[Caskorak]

Finally, I have the cash and have decided to pony up and buy my $5K tower. Just when I think I have all the componets picked out AMD slugs me with 2 processors to choose from. The new and improved FX-57 or the X2 4800+...... Commence the pulling out of my hair as i try to decide.

I understand the difference between the 2 processors. Multi-threading advantages vs. the single app speed of the FX-57. For a gamer that poses serious soul searching in itself. More important though, my question is these - I've read that the FX-57 is the way to go to take full advantage for the new nVidia 7800 video cards, can the X2 achieve the same results? Also, I know that there are those with a better knowledge of the future of the market; If I go all out and buy one of these shiny new X2s what are the chances that in 4-6 months there will be dual 2.6 - 2.8 cores? Or even a dual core FX? Than there is the rumor of AMD moving from 939 to M2 pin sets! That means that if I move now upgrading later may be much more pricey and difficult.

All of this has left me searching for help. I have long been a gamer and always really wanted that Ultimate PC. Now that I finally have the means for it seems I may have had the worst timing possible. Any and all help/advice will be more than greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading and you thoughts.

Gregg

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There are always going to be revised models and new tech. If you based your decision on what might happen in 6 months, you'd never buy high end parts, because their time at the apex of the hardware pyramid is so limited. I bought a 4000+ Clawhammer a month before the San Diego cores were released. Meh, it happens. Still performs very well.

As you say, most of the benchmarks for the 7800 suggest that current cpus are the main bottleneck of that card's true power. I wonder what the difference in playability is, however, between 100fps, with settings maxed and 200fps with settings maxed? Would there be a significant and noticeable improvement at 200fps?? In other words, does it really matter that the cpu's are bottle necking the card when you can get perfect playability and eye candy (probably with a 3500+)?

The FX 57 is going to give you a few extra frames in single threaded apps.

The 4800 is going to provide the performance of a 4000+ (FX 53) in single threaded apps. You're probably looking at the difference of what, maybe 5-15 frames max. Probably negligible when you are considering the difference between 110 fps and 100 fps!

If you are likely to hang onto the cpu for a while, which having spent that sort of money, I presume you are, then perhaps you are better to go with the 4800, if it is feasible that multi threaded games will be released in the next 6-12 months. Think of all the other things you'll be able to do whilst playing at the same time!

But...if you are SOLELY a gamer, will get NO USE out of dual core, and want THE most amazing gaming cpu on the market, then surely you'd have to go with the FX-57. That puppy would just fly.

Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong with either. Both will be absolutely superb.

I haven't been following the M2 progress in great depth, but what I have read suggests it is probably 18-24 months off. Someone may have some more specific information for you.

Also, you should be able to build one bad bad system for $2500-3000.

[KGH]

There are always going to be revised models and new tech. If you based your decision on what might happen in 6 months, you'd never buy high end parts, because their time at the apex of the hardware pyramid is so limited. I bought a 4000+ Clawhammer a month before the San Diego cores were released. Meh, it happens. Still performs very well.

As you say, most of the benchmarks for the 7800 suggest that current cpus are the main bottleneck of that card's true power. I wonder what the difference in playability is, however, between 100fps, with settings maxed and 200fps with settings maxed? Would there be a significant and noticeable improvement at 200fps?? In other words, does it really matter that the cpu's are bottle necking the card when you can get perfect playability and eye candy (probably with a 3500+)?

The FX 57 is going to give you a few extra frames in single threaded apps.

The 4800 is going to provide the performance of a 4000+ (FX 53) in single threaded apps. You're probably looking at the difference of what, maybe 5-15 frames max. Probably negligible when you are considering the difference between 110 fps and 100 fps!

If you are likely to hang onto the cpu for a while, which having spent that sort of money, I presume you are, then perhaps you are better to go with the 4800, if it is feasible that multi threaded games will be released in the next 6-12 months. Think of all the other things you'll be able to do whilst playing at the same time!

But...if you are SOLELY a gamer, will get NO USE out of dual core, and want THE most amazing gaming cpu on the market, then surely you'd have to go with the FX-57. That puppy would just fly.

Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong with either. Both will be absolutely superb.

I haven't been following the M2 progress in great depth, but what I have read suggests it is probably 18-24 months off. Someone may have some more specific information for you.

Also, you should be able to build one bad bad system for $2500-3000.

[warriorscot]

The new socket type should be in full swing by half way through last year, they will probably continue to make 939 processors though as it has been one of there most popular pin types yet. The good news is that upgrading should be easier as the older pin types even with the same core they were always cheaper to buy. I would get a dual core as it will stand upo a bit more in the future as games are coming out to make use of dual cores. And the single cores on the 4800 are pretty hefty themselves and one core can be dedicated to the gfx card so performance is will be good either way. I would wait a little while for the new ATI cards to come out you now they are better than the 7800 otherwise ati would have rushed them through.

Give yourself a month for research or so and you should be able to get enough info to make a balanced desicion and the ati cards will be out along with the first of the crossfire boards.

[Metalive]

I was wondering about this myself... I figure, I might as well go for a dual core, the FX will only provide MAYBE 5-10 FPS more than the 4800+. But as someone said, who would really notice the difference in 100-110 FPS? In the future it is also likely games will support multi threading, and I don't want to have to buy ANOTHER cpu just to experience them.

But I am going to wait, my 3500+ should be able to carry me at least another half a year, and by then, prices will have dropped, new cores will be out, as well as any other newer technology that might impact my descision.

Edited by Metalive, 27 July 2005 - 04:45 PM.

[warriorscot]

half a year, jeso your one of those people that just throw money at there computers arent you, ive got my 3200 and its gonna last me at least 3 years, cause i aint spendin money to replace a perfectly good cpu. When they make dual core only games then i will think about it. At the monent they arent even making 64 bit games so we have a while to go yet.

[Metalive]

No, I don't "throw" money at my computer, I'm working hard and can afford it. The performance is worth it.

and games like FarCry have made optional 64 bit improved versions available to the public months ago.

Edited by Metalive, 27 July 2005 - 06:25 PM.

[Caskorak]

Found a couple websights that helped answer some questions. For anyone elce who is interested here they are:

AMD Processor futures
http://www.anandtech...aspx?i=2476&p=1

Also news on the M2 future
http://www.digitimes...50509A6030.html

And an all inclusive artice
http://www.tomshardw...504_145314.html

Basically I guess it means that Q3 of 2006 will probrably be the best time for me to look into a new PC. I guess my Athlon XP is here to stay at least for another year.

Thank you all so much for all your help and in pointing me in the right direction.

~~Take Care
Gregg