I think it simply because the prices are so close within eachother. You say, well, if i get less of this and this i can get a 3000, and finally your skipping tonight's dinner so you can save enough for a 3400. Ok so its not that bad, but I'm considering a 3500 now to have the 939 pin instead of the 3200 or 3400 i was originally looking at. I think i can still put together a nice system for under $1200 w/ a 3500 processor.