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[cackhyena]

Going with the 2500 k and ASUS p8p67, along with the Fractal R3 case, would i need this, or is it overkill?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[chaosblade]

Going with the 2500 k and ASUS p8p67, along with the Fractal R3 case, would i need this, or is it overkill?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002G1YPH0/?tag=neogaf0e-20

You'll want it if you're overclocking (which I assume is the case, since you're buying a P67 board and k processor). Make sure to buy it from Amazon directly and save an extra $5.

 

[cackhyena]

I asked before but didn't get a response. Is overclocking a complicated thing, or a matter of just clicking some options? I use my comp to work on also with digital painting programs so I want to ensure I'm not doing anything that might jeopardize the safety of my paintings.

 

[Diseased Yak]

The thermal compound that comes with the D14 is said to be better than AS5, so no need to buy that.

Ahh cool, thanks!

 

[Shambles]

It's better to add another stick or remove one. Dual to single channel is a big performance hit unless you are doing something that requires >8GB ram.

The first two sticks should still be running dual channel, only the third stick will be running a single channel.

Spoiler

At least i'm pretty sure, it's been a while

 

[knitoe]

I asked before but didn't get a response. Is overclocking a complicated thing, or a matter of just clicking some options? I use my comp to work on also with digital painting programs so I want to ensure I'm not doing anything that might jeopardize the safety of my paintings.

Overclocking requires changing some settings and stress testing to make sure it's stable. With sandy bridge, Intel made it much more easy to overclock manually compare to before, but it still requires some knowledge. Your other option is the 1 button / click overclocking tools from the MB manufacturer, but this usually leads to slower overclock and/or higher voltage = temps. In both cases, you should still stress test, using something like Prime95 for a few hours.

 

[knitoe]

The first two sticks should still be running dual channel, only the third stick will be running a single channel.

Spoiler

At least i'm pretty sure, it's been a while

Never been like that. Where you get that idea?

 

[cackhyena]

Overclocking requires changing some settings and stress testing to make sure it's stable. With sandy bridge, Intel made it much more easy to overclock manually compare to before, but it still requires some knowledge. Your other option is the 1 button / click overclocking tools from the MB manufacturer, but this usually leads to slower overclock and/or higher voltage = temps. In both cases, you should still stress test, using something like Prime95 for a few hours.

Thanks for the explanation. I'm not sure if I really want to bother with all of that. If i still want to occasionally play something as stellar looking as The Witcher 2, will a regular i5 be good enough? If so, what MB should I be looking at instead? If not, what's my next best option?

I thought the regular i5 is only like, 10 bucks less or something, anyway. Would it even matter? I dunno.

 

[Shambles]

Never been like that. Where you get that idea?

The nForce chipsets could. Since there is so much confusion on the subject I'd say if you're really interested in running three stick and still getting dual channel out of two the only reliable place to look is the motherboards manual.

 

[RS4-]

Ugh, not sure why I can't OC my q6600. It's still stock at 9x266, so I've tried 333 and 400 and after I save to cmos and reboot, it'll start up then immediately shut down and everything is back to stock.

q6600 with Thermalright Ultra 120 cooler and a scythe fan
OCZ 2GB reapers
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Corsair 620hx

I guess I should start at 9x300 and see if things are stable. I know I should be able to do at least 3GHz. Right now my idle core temps are around 35

 

[chaosblade]

Overclocking really is easy, it's just kind of time consuming. If the price difference is only $10 between the standard and k edition CPUs, just get the k one so you aren't limiting yourself down the road. Better to pay that $10 and at least have the option in case you decide to try it.

Edit: Odd that it wouldn't keep the changes. Are you sure you don't have something set to auto somewhere so it's resetting your clock speeds? I recall something like that in my bios when I was OCing.

 

[cackhyena]

Overclocking really is easy, it's just kind of time consuming. If the price difference is only $10 between the standard and k edition CPUs, just get the k one so you aren't limiting yourself down the road. Better to pay that $10 and at least have the option in case you decide to try it.

Thank you, brother.

 

[Hazaro]

Been lurking here for a while and my money just came through. Would anyone in the know mind giving some advice/suggestions for my planned build?

