Hi
I'm looking to upgrade my system as it's getting a bit long in the tooth (like me) and needs a bit of a boost (also like me). I'd appreciate some comments.
Currently
Gigabyte GA-K8NS Ultra 939 with AMD64 and 1GB(2x512) of DDR400
1x250GB IDE
1x40GB IDE (for windows I'm afraid)
2x80GB SATA
CD-Writer
DVD-Write
AGP NVIDIA 6600GT Dual DVI connected to 2 Iiyama Prolite E431s @ 1280x1024
Elsa Synergy 2 PCI connect to 15in CRT
600W PSU - Zalman
What I currently do?
Well, I use it for development, java, web etc., burning DVDs etc. and general computery tinkering.
What I want?
Well, first I want a 22" widescreen LCD for DVD viewing and want to use the 2 Iiyamas either side
I also want to do some virtualisation- mainly so I can lock Windows away where it can do little harm, and run some server setups for testing.
My options seem to be:
1. Stick with existing mobo and get a AMD64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600 or 4800 (max?), add a couple of gigs of DDR400 in the spare dual slots, replace ELSA with a PCI with DVI (Nvidia 5200?). I don't really play games so hopefully the 6600 will handle the bigger display and a 17". Likewise storage is fine as is.
Or....
2. New mobo. Say AM2 and get a AMD X2 6000?. That would however mean new memory, new graphics card etc. which I'm not sure I can stretch to.
It's also been suggested (given the virtualisation aim) to go for Intel Quad E6600 but again, at £160 it pushes the budget.
Would option 1 give the system enough of a boost for its purpose or is option 2 a better route? Albeit more pricey.
I need to be sensible re the budget wise as my laptop has just died so I'll be looking for a new one of those - wife and finances permitting at the end of the year.
Any comments gratefully recieved. Needless to say, every needs to run under Linux (currently Ubuntu 7.04).
Cheers
Andy