sean.ferguson
OSNN Veteran Addict
- Joined
- 4 Jul 2003
- Messages
- 1,693
I need a little advice, i am hoping to have some money possibly this time next year for a decent system upgrade. At current im using a fairly mid-range system (see the sig), and im happy with it, this has also been the highest (in comparable specs) spec'd machine i have owned.
If i do intend on upgrading i would probably be looking at a 3.0GHz processor as a base, no less than 1Gb or memory and no less than 160Gb of storage. But because up until now i have not thought of any upgrades, i haven't looked at any of the newer technology such as DDR2, SLI, NForce 4, Dual Core Processors or even 64-bit. But looking at the high end market today, this would appear what i will be aiming for.
I have a couple of questions, some of which you probably cant answer because in a year alot can change. But take these questions as of now, at least that way I can attempt to get up to speed with todays technology.
SLI? Am i right in thinking that this is two graphics cards side by side making for a huge amount of GP power? Is SLI systems really only targeting heavy gamers, or are there any other advantages of having an SLI system?
DDR2 I have had a quick read on this one, but again, is there really any need? Is DDR going to dissapear in favour of DDR2? Is there any advantages/disadvantages that would make or break a system?
Dual Core and 64-bit? I understand 64-bit, i did do computer architecture at college. But, my main query would have to be: Will there be much point in having a 64-bit system for a 32-bit OS? Is the 64-bit market going to be much different in a years time? Again are there advantages?
Other quirks, S-ATA? Im still using EIDE P-ATA drives is it advisable to upgrade the drives to SATA?
Lets say, taking todays prices in GBP (£), what would i be looking at for lets say £1,250 if i were to be building it myself?
If i do intend on upgrading i would probably be looking at a 3.0GHz processor as a base, no less than 1Gb or memory and no less than 160Gb of storage. But because up until now i have not thought of any upgrades, i haven't looked at any of the newer technology such as DDR2, SLI, NForce 4, Dual Core Processors or even 64-bit. But looking at the high end market today, this would appear what i will be aiming for.
I have a couple of questions, some of which you probably cant answer because in a year alot can change. But take these questions as of now, at least that way I can attempt to get up to speed with todays technology.
SLI? Am i right in thinking that this is two graphics cards side by side making for a huge amount of GP power? Is SLI systems really only targeting heavy gamers, or are there any other advantages of having an SLI system?
DDR2 I have had a quick read on this one, but again, is there really any need? Is DDR going to dissapear in favour of DDR2? Is there any advantages/disadvantages that would make or break a system?
Dual Core and 64-bit? I understand 64-bit, i did do computer architecture at college. But, my main query would have to be: Will there be much point in having a 64-bit system for a 32-bit OS? Is the 64-bit market going to be much different in a years time? Again are there advantages?
Other quirks, S-ATA? Im still using EIDE P-ATA drives is it advisable to upgrade the drives to SATA?
Lets say, taking todays prices in GBP (£), what would i be looking at for lets say £1,250 if i were to be building it myself?
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