Budget is about 1000 euro. Is this any good?

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs: I've been using a laptop for years unfortunately. (so no prev computer)
Budget: 900-1000 euro, Ireland
Main Use: Gaming
Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080 is the monitor I've planned to buy
SPECIFIC games: Crysis 1 and 2, Skyrim, Battlefield 3, Bad Company 2
Are reusing any parts?: Unfortunately I have no parts to reuse. Not even a monitor
When will you build?: Hopefully before the end of June. Planning on early/mid June right now.
Will you be overclocking?: Maybe (This means yes)

Drop the Arctic and get a Corsair/Seasonic/Antec/XFX or whatever you have at your shop.
Corsair 750w/XFX 750w should be available.

Thanks for the explanation. I'm not sure if I really want to bother with all of that. If i still want to occasionally play something as stellar looking as The Witcher 2, will a regular i5 be good enough? If so, what MB should I be looking at instead? If not, what's my next best option?

I thought the regular i5 is only like, 10 bucks less or something, anyway. Would it even matter? I dunno.

Well a 2500 clocks to 3.7Ghz which is no slouch at all. You can go with a H67 board and save a little bit or money if you don't think you will bother with overclocking.
It's not like the Core 2's where you'd go from 2.5GHz to 3.6GHz or 3.0 to 3.8

It's 3.7 to 4.4 or so.

Ugh, not sure why I can't OC my q6600. It's still stock at 9x266, so I've tried 333 and 400 and after I save to cmos and reboot, it'll start up then immediately shut down and everything is back to stock.

q6600 with Thermalright Ultra 120 cooler and a scythe fan
OCZ 2GB reapers
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Corsair 620hx

I guess I should start at 9x300 and see if things are stable. I know I should be able to do at least 3GHz. Right now my idle core temps are around 35

Feed it some more CPU voltage (1.3), bump the NB voltage a notch or two.
You might have a FSB gap as well (won't work at certain FSB speeds)
Also turn off C1E / Speedstep if you haven't.

 

[knitoe]

Thanks for the explanation. I'm not sure if I really want to bother with all of that. If i still want to occasionally play something as stellar looking as The Witcher 2, will a regular i5 be good enough? If so, what MB should I be looking at instead? If not, what's my next best option?

I thought the regular i5 is only like, 10 bucks less or something, anyway. Would it even matter? I dunno.

Overclocking is a good way to increase performance at no extra cost. With sandy bridge CPU, it would be stupid not since it's pretty easy.

As for the Witcher 2, the game seems to be very CPU dependent. In my case, going from overclock 2600K 4.5GHz to 4.8GHz increase by 5fps. The fps would surely decrease by a lot if it were still running at stock 3.4GHz.

 

[darkwing]

Ugh, not sure why I can't OC my q6600. It's still stock at 9x266, so I've tried 333 and 400 and after I save to cmos and reboot, it'll start up then immediately shut down and everything is back to stock.

q6600 with Thermalright Ultra 120 cooler and a scythe fan
OCZ 2GB reapers
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Corsair 620hx

I guess I should start at 9x300 and see if things are stable. I know I should be able to do at least 3GHz. Right now my idle core temps are around 35

did you add some vcore? be careful with this though

 

[knitoe]

The nForce chipsets could. Since there is so much confusion on the subject I'd say if you're really interested in running three stick and still getting dual channel out of two the only reliable place to look is the motherboards manual.

He's not using a nForce. Intel chipset has always been dual with 2/4 sticks and single with 1/3.

 

[Shambles]

Ugh, not sure why I can't OC my q6600. It's still stock at 9x266, so I've tried 333 and 400 and after I save to cmos and reboot, it'll start up then immediately shut down and everything is back to stock.

q6600 with Thermalright Ultra 120 cooler and a scythe fan
OCZ 2GB reapers
Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Corsair 620hx

I guess I should start at 9x300 and see if things are stable. I know I should be able to do at least 3GHz. Right now my idle core temps are around 35

Your motherboard is reverting to default settings after a failed overclock. Chances are the voltages on the CPU and possible north bridge needs to be increased. Often you can get away with 9x333 on stock voltages but not always the case. 9x400 is a nice round number for memory but most Q6600's can't quite hit 3.6Ghz. I wish mine did but I just can't get it stable

 

[cackhyena]

Overclocking is a good way to increase performance at no extra cost. With sandy bridge CPU, it would be stupid not since it's pretty easy.

