after rereading this thread I can smell epic win here

Ok ill rewrite it.

Intel Core3 Quad - 2.66-3ghz

Nvidia xxx Chipset (What if this is unavailable for Core3 or sucks?)

4gb+ DDR32000 memory

Nvidia GPU with estimated 240SP, 512bit memory interface on 1gb of ram.*2-3

Some awfully large monitor.

Windows Vista 64bit

2-3GFLOP of shader power.

My upgrade will look like this:

Intel Core 3 quad -2.5ghz (They have different pin configs for high/med end chips)

8 GB DDR2 1066

2* Whatever, but favour AMD

Vista 64bit OF COURSE!

Due date - Next year.. its my 3 year upgrade.

 good to see someone with just as much knowledge as me at computers

do you know if AMD is making any more Athlon X2s (the 45nm series)? I heard they are discontiuing the X2 6000+ & 6400+ so I'm hoping the make processorsjust as fast in the 45nm X2 flavor.

Plus that 8 core Nehalem may be priced like a Quad Core Extreme when it comes out, meaning $1500 or more. Essentially for the privilege of having 8 core processing power that no games will take advantage of.

A lot of people still believe it's better to stick with a faster Dual Core over a Quad Core for gaming.

Unless you're a professional gamer or have a lot of disposable income for your PC gaming budget, it never pays to build a rig with recently introduced components.

The PC I configured for home office use is using a Q6600, 4GB of 1000mhz DDR2 RAM, a 600watt OCZ PSU and a 1GB 9600GT. Would be a great set up for dual SLI 9600GT cards if I was using a dual PCI MoBo, but then it's not a gaming rig. It should be a fine work horse for the next 2-3 years.

I don't game enough on the PC to make it worth my while, but if I ever have over $2k lying around for a hobby project, I'll build a proper gaming rig from scratch.

Heheh....that would be 6x SLI...is that even possible??

Alright, since everyone is posting their builds, I have no choice but to post mine as well!

AMD 3800x2 (to be replaced by an Intel quad core by the end of the year)

2GB DDR (I guess I'll have to get the DDR2 stuff when I go intel...>_>)

Factory OC'd 8800gt 512MB (don't laugh because of the factory OC'd part - I paid below MSRP for it)

- I may get another 8800gt sometime after the processor replacement, if I have any money.

3x Western Digital 250gb 7200rpm hard drives! (one for XP, one for Vista, one for the superior OS) What's this new-fangled fancypants SSD crap I keep hearing about?! Why in my day...

They will be as far as im aware. The chips will get smaller and they are going to update the instructions also so they are up to date. If they don't get faster im going to be surprised, but seeing speeds much over 3ghz isn't really expected. I would expect to see fewer model names as it becomes more a value segment. I think they will focus on cheap/low power usage so the speed will be faster but not excessively so.

The Phenom processors are getting updated as part of their continuous improvement program. The Phenom 9950 is going to come out at 2.66ghz which should help them compete when the RV770 is released (HD3850/70)

This thread needs some professional graphs, illustrating the total domination of the PC, expertly crafted with expensive and precise software. (MS paint)

 lol, definetley, theres a pie chart on page 1 i think that shows some stats (91% ms os share)

 you know whats sad. I have taught myself to use photoshop so well that I can't figure out MS Paint. lol

I would have to disagree 100%.

In my opinion, only a handful of people use PC strickly for gaming. Lets see the numbers of gaming software sold (million sellers this year) on PC then we can agree/disagree with you claim.

But I have a feeling your off big time.

SSJ12 you usually don't fail, but you ate it hard on this one.

-10 to credibility

:)