to wait or not to wait? 754 vs 939 etc.

[Ras Gabriel]

Anyone please help...I am waiting to start ordering parts...
I think I've finally made up my mind to build The Allenstein machine over getting G5 (the system appears to be very stable and efficient and that's what I'm looking for obviously, so why pay $1500-3000 when I can build one for under $1000.)
I do have a couple of questions, and probably will have more as I get into it. I'm really wondering if I should wait till all of this dual core processing and such is worked out and the 939 socket mobos or if I should go ahead with the Asus K8V SE Deluxe 754 and AMD 64 3700+....anyway, here is what I'm planning on getting, please let me know if you would personally do anything different.

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...PTLE%20Machine

1. As far as an external HD how about this? http://www.gogocity.com/product_deta...O07HDD0530FIRE

2. As far as displays, are there any 19-20" that you would recommend for under $300?

that's it for now (I think)...I have a brand new 002r factory bundle still in the box awaiting use so I am ready to go, but want to proceed with caution...thank you for sharing your time and knowledge.

gabe

[madrock]

go S939. it is the way of the (not too distant) future, as is the way with all things computer related and the majority of 939 boards support the dual core processors already.

the A8V-E deluxe works a treat.

[Joe Evans]

Gabe,

Pretty much either way you go you are going into planned obsolescence right off the bat with the computer. My opinion (strictly an opinion) is that the cheaper, older CPU's you mentioned are already outrunning what PTLE will let us do regarding track counts, plug-in's, etc.... Some of the people here using the "slower" Athlon 64 chips are getting phenomenal results with their PTLE rigs. The other side of the coin is that with the newer motherboards you might get a couple of CPU upgrades before they themselves become outdated.

Personally, I would go with the Asus K8V SE Deluxe 754 and AMD 64 3700+ you mentioned. Use what money you save doing this to get a quiet fan and case (Antec Sonata) or some other studio component. I don't think the dual-core technology actually offers PTLE users that much in the way of enhancement, yet....There's always a software update around the corner thought that might be coded to make full use of just such a feature. You never know.

Again, all just my opinion. YMMV. Hope this helps and isn't confusing.

Addendum: Madrock from Oz has a good point too, especially if you are going to use the computer for things other than just recording. I think there are probably quite a few apps and newer versions of Windows on the way that will directly support those mulit-core chips but the price on the "older" MoBo's and CPU's are probably going to drop quite considerably as the new tech becomes more prolific. Honestly, it seems to be a bit of a toss-up.....

[Ras Gabriel]

thanks for the replies. It seems a hard decision because I was set to get the "older" set up (The top Allenstein Machine) and links went dead on NewEgg, and while I was searching I started seeing that there may be advantages in "the future" to go with 939 & dual core etc. I really don't know too much about all of this and the differing variables. What are the benefits to the newer technology? I noticed that there is now a new verion of Windows..."64 Bit", what exactly is this all about, is it needed to take advantage of the technology?, and is PTLE compatible with this new version of Windows? I haven't seen anything from Digi on the matter. As for price, it seems to be very similar, so just as I'm building my own system to get economic stablility and efficiency, I think it would be wise to get the newer technology if the potential benefits were worth it...could someone explain exactly what kind of potential benefits we are likely to see?

Matt, any word on the DFI board and the new BIOS yet?

Allen, If I go the 939 route what all would change with the Allenstein setup other than Mobo and CPU? or better yet could you recommend a new set up like this as an option on the Best Desktops 1st page?

Please HELP!!!! I just want to get going, but I don't want to be impatient and miss the boat.

[bigbubbaj]

I went A8V, and a A64 3700+ (San Diego Core) and it works GREAT.

I am building one for another DUCCIE as we speak (well when the parts get here)


My $.02.

[albee1952]

the Acer AL1912 is an excellent LCD for under $300. I bought a pair and love them. Studio shot

[Ras Gabriel]

thanks all for the advice...I'm leaning the s939 way, but not fully convinced yet...I'm kinda waitin on what Matt says about the new BIOS on the new DFI board.
Albee, I was checking those out and keeping my eye on them; so you're happy with them i suppose?

[Ras Gabriel]

please forgive my ignorance, this is S939 right?
what memory are you using?

thanks