If I wanted to dive into the AM2 scene what would be a good start?

[KDOG]

I'm thinking of upgrading my rig and am wondering where to start as far as components. Obviously I'm interested in a good motherboard for future compatabilty. But what would be a good starting point for a processor and memory? I would like a processor that is noticeably peppier than my current A64 3000+ I have running at 2.26Ghz. And memory I'm looking for a Gig to start with, upgrading later to 2 gig. I already have a PCI-E graphics card. But it seems that the processor may be the cheapest component out of the three. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you're buying new memory and a motherboard, it's hard not to recommend core 2 over AM2 unless your CPU budget is $150 for an X2 3800+. In which case, why not buy a socket 939 X2 instead?

 

[OSX]

A Core 2 Duo will be way peppier than your A64.

 

[OvErHeAtInG]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If you're buying new memory and a motherboard, it's hard not to recommend core 2 over AM2 unless your CPU budget is $150 for an X2 3800+. In which case, why not buy a socket 939 X2 instead?

Has it even been confirmed that the S939 parts are getting the same price-cut as the AM2's?

 

[Drew1082]

yeah they are getting cut too. If fact they are already cut at monarch See

 

[KDOG]

Hmmm, now you guys got me thinking. Whats' a good overclockable X2?

 

[KDOG]

Also I have the ASRock 939Dual SATAII mobo, any problems with an X2?

 

[OvErHeAtInG]

Not at all -- i'm running a dual-core opteron with that motherboard. Since the 939 X2's are cheaper (or will be), there's no reason to go AM2 now -- I'd get a 3800+ and overclock the bejesus out of it.

 

[KDOG]

ROFL. Would I need some faster memory to do that? I have 2x512 of Corsair XMSPC3200 thats' really finicky about going higher than say 204-ish...

 

[OvErHeAtInG]

Nope... decrease the multiplier on the RAM and you're good to go. (There's about a 0% real-world performance difference from dropping mem speed a bit - especially if it means you can run your proc faster).

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: OvErHeAtInG
Not at all -- i'm running a dual-core opteron with that motherboard. Since the 939 X2's are cheaper (or will be), there's no reason to go AM2 now -- I'd get a 3800+ and overclock the bejesus out of it.

QFT - amd dropped the ball this time around, not that i still don't like the a64 line but intel has the trophy atm

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
If you're buying new memory and a motherboard, it's hard not to recommend core 2 over AM2 unless your CPU budget is $150 for an X2 3800+. In which case, why not buy a socket 939 X2 instead?

couldn't have said it better myself.