Before I order a new PC

[nor-rbk]

I'm going to buy a new PC soon, my laptop is killing me. But I need some advice first:

Dual Core or normal
What's the best? A Dual Core processor with 2,2GHz or a normal one with 3,4GHz? I usually don't use many programs at the same time, but I do play Football Manager which demands a lot. Which of these would then be the best choice?

I've heard that processors will be cheaper this autumn, and that there have been an over-production of LCD screens so that they will also be cheaper. Is this correct? If so, how much could I save by waiting 2-3 months?


This is the computer I've been thinking of (€1400):
Aspire X-Cruiser (case)
NorthQ 4775-500S, ATX 500W Silent, 140mm Fan, 12-17dBA, 4xSATA, SLI, 20/24pin
MSI 945P Platinum, I945P, Socket-775 Firewire,SATAII,ATX,GbLAN,DDR2,PCI-Ex16
Intel Pentium D 945 3.4GHz Socket LGA775, 4MB, BOXED w/fan
Corsair Value S. PC4200 DDR2 2048MB Kit w/two matched Value Select 1024MB
Gainward GeForce 7600GT 256MB Silent FX, PCI-Express,GDDR3, "BP7600GT-256-TV-DVI
Samsung SpinPoint T133S 300GB SATA2 8MB 7200RPM
NEC DVD-burner ND-4571A IDE Silver OEM, Dual, Ram, LabelFlash
Samtron/Samsung 17" LCD Syncmaster 74V TCO99 Silver, 1280x1024, 600:1,8ms, VGA
Windows XP Home Edition

I can install a TV-card on this one, right?


You got any opinions on this one? About the graphic card, motherboard, etc?

 

[goal_machine84]

the specs seem fine to me mate...u have a solid machine in the works. I suggest u wait for windows vista and the gfx cards that support directx 10 fully...yeah i know the waitin sucks but its worth it imo

 

[nor-rbk]

I don't think I will wait for Vista, because it may take a long time til it gets released, and the prices will go up. And XP will do fine for years.

 

[Joe Star]

Processor prices have already crashed with the release of Conroe. I think your setup is fine as it is mate

 

[champdave]

If you're going dual core, go for an Intel Conroe / Core 2 Duo or an Athlon X2. The Pentium 4 Dual Core is the equivalent of having a barbeque in your room.

 

[nor-rbk]

Thanks for your replies. But do I need a dual core processor? I don't use a lot of programms at the same time. I can get a regular one with 3,6GHz at the same price as a dual core with 2,2GHz.

 

[champdave]

I could probably draw something by hand quicker than a Pentium 4 3.6ghz could render it though

If you're going single go Athlon 64. But you can get a cheaper dual core (Conroe 1.86ghz / Athlon X2 2ghz) for the same price as a top single one, so you may as well go dual core.

 

[nor-rbk]

Okay, thanks for your tips.