$1200 - When to buy?

[bigjared]

Let me preface by saying that although this is my first post, I have been lurking and researching on this board for quite some time. My goal is to build a $1200 computer as a gift to myself for completing student teaching at the end of this semester.

I am very confident in picking out components that offer the best bang for $1200 as of right now, but with all of the talk about the new Intel processor coming out, I am worried that I will purchase components right before they drop in price. My question is, when should I purchase the components to make sure that I get the best deal and they don't drop drastically within a couple of months. I understand that new tech is constantly coming out, I just want to be ON the curve, not behind it.

The build I am looking at includes:

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR TPower I45 LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Newegg.com - VisionTek 900244 Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Newegg.com - Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120mm "Core Contact Freezer" CPU Cooler - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

CORSAIR 750w TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - CMPSU-750TX - Buy.com

Newegg.com - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

Newegg.com - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - CD / DVD Burners

To clarify what I am asking:

I am going to get the Q9550, but do I pay the $319 now, or do I wait for it to drop in price after Nehalem is released. And if I decide to wait, when should I expect that to happen.

The question is based on the fact that after each new release, the previous models drop in price.

Thank you.

 

[1337_JohnN]

Get these, and you'll be in a very happy position.
^^^ THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! xDDD

CORSAIR 750w TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - CMPSU-750TX - Buy.com

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

 

[Evolv]

Get these, and you'll be in a very happy position.
^^^ THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID!!! xDDD

CORSAIR 750w TX Series 80 Plus Certified Power Supply - CMPSU-750TX - Buy.com

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases

The 650TX that he picked out is plenty of power for that system. And there is nothing wrong the Antec 300 case that he picked out, it's a good case. Everything looks good.

With the new I7s coming out there could be a price drop for other Intel processors, it's hard to say.

 

[stalin90]

well right now sence the Nehalem should be released any day now i would defiantly wait for those. idk what the prices on the new cpu's and boards will be but u might be able to fit it into ur budget, and if u get a Nehalem it would be alot better then any current gen cpu's.

but for the build u have up there, i wouldnt change a thing, maybe psu to a corsair 750 but its really not needed for what u got, and a e8500 but thats just cuz i like the new 45nm dual cores

 

[1337_JohnN]

You can buy another 4870, when it gets cheap, and Crossfire it. plus it's the same price as a 650TX, and has a 140mm fan.

 

[bigjared]

well right now sence the Nehalem should be released any day now i would defiantly wait for those. idk what the prices on the new cpu's and boards will be but u might be able to fit it into ur budget, and if u get a Nehalem it would be alot better then any current gen cpu's.

but for the build u have up there, i wouldnt change a thing, maybe psu to a corsair 750 but its really not needed for what u got, and a e8500 but thats just cuz i like the new 45nm dual cores

See, I am not sure where I stand when it comes to buying the Nehalem but it stands to reason that all previous processors should drop in price. I am happy with the Q9550, I just don't want to buy it and then a week later see that it is 100$ cheaper. Obviously it will drop at some point.... just not sure when they usually do.

 

[1337_JohnN]

See, I am not sure where I stand when it comes to buying the Nehalem but it stands to reason that all previous processors should drop in price. I am happy with the Q9550, I just don't want to buy it and then a week later see that it is 100$ cheaper. Obviously it will drop at some point.... just not sure when they usually do.

Yup, that's the smart thing to do right now, unless they release 32nm quadcores.. =.=

 

[bigjared]

You can buy another 4870, when it gets cheap, and Crossfire it. plus it's the same price as a 650TX, and has a 140mm fan.

I will take your advice and get the 750 for that reason, its cheaper at your link anyway.

Thanks.

Now the question is what to do about the processor...

 

[Evolv]

Well its pretty simple really. If you do more multi-tasking/editing go for the quad. If the sole purpose of your computer is for gaming then the E8500 would be the best choice.

 

[bigjared]

Well its pretty simple really. If you do more multi-tasking/editing go for the quad. If the sole purpose of your computer is for gaming then the E8500 would be the best choice.

Definitely want the Q9550, its just a matter of should I buy it now, or wait for the price to drop after Nehalem? And more specifically, when should I expect the prices to drop?