,memory might be a thought? Alot of things since 775 and e6600.

[ShyguyXPC]

Socket 775 is for all intents and purposes Dead now, the only newer CPU's out for them were the Celeron Dual Cores, which you can get for around $50-60 and though lacking in Cache and running at lower FSB speeds, come in at 2.4GHz at the slowest, and hitting about 2.6 or 2.7GHz for the "top" end model, then you end up in Pentium Dual Core Range, and go up from there to Core 2 Duo.

Performance wise, I'd say the Celeron Dual cores, aren't much behind your E6600, maybe even close to it. And despite the name, Celeron, their not really anything like the originals, but really are Pentium Dual core/Core 2 Duo's, with slightly lesser specs, and in same general Performance ranges.

plus they make great Overclockers.

but most of the new Intel CPU's are out on socket 1156, and the 2 year old Socket 1366 platforms.

and sometime next year I believe Intel is releasing Socket 2011, or so I've read.



Any sort of newer Upgrades, in all honesty I'd look at AMD right now, since the new Chips are supposed to use the current AM3 socket, and DDR3, so sticking with AMD right now, your pretty much ensuring a decent upgrade path, with Intel its a little questionable right now. Not sure if the new Intels are to be on Socket 1156 as well, or if 1156 will be discontinued down the road, or both 1156 and 1366 would be... Or only 1366 discontinued, Socket 1156 continues, and 2011 ends up being top end platform.

(Seems latest reading reveals that it will be Socket 1366 that will be sh*t canned in favor of 2011, which seems about right, considering the pin count increase, would pertain to the higher performing platform, just as 1366 vs 1156 right now.)

Karma might have more info on that, than I would, I only get around to reading this stuff every so often, or when I see a small reference somewhere on the web, then go look up the latest news I can find.



I'm not saying you should wait, but AMD seems to have the better track record of Upgrade paths over the last few years, keeping the existing Socket design and only making slight upgrades to it, where as Intel in the last 2+ years went from Socket 775 to Socket 1366, and then a year after that (last summer) came out with Socket 1156... now sometime next year rumored socket 2011, none of which are compatible with one another, even though each has similar spec'd/performing CPU's, but it remains to be seen how Intel will play this one out.

[KarmaKiller]

Well intel has already released a CPU/GPU combo.
Newegg.com - Intel Pentium G6950 Clarkdale 2.8GHz 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616G6950
It's not that pricey, but it's also not the fastest of the bunch either. For a web browsing/office/light duty PC, it would do fine. I don't think it would make a huge difference though from your current system.
You can probably pick up a used Q6600/Q6700 for ~$100 if not a bit cheaper, depending on where you look. That would be a decent upgrade, but I'm not sure you'd really notice a whole lot of difference if you not really taxing your system. I believe your motherboard can handle any 65nm Quad core though. I would be hesitant about picking up a 45nm Quad though, I'm unsure if it would actually work in your motherboard.

A small upgrade, I'd check into:
Some more ram, ONLY if the price is right though. DDR2 is almost more then DDR3 anymore, since most manufactures have quit making it already. So if you can get another 2gigs for under $40 or so, then I'd go for it. If not, I don't think it's worth putting much more money then that into a already aging system.
A Quad if it's cheap. Again, same reasons as above. You can polish a turd, but it's still a turd. (hopefully you get what I'm saying) lol

A system overhaul, I'd check into:
Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor BX80605I5750
Newegg.com - ASUS P7P55 LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Essentials 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 996586
That would be a very nice upgrade for you, and really doesn't break the bank. (considering the alternatives)
If that's to much $, I can find cheaper alternatives.

Just saw Shy's post, I believe AMD is moving to a new socket with bulldozer. I may be wrong, but I thought I read that somewhere.
As far as 1366 and 1156, I believe they will be good for another year if not a bit longer. Intel is moving to a different socket with the new CPU's coming next year, but honestly, any path you take right now is sounding like it's going to be discontinued in the next years. I wouldn't let that stop me though. You can still build a nice I5/I7/AMD system that will last several years, no matter what the socket is gonna do..

[ShyguyXPC]

Just want to add for that G6950, you'll need an H55 or H57 Chipset Motherboard to use the Onboard Graphics.

The Intel GPU is on the CPU, so the motherboard basically provides the Display Outputs for the Video, most standard P55 boards don't have these outputs to use the On CPU Graphics.

Now if your using a Dedicated Graphics Card, not an issue then.

Eh, I just saw the Motherboard, yeah, I'm with KK on the 45nm Quads, pretty sure it won't handle those. I think for any of those you'd need a G31/P31/P35 or newer Chipset Motherboard.