As for the Witcher 2, the game seems to be very CPU dependent. In my case, going from overclock 2600K 4.5GHz to 4.8GHz increase by 5fps. The fps would surely decrease by a lot if it were still running at stock 3.4GHz.

I understand, but seeing as gaming on Ultra isn't a priority to me, I'm not needing the few extra fps. As I said, it's also my work PC, so being cautious wins out. Maybe it's ignorance on the matter, overall. I dunno.

 

[knitoe]

I understand, but seeing as gaming on Ultra isn't a priority to me, I'm not needing the few extra fps. As I said, it's also my work PC, so being cautious wins out. Maybe it's ignorance on the matter, overall. I dunno.

If you stress test the overclock and it passes, no reason why it wouldn't be just as stable as stock. A 1+ GHz increase would make a big difference in performance.

Even if you don't plan on overclocking, I would still get a K CPU & P67/Z68 MB in case you change your mind later on and need the extra boost. Would be much cheaper than having to replace CPU and MB again.

 

[Shambles]

He's not using a nForce. Intel chipset has always been dual with 2/4 sticks and single with 1/3.

 

[knitoe]

Unless I am reading it wrong, it's talking about having install a 4GB & a 8GB. 8GB will run in dual channel while the extra 4GB runs in single. But, is that the same as running 3 sticks? If anyone is running 4 sticks on sandy bridge, please remove one and tell us what CPUZ says for memory.

 

[RS4-]

Thanks guys, I'll try 1.3 voltage since my VID is 1.2875 or something atm.

Ram timings, I should just keep at 555-15?

 

[CrankyJay]

From what I googled on p67 the 3 sticks would all run single channel.

 

[Shambles]

Unless I am reading it wrong, it's talking about having install a 4GB & a 6/8GB. 8GB will run in dual channel while the extra 2/4GB runs in single. But, is that the same as running 3 sticks? If anyone is running 4 sticks on sandy bridge, please remove one and tell us what CPUZ says for memory.

Channel A/B is the two memory channels, not the dimm slots. When running three sticks the two lower sticks will operate dual channel on A+B while the third stick runs single channel on A. When running two sticks on dual and one stick on single it's not implying there are three channels, but that the one stick operates only on one on of the two memory controllers. If someone were to test it they would have to devise some way to use benchmarks as I don't believe programs like CPU-Z label each individual stick. Last time I tried anyways it just reported the system was running dual channels making some people think that all three sticks were running dual when really it was only 2/3 of them running on both channels. If someone was to pop out their 4th stick and it reported single than we would know for sure if that was the case for all of them. I have an AM3 system around that I could put 2/2/4 in but who knows if AMDs and Intels chipsets operate the same way.

 

[black_vegeta]

Anyone have a Z68 board yet? Any impressions?

 

[cackhyena]

If you stress test the overclock and it passes, no reason why it wouldn't be just as stable as stock. A 1+ GHz increase would make a big difference in performance.

Even if you don't plan on overclocking, I would still get a K CPU & P67/Z68 MB in case you change your mind later on and need the extra boost. Would be much cheaper than having to replace CPU and MB again.

Alright, thank you.

 

[knitoe]

Channel A/B is the two memory channels, not the dimm slots. When running three sticks the two lower sticks will operate dual channel on A+B while the third stick runs single channel on A. When running two sticks on dual and one stick on single it's not implying there are three channels, but that the one stick operates only on one on of the two memory controllers. If someone were to test it they would have to devise some way to use benchmarks as I don't believe programs like CPU-Z label each individual stick. Last time I tried anyways it just reported the system was running dual channels making some people think that all three sticks were running dual when really it was only 2/3 of them running on both channels. If someone was to pop out their 4th stick and it reported single than we would know for sure if that was the case for all of them. I have an AM3 system around that I could put 2/2/4 in but who knows if AMDs and Intels chipsets operate the same way.

