Need CPU/mobo advice

[TheMadScot]

Posted this in General Hardware a week ago and didn't get much in the way of responses, so I thought I'd give it a shot here, because I really would like some opinions from folks that have stayed more up-to-date on hardware developments than I have since my last rebuild.

Appreciate any advice you folks could offer on the following.

Currently, this is my config:

Abit IS-7
P4 2.6g
2X 512MB Kingston HyperX
2X 512MB Kingston ValueRAM
Geforce 6800GT

I'm not looking an upgrade the memory or vid card since they're still pretty good, just an upgrade of the mobo/CPU or just CPU. I was considering basically three options to improve my gaming performance:

1. Keep the mobo and get a P4 3.2G.
2. Get an ASRock 939Dual for the future PCIe expansion and some form of 939 processor.
3. Get an AGP-only 939 board and processor.

I don't know much about AMD processors, so if I were to go that route, I'm not terribly clear on which one to get. I'm not really interested in overclocking, either. So, what is the best way to go here?

Thanks!

 

[narcotic]

You didn't say how much money you have for this, which could be a big factor...
Anyway, I'd go for option 2. Both options 1 & 2 are a short term solutions, if you're looking for something that will last in terms of upgradeability in the future, then 2 is your only option. As for your question regarding AMD, then you have nothing to fear, I've been using AMD's cpus for years now, and for the current generation of cpus, I think AMD has done a better job than Intel.

 

[markkleb]

I would leave it alone till later. Till you can make a big jump.
What you have is pretty good.

Most peops say AMD rock, also they are much cooler. If you do go AMD try Optiron (they run cooler and oc higher)

 

[nyker96]

For AMD, right now, the most economical choice is Opteron 144/6 with OC like markkleb said. But if you don't OC, just get a straight, 3500+ CPU. My feidn has a 3500+ with a 6800 Ultra AGP runs everything smoothly, he still not upgrading yet. So I'd just get a 939 AGP board, I think my friend has a MSI 939 AGP, but I think Newegg has a nice Asus board:
ASUS A8V Socket 939 VIA K8T800 Pro ATX AMD Motherboard ($75 or so)
check it out. That would be most economical and you can use your DDR400 RAM with it, probably work with DDR333 even.

You can also get a nice Intel CPU like a 3.2 but I think they run slower on games and too hot above 3Ghz could be more trouble than worth esp. for gaming experience. My friend's rig is mostly for games his 3500+/6800Ultra has no trouble with current games and I know he runs them at 1600x1200 due to his mamoth 21" LCD native resolution.

 

[koolzb]

I guess if you choose to go Intel you must wait until Conroe released, otherwise you better choose AMD for wide-range of CPU support and other latest technology capabilities. Make sure it is Socket 939.

 

[buzzsaw13]

I say go with teh ASRock Dual/Opty 144 combo from monarchcomputer.

 

[koolzb]

So, what is your final choice...?.
Share it here plz...