$10 more, you can get the 760 instead of the 750. Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-760 Lynnfield 2.8GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80605I5760

bit more extra speed out of box.

[ShyguyXPC]

Had to read up on some stuff, yeah looks like AMD plans on releasing something like AM3+ for the New Consumer level Bulldozer based Products, making it backwards compatible with older AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU's, but unable for the new CPU's to run on the older Socket boards.

[lone1dog]

Jeeze I like this chip(slobbering on myself) Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-970 Gulftown 3.2GHz 12MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Six-Core Desktop Processor BX80613I7970

But my God! The price ! A better price here, but ? Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor BX80601950

I like this MB(in my mind) Newegg.com - ASUS Rampage III Formula LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard


Its getting pricey here. But at least I will notice a very big jump. And maybe it would be fine for a while. Probably kick myself later next year if I build this.

This is my current video card: Newegg.com - BFG Tech BFGE951024GTE GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

With a something with this kinda power my dual WD Raid 0 I have these:Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar RE WD1600YS 160GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Hard Drive -Bare Drive

And my current PSU :Newegg.com - XION Supernova XON-600F14R-201 600W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Modular Power Supply
Worried about PSU and HDDs they are 5 years old now

[lone1dog]

Or just simply upgrade the memory and run win7 for now is good advise. And wait for better deals down the road. I bet around mid 2011 it will be a whole new ball game giving more choices for those as myself who are wanting to upgrade. I think K K is a wise man with that advise, thx. Shyguy good info and I am dieing to get more about the new chips verse the now chips I am looking at above. Perhaps a little patience will make them affordable.

I wonder what ram upgrade would be good for my MB ? I dont know if another 775 cpu would make much difference from your advise.

[KarmaKiller]

Well, I'd be worried about the 5 year old drives and PSU also. Age doesn't help those components at all. Of course you could still use them, but I sure would be REALLY hesitant about the PSU. The HDD's you could always use for storage or backup drives.
As far as the parts you have picked out, they are great parts. But I feel that the motherboard is slightly overkill, unless you plan on clocking the hell out of that chip and running some crazy GPU setup.
I have a EVGA X58 LE motherboard, and it's been flawless for the last year, even with HEAVY use and overclocking. I'd recommend it, and the price is MUCH easier to swallow then that Asus board.
Newegg.com - EVGA 131-GT-E767-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 SLI 3 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

For HDD's, I run a pair of 500GB WD drives in RAID 0, and they are pretty damn fast.

*They are short stroked for that benchmark*
If your going for a I7 system, this is what I would pickup:
Newegg.com - EVGA 131-GT-E767-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 SLI 3 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
Newegg.com - Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
Newegg.com - G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ
Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100299SR Radeon HD 5550 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
(enough to game if wanted, but not horribly priced. Also support for 3x monitors)
Newegg.com - SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

You would notice a HUGE increase in boot/load/processing times. But again, I'm unsure if it's really worth the money unless your a gamer/overclocker/programmer/ etc.. If you don't tax your system all that much, then it would be hard for me to throw down that kind of money.
I'd recommend a I5 or a AMD x4 and save yourself some money.

[lone1dog]

K K ,that was some very nice info on those drives in raid 0. I believe you have put me on the right track. This is my plan. upgrade these ram sticks on my current system: Newegg.com - A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model AD2U800B2G5-DRH

I believe they are compatable with my picky MB ? Get a new copy of win7 with them. Wait just a weee bit longer and see some price drops and or better options for spending alot of money. I believe anyone else would be wise to do the same in my shoes.


When the time comes in the next 6 months or so I will re-post with you on this thread about a new build. I really can't wait till that comes(like a kid in a candy store) perhaps the new chip will blow away any thought of what we have at the moment. But knowledge is power! And money buys that power. And I spent $1400 when I built this e6600 rig, very hard to do that anymore.

[KarmaKiller]

Sounds good. I think your doing the right thing. It's hard paying that much at once, especially for something you know will be outdated in a year or two.
As far as the RAM, it should work. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't.
Other then that, glad I could help ya out. LMK if you need anything else.

[lone1dog]

Oh wow, now I need some more help. I ordered 4 gig mem and OS upgrade and my neighbor begged me to sell him my rig. As he was there when I was upgrading. Offered me $250 + cost of upgrade and I took it. K K and shyguy the upgrade made about a 10 to 20 % noticeable difference I was pleased with the out come ! But so was my buddy

I am homing in on this CPU Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX

I could use your advise again I kinda didn't want to spend to much but get a horse. Oh gosh need help choosing this for CPU and the best MB and ram for gaming set up I would like to over clock but don't have experiance need user friendly want to build a power house. I am not sweating the money. Intel I7s R just to expensive. Thanks for any help.

