Overclock or a new computer

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1

Greetings!

I have a slight decision making problem on my hand. I'm currently finishing my bachelor's degree in practical mathematics. When I get my degree, I'll work on my masters degree in computer science and mathematics. 

For the last 4-5 year my current computer has served me well, but now it lacks the power. It's really frustrating when you write an algorithm that's optimised, run it and you wait and wait and ... (one hour later) ... and that it returns a result ( most of my assignments are like that ). If the result is incorrect I have to start over.

My first option that came to my mind was to overclock the CPU and RAM, but I lack a good cooler and PSU. My second option was to buy a new computer.

So here is my problem.

I can't decided what shoud I do. I will really need a new computer in about a year ( when I start my masters ), because I will have to do pretty heavy stuff (data mining, machine learning, artificial intelligance, data analysis and visualization ) with Matlab, Mathematica and with other lang. (java, python, c++ and c).
 
But it's really worth buying a new cooler and PSU just to overclock the CPU to 3Ggz just for a year? And it's really worth buying a new computer right now, because ddr4 and new PCIe 4.0 are on the way?
 
And if I decide right now to buy a new computer, which components would you (the community) recommend me for my build? (My wishes: no more then 1000$±150$, for medium to heavy computation and games )
 
I really like the tek syndicate "honey badger" build.

Current specs:

Mobo: ASUS Rampage Formula

RAM: Mushkin XP2 8000 Redline (1000Mhz, 2x2Gb ) + Mushkin XP2 6400 Enhanced (800Mhz, 2x2Gb); dual channel

CPU: Intel Q8200 (2.33Ghz, 4M cache)

GPU: Gigabyte GTX 660

PSU: LG silent giant 650W (not bronze or gold)

 

Best regards,

Liquid 

 

For the TL:DR folks: Need a new computer for work (computation) and play (work > play ) in one year, could buy a new computer now or overclock the old one for a year and wait for ddr4 and pcie 4.0.

2

No need for DDR4 unless you do heavy, heavy server work, VM work, or RAM disks, and no need for PCIe 4.0 if we can't max PCIe 2.0.

3

Ok. What would you do, if you where in my situation? Overclock or buy a new pc? 

4

get a hyper 212 plus and overclock, it's only $25

5

That's a nice cooler, good reviews and price. Which PSU would you recommend for overclocking in my case? I want to overclock Intel Q8200 from 2.33Ghz to 3Ghz.

6

Pretty sure 650w is enough but if you just want to upgrade to an 80 plus certified/bronze/silver/gold PSU, go for xfx. On newegg right now the 750w version is 25$ off but honestly I think your power supply is fine.

7

It would probably be a good idea to upgrade your computer now. Are you ok with re-using the case you currently have? How about your storage space? Optical drive? And are you satisfied with the performance that you have with the GTX660? I am pretty sure that that would be bottlenecked by a Q8200.

I threw together a build that you might like, but it can easily be changed to fit your preferences and needs. If you think that you would have a need for something like a 7970 and no need for an ssd, that can be done. If you want to avoid getting a case now, you can use your old one. If you don't think you need that much ram, or that you would need more, that can be done. If you want to save some money on the psu, that can be done. Conversely, if you want a severly overkill psu, that can be done (the one listed should take care of any config, barring multi-gpu set ups). If you want some storage space, that can be done. Do note that that mobo has wifi built in. There is a cheaper version with pretty much the same features (a Gigabyte board that I actually currently have shipping to me) if you want to save some cash, but that Asus board would probably better quality. Also, the 9xxx series of gpus from AMD should be out in October, if you think that you do want to get a new video card and can hold off a while before purchasing.Also, the case I put is the one that the honey badger is in, since you said you liked that build. You can change it to your desires.

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1ttGH

8

His psu is fine for wattage, but I've never heard of that brand, and the psu is one place that I wouldn't ever recommend skimping. If he likes the psu just fine, then a dollar saved is a dollar earned.