User manual recommends 1/2/4 sticks. 3 isn't recommend for a reason.

And, if you have ram running at different speeds, it would seem logical that overall performance would be limited to the slowest.

I have never ram 3 sticks, but from what I have read/heard, it should say single channel in CPUZ. It would be clearer if someone can tell use.

 

[Shambles]

User manual recommends 1/2/4 sticks. 3 isn't recommend for a reason.

And, if you have ram running at different speeds, it would seem logical that overall performance would be limited to the slowest.

I have never ram 3 sticks, but from what I have read/heard, it should say single channel in CPUZ. It would be clearer if someone can tell use.

Recommended =/ required. I don't see why chipsets would be taking steps back from 5 years ago. Ram speeds never came into this question. Regardless memory speed isn't set by the memory, it's set by the system, memory always runs at the same speed within the same system.

 

[knitoe]

Recommended =/ required. I don't see why chipsets would be taking steps back from 5 years ago. Ram speeds never came into this question. Regardless memory speed isn't set by the memory, it's set by the system, memory always runs at the same speed within the same system.

To clarify, I meant data bandwidth, dual vs single.

 

[mike23]

Overclocked my i5 2500k using the P8P67 Pro's auto overclock thing.

Ran Prime95 for over an hour and it seems stable. Temperatures cap out at 67-69 with my iffy thermal compound install and my R3 without any added case fans.

One thing I noticed though, my bus speed isn't 100MHz, why is that? I'm pretty sure I didn't change that anywhere and it was like that before I did the auto-overclock.

 

[knitoe]

Overclocked my i5 2500k using the P8P67 Pro's auto overclock thing.

Ran Prime95 for over an hour and it seems stable. Temperatures cap out at 67-69 with my iffy thermal compound install and my R3 without any added case fans.

One thing I noticed though, my bus speed isn't 100MHz, why is that? I'm pretty sure I didn't change that anywhere and it was like that before I did the auto-overclock.

When using auto overclocking tool, they tend to increase the BLK from 100 to 101-103. You should run prime95 longer, at least a few hours.

 

[Zabojnik]

So it would seem that the SATA2 controller on my Gigabyte P67A-UD3P just died on me. I bought the motherboard about when the recalls were going on, but I decided to get it anyway. I did not expect the damn thing to die so soon. The motherboard is obviously still under warranty, but I *really* don't want to go through the whole process.

Anyhow, my system SSD and data HDD are both connected to the two SATA3 ports and I only need another SATA port for the DVD-RW, so I'm going for a SATA3 PCI-Express card. This one I can get for about 15 EUR: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJdENviWubE.

Should be alright, right?

 

[Fernicia]

Drop the Arctic and get a Corsair/Seasonic/Antec/XFX or whatever you have at your shop.
n/XFX 750w should be available.

Thanks for the advice. I revised my order after realising that ebuyer don't deliver to Ireland (I actually forgot to put in a graphics card last time. Silly me). Is there anything other than headphones, a keyboard and mouse that I need here?

 

[RS4-]

Ok, I'm at 7x400 @ 1.35v. Prime95 on large? my temps are under 60c.

Going to run Witcher 2 again on various settings and see if I can get higher than the 10-15 fps I was getting in Flotsam lol.

Thanks for the help guys! I can't wait to upgrade to a 2500k or something in the next few months when prices drop (hopefully)

edit - will try 8x400 later, hopefully that's stable

 

[scy]

So GAF, any recommendations for a good 27"-ish monitor that won't utterly decimate my wallet? Was hoping to stay like sub $500 on it. Or should I just go with like 3 decent 23" or something? Not that big of a fan of the multiple displays (if only for the damn bezel in the way) but I can be swayed I suppose.

 

[TrounceX]

When using auto overclocking tool, they tend to increase the BLK from 100 to 101-103. You should run prime95 longer, at least a few hours.

Oh so is increasing the BCLK is a bad thing?

I just let my asus p8p67 pro auto overclock my 2500k last night and looks like it increased the BCLK to 103. Running at 4.7 Ghz right now...