[KarmaKiller]

Well I can't help but think your gonna end up spending about the same amount with that x6 chip you have picked out, and a decent Mobo/Ram setup. The x6 REALLY likes to be overclocked on the 890fx platform, which the cheapest board I can find in one of those flavors is running about $189. So your not really far off from a I7 already. But let's see what the total is here:
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor HDT90ZFBGRBOX
$265

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5 AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
This is middle of the road for overclock ability. If your wanting 4Ghz or more out of that cpu, I'd check into this board:
Newegg.com - ASUS Crosshair IV Formula AM3 AMD 890FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

For RAM, your gonna want something that can be clocked also, so it makes your CPU overclock a bit easier. AMD is still on Dual channel DDR3 ram, as opposed to I7 setups that are now using Triple channel DDR3.
Newegg.com - Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996778
or
Newegg.com - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM
Both are decent clockers with tight timings, and decent rated speeds. I'm pretty sure the G Skills use Elipda IC's, and they are pretty much known as the best memory chips on the market currently.

Don't forget to get a good cooler also. If you plan on overclocking, your gonna need to keep the CPU nice and cool. And the size of the heatsink can really determine if your case is big enough. So keep that in mind also. Some of the newer heatsinks won't fit unless you have a newer mid tower case.

[lone1dog]

Is this for real or a scam?
★ GT-R Extreme Intel Core i7 930 CPU 4.4GHz SUPER SALE! - eBay (item 300475656828 end time Oct-09-10 00:39:15 PDT)

[KarmaKiller]

That's a scam. He just overclocked a I7 930. For 4.4Ghz, he has a pretty high v-core according to the Eleet screenshot he posted. (1.47v) And you don't want a chip that other people have over-volted, never know how much higher they had it before that.
My 920 will do 4.3Ghz on 1.35v to give you something to compare to.
Anyways, I'd pass that up.

[ShyguyXPC]

LOL, a GT-R?

WTF, have never heard of that...


Does Intel have a GTS, GT, GTO, GTZ, Z, RX, ZX, MX, M, ZR, SX, NX, SI, VTEC, etc, etc etc, Models as well, LOL....

When I saw that GT-R designation, first things going through my mind is all the other various Sports Car Letter Designations out there, as well.

[lone1dog]

This might not appropriate here. But I just had to share this. I found it looking for a new build or rig. Just look at all this OC monster.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

[KarmaKiller]

This might not appropriate here. But I just had to share this. I found it looking for a new build or rig. Just look at all this OC monster.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Honestly man, stay away from Ebay. WAY to many scams, misprint, and flat out lies about parts on there.
On that specific system you linked to, I don't believe half the stuff that guy says. First off, you don't buy a $250 motherboard with all the OC options and not overclock. 2nd, his cooler ($80 cooler) again, you don't buy unless you overclock. The 280's are outdated now. (still good performers, but you can get similar performance out of the new fermi for less $ probably)
The case is hideous. (IMO of course)
And only a 80Gb HDD?
And you'll have to figure in the cost of a OS also into that price.

If you don't mind used parts, then I'd check out some of the bigger hardware sites forum boards, and see what you can find there. They will be cheap, and I would trust those guys over anything on ebay.
For Sale / Wanted - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
AnandTech Forums
Those are the 2 places I go for used hardware. I've had VERY good luck with both of those sites, and teh deals I've done on them.

[nickslick74]

Honestly man, stay away from Ebay. WAY to many scams, misprint, and flat out lies about parts on there.
On that specific system you linked to, I don't believe half the stuff that guy says. First off, you don't buy a $250 motherboard with all the OC options and not overclock. 2nd, his cooler ($80 cooler) again, you don't buy unless you overclock. The 280's are outdated now. (still good performers, but you can get similar performance out of the new fermi for less $ probably)
The case is hideous. (IMO of course)
And only a 80Gb HDD?
And you'll have to figure in the cost of a OS also into that price.

If you don't mind used parts, then I'd check out some of the bigger hardware sites forum boards, and see what you can find there. They will be cheap, and I would trust those guys over anything on ebay.
For Sale / Wanted - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net
AnandTech Forums
Those are the 2 places I go for used hardware. I've had VERY good luck with both of those sites, and teh deals I've done on them.

Also, the poster says that it's a Raptor drive... WD never made a Raptor at 80GB. The used to make 74GB ones, but never 80.