Yes, I know ... typically there is no reason to wait to buy a computer because there is always something bigger and better just around the corner. No matter what you do, you're going to be behind the curve within a couple of weeks.However ... it really seems like the CPU's and chipsets are on the cusp of some changes, with the current CPU sockets at the end of their line. That said, I've been looking at the hardware sites this morning (i.e. Tom's), and I am really confused about the timeline for upcoming releases, and I'm having a hard time getting a sense of whether I'm going to wait three months or six months or if I might as well just purchase now.I will be building this machine myself, and would like some upgradability potential, but it seems like there is nowhere to go with the current hardware. If I buy with the current mobos/chipsets, it seems like the standards for AGP and memory are changing so that I won't be able to do an upgrade down the road without replacing everything.Anyway ... I'd appreciate hearing what others think, or if anyone else is trying to make the same decision.

I think you've researched it right. If you are buying now for a system to run now, and to heck with the upgrade potential, then there are wicked good deals to be had a step or two behind the cutting edge.But right now the development cycles of CPU's, mobo & graphic cards and next-generation games have all coincided, not to mention the future of 64-bit computing, and until the confusion settles I wouldn't be buying anything - except more RAM (price rise is coming). But if you guess right you could be on the cusp of a major boost in computing power. The question I would ask is: "What's the gain NOW from NOT waiting?"If you want cutting-edge, buy in three months. If you want VFM take advantage of the confusion and buy now, but accept that you won't gain anything in the long run as whatever you buy now won't be upgradeable to the same extent. In less than three months the roadmap of developments will show a clearer, straighter path. FWIW my prediction is: 64-bit compatible computing (AMD chip only then, with appropriate mobo), 2 gig RAM, PCI-Express compatible mobo in either flavour. walloping great power supply. In less than 6 months we'll have next-generation optical storage devices and solid state multiple-layer hard drives in twelve. Possibly most of the equipment at the cutting edge NOW could be obsolescent in a year. Same as always!Allcott

>The question I would ask is: "What's the gain NOW from NOT>waiting?">Thanks for your input, Alcott. I am a bit torn, just because there are some values to be had right now. For example:* AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor* AOpen K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU* ANTEC Black Performance Series II SOHO File Server Tower ATX Case with 400W Power * Western Digital 120GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive * OCZ Enhanced Latency Series Platinum Edition 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200This package would run me about $750. I haven't included a video card, because the biggest potential gains in gaming power are coming in the next 6 weeks with the release of the new cards (Nvidi's is looking awesome). I can continue to use my Radeon 9500 Pro, and buy a new card in 3-6 months when the prices settle a bit. If I wait 3 months for everything, maybe I knock off $50 from the price of the AMD64, or I buy the new generation of AMD64 for better future proofing (but that might be at a premium. It certainly seems like the changes in processor power and memory speed are going to be pretty incremental--if anything.Decisions, decisions.

Are you overclocking your sig? Don

>Are you overclocking your sig? Don

Okay you are totally screwed get rid of that Dell junk as soon as possible ;)Yes the old 2,4 don

nVidia announced a new GPU today that is supposed to be twice as fast as the current one. Or that's what the release said. Anyway, it sounds fast. Will be shipping on cards in 45 days...billg

The release date is said to be 26th of april so it may be faster than that. Though I wouldn

The `problem` with the new generation of graphic cards is that they also demand more of the CPU/mobo - in other words to do a GeForce 6800 justice you're going to have to have a computer that isn't available in todays market. So if you are looking at a long term investment that would be the way to go - apart from that little problem that this first of the new doesn't support PCI-Express, the new coming standard! That simple fact alone rules out buying a new card now for me - and I agree waiting 2-3 months will be a better bet. The final question is whether all this hardware will do FS2004 any good, and at the same time be FS2006-ready.Difficult one that, but my guess is that FS is roadmapped against the very top end of computing power available at the beginning of the year of release (or MS' best guess as to what that de facto standard will be), as it quickly rolls into the mainstream. Given the development speed of hardware normally, AND the fact that we at this new stage of development which may result in big steps now, but smaller steps later, as oqvist has noted, I think it would be risky to buy now, expecting to be FS2006 ready.So if you DO buy now, buy what you need to make you FS2004-happy, and forget about the upgrade potential. That should mean you can stay a step or two away from the cutting edge and make some savings that you can hold against a future expensive upgrade in a couple of years.Allcott

Well really I always find it much better getting the first new gen card then the rehashes new. But it all depends really. It