 

[cackhyena]

I can't wait to upgrade to a 2500k or something in the next few months when prices drop (hopefully)

Are they rumored to?

 

[LogicStep]

Basic Desktop Questions:
Your Current Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor
RAM: OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EX58-DS4 LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard
GPU: EVGA 896-P3-1267-AR GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 Superclocked Edition 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card

Budget: Not sure
Main Use: Gaming, I want to try the newest games.
Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 Don't think I will upgrade for a long time.
List SPECIFIC games that you MUST be able to play: Newest games, for example Witcher 2, Diablo 3
Are reusing any parts?: Mostly everything.
When will you build?: I can wait a little.
Will you be overclocking?: No

So what I really want to ask is, looking at my current specs, I don't think I need to upgrade much. The only thing that sticks out to me would be the video card but I'm no expert. Does it look like I would need to upgrade anything else? I'm thinking of upgrading my card because I think its going bad so might as well get a new one.

 

[Smokey]

Anyone have a Z68 board yet? Any impressions?

When you putting your machine together?

After using my machine for a week or however long it's been I love it. The case is awesome (Silverstone FT02) when it's generally a very quiet machine. Only thing that really makes noise is the fan of the H70 but even then I don't really notice it unless I stop doing whatever I'm doing on the computer. The ASUS DCII 580 has been good to me as well. Very quiet. Even if I put fans on 50% or so it's still not noticeable during gameplay.

Oh and for those doubting SSD. Do it. Crazy speed for day to day tasks (using a Intel 320 160GB)

 

[black_vegeta]

When you putting your machine together?

After using my machine for a week or however long it's been I love it. The case is awesome (Silverstone FT02) when it's generally a very quiet machine. Only thing that really makes noise is the fan of the H70 but even then I don't really notice it unless I stop doing whatever I'm doing on the computer. The ASUS DCII 580 has been good to me as well. Very quiet. Even if I put fans on 50% or so it's still not noticeable during gameplay.

Oh and for those doubting SSD. Do it. Crazy speed for day to day tasks (using a Intel 320 160GB)

Probably in a month. My Intel 320 160GB SSD will be arriving today. I still have to get the monitor, motherboard, and gpu left to get.

I'm buying the mobo and gpu last, just in case anything happens.

 

[Diseased Yak]

When you putting your machine together?

After using my machine for a week or however long it's been I love it. The case is awesome (Silverstone FT02) when it's generally a very quiet machine. Only thing that really makes noise is the fan of the H70 but even then I don't really notice it unless I stop doing whatever I'm doing on the computer. The ASUS DCII 580 has been good to me as well. Very quiet. Even if I put fans on 50% or so it's still not noticeable during gameplay.

Oh and for those doubting SSD. Do it. Crazy speed for day to day tasks (using a Intel 320 160GB)

What video card did you end up going with, Smokey? How do you like it?

Can't decide whether to get a GTX 580 or a AMD 6970 or maybe a lesser card...

 

[Smokey]

What video card did you end up going with, Smokey? How do you like it?

Can't decide whether to get a GTX 580 or a AMD 6970 or maybe a lesser card...

The ASUS DCII 580 has been good to me as well. Very quiet. Even if I put fans on 50% or so it's still not noticeable during gameplay.

I did mention it in my post

I love the card. Very quiet and obviously very powerful. If you have the cash I'd go with the one I got or one of the 3GB versions from the other manufacturers if you don't care as much about cooling/quietness.

I kind of want another one for SLI..but looking at my case..a number of inputs on the motherboard would be covered since the ASUS DCII is a triple slot GPU.

 

[TheExodu5]

I did mention it in my post

I love the card. Very quiet and obviously very powerful. If you have the cash I'd go with the one I got or one of the 3GB versions from the other manufacturers if you don't care as much about cooling/quietness.

I kind of want another one for SLI..but looking at my case..a number of inputs on the motherboard would be covered since the ASUS DCII is a triple slot GPU.

It would cover the inputs, but I think it would be high enough to not interfere with them after things are plugged in. You can test it out with your first card to see how it fits on the bottom slot.

You're using the FT02, right?

 

[Diseased Yak]

I did mention it in my post

I love the card. Very quiet and obviously very powerful. If you have the cash I'd go with the one I got or one of the 3GB versions from the other manufacturers if you don't care as much about cooling/quietness.

I kind of want another one for SLI..but looking at my case..a number of inputs on the motherboard would be covered since the ASUS DCII is a triple slot GPU.

Man, I'm blind! Thanks dude. Sounds good, I'll prob not worry with the 3GB versions, since I'm only doing 1080p.


Ok here's what I've come up with for a good overclocking play-thing of a box:

ASRock P67 EXTREME6 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel P67 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard $204.99

CORSAIR Professional Series AX850 850W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply $182.99

Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I72600K $314.99

Intel 320 Series SSDSA2CW120G3K5 2.5" 120GB SATA II MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) $219.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive 2x@$64.99 = $129.98

Corsair Special Edition White Graphite Series 600T Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $179.99

MSI N580GTX Lightning GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card $525.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL $94.99

Noctua NH-D14 120mm & 140mm SSO CPU Cooler $89.99

 

[Smokey]

It would cover the inputs, but I think it would be high enough to not interfere with them after things are plugged in. You can test it out with your first card to see how it fits on the bottom slot.

You're using the FT02, right?

Just looking through the window it looks like the USB, HD Audio, and and a few other plugs would be covered. I'm pretty sure it would still work it would just take some re routing of the cabling.

I'm tempted though. I feel like that's the only area of my right that I'm missing!

Man, I'm blind! Thanks dude. Sounds good, I'll prob not worry with the 3GB versions, since I'm only doing 1080p.

If you have the option/money I'd go with the 580. Of course I am biased but hey.

 

[black_vegeta]

If you have the option/money I'd go with the 580. Of course I am biased but hey.

I'm definitely going 580, but I'll probably go MSI Twin Frozr II

 

[knitoe]

Oh so is increasing the BCLK is a bad thing?

I just let my asus p8p67 pro auto overclock my 2500k last night and looks like it increased the BCLK to 103. Running at 4.7 Ghz right now...

Increasing BLK can cause instability. Better to use higher multiplier and keep BLK = 100 since 101-103 doesn't offer mch better performance. And, just because the auto tool set it does not mean it's a stable overclock. You should still run stress tests, like Prime95 for a few hours. While doing that, run HWmonitor to see the min/max temps and CPU voltages.

 

[The Teachinator]

Smokey I'd just wait till the fall and see what single cards become available at this point. It's not like the 580 performs poorly on anything and unless you're going eyefiniti whats the point?

 

[Smokey]

Smokey I'd just wait till the fall and see what single cards become available at this point. It's not like the 580 performs poorly on anything and unless you're going eyefiniti whats the point?

There is no point. I'm fine with my machine as it is.

I just *feel* like SLI is the only thing I'm missing.

 

[BoobPhysics101]

With a Phenom II and 6850, that PC will probably depreciate relatively fast. That's a pretty nice machine right now but you probably won't get much of anything when you resell it.

I'd see what kind of case, PSU, cooling and other more long term parts it has, since those could just be reused later instead of selling off the whole thing. If those are good, quality components then it might be worth it since you'll save some money next time you build and you'll have a nice PC until then.

And regarding Bulldozer, there are only a few things that could realistically happen.
1) Bulldozer is a disappointment, like the first Phenoms. In that case, they should be relatively cheap and drop even lower pretty fast.
2) Bulldozer is as good or slightly better than Sandy Bridge. It will probably be priced on par with Intel's current CPUs so you'll get similar or slightly better performance for the price.
3) Bulldozer blows away Sandy Bridge. Unlikely, but if it happens don't expect the processors to be cheap. AMD is only cheap right now because they don't have the hardware to sell for more. Back during the FX days, they had some pretty expensive parts.


Looks good for the price, I doubt you'll find any 1600 RAM for $75 or less.

Thanks for the thoughts. If the guy spent $1100 2 months ago and now he's trying to trade it for a $650 gaming laptop, it just goes to show you how fast the depreciation truly is. I'm selling the laptop for cash today and might build a gaming PC next month.