Currently I have an AMD 3500+ 939 socket cpu, with Corsair XMS(2-2-2-5) RAM. The problem is that I fried my ram, and I am using old value select ram as a backup. This has finally spurred me to upgrade to DDR2 and the AM2 socket. Which CPU/RAM combo will at least give me the same performance as these two? I will not be upgrading my video card, a X1800pro flashed to a xtpe.
wait, so are you using your same processor or no? wasnt sure if you could do that but honestly if your ddr2 and am2 a conroe is a good choice as i am fascinated to this day how much faster my conroe is compared to my amd 4000 oc'd to a 2.7, a 75 fps difference in cs source stress test, and 1000 more points on 3dmark06. anyway back to your subject, you can purchase what alot of us have done for only 550-600 USD, a 6300 conroe, gigabyte ds3/asus p5b, and ram is your choice but decent dd2 pc6400 is around 200-260, any higher is your choice of course.
How much of that ValueSelect do you have and is it at least DDR400? If you do need more RAM I'd recommend buying some DDR400 RAM, it doesn't have to be expensive LL or fast rated stuff. You can keep your existing CPU too but if you do want a speed boost on the cheap a 939 X2_3800+ is great value. After all you already own a 939 mobo and in your case are likely to be looking at buying more RAM too, it all adds up. If you'll be replacing your CPU for dual-core and need new RAM by all means go AM2 (AM2 X2_3800+) but all it means is tiny perf gains, inaccurate RAM speeds (okay that's picky) and limited cooler choice (great move AMD). Well on the plus side AM2 does potentialy have the best longevity for future CPUs (eg quad-core and possibly AM3?). If you go AM2 it would be a shame to chuck your mobo & buy DDR2 instead of DDR(1) for such little perf gains, with all that hassle why not go C2D? I'd personally suggest either go the cheap 939 route or else go all out for C2D where you'll at least get a perf boost for all of the hassle and expenditure.
Well my system is old, last rebuild was 2 years ago, and moving up to the new standards might as well come about too. So far it looks like a 4000+ for the cpu and PC5300 speeds for the RAM. Edit: What woudl be a good value mobo?
Do you mean a single-core A64_4000+? It makes a lot more sense to get a lower clocked part such as the A64_3000+ or 3200+ and o/c, they're all likely to exceed 2.4ghz that the 4000+ uses and the extra L2 cache does very little for A64. I would recommend dual-core, A64-'X2'_3800+ is the entry level dual-core and ripe for some o/c'ing. If you don't want to o/c I'd still recommend A64-X2_4200+ (2x2.2ghz 2x512K) over A64_4000+ (2.4ghz 1MB). For the RAM DDR2-PC6400 (800mhz) is more ideal and doesn't cost much more than DDR2-PC5300 (667mhz). As for the mobo I'm not up to date with AM2 offerings but anything based on nVidia's nForce 590 are likely to be the best, if you're o/c'ing ensure it can handle at least 300HT (common for 939). It's advisable to draw up a shortlist of mobos from wherever you're buying from and then seek out some reviews to narrow it down. Any particular reason you don't fancy the Intel C2D route?
What about this mobo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131024 Im looking at a dual core chip.
I haven't been a fan of VIA for a long time (since nForce2 arrived for SktA) but I'm sure their K8T890 for Socket AM2 is solid enough and Asus is a very good brand too. Just to confirm; you're ruling out dual-core on 939 and C2D, right?
Mmmmm '37 southbridge. That's like.. 3 years old. FYI: I wrote a K8T890 tech article for here that was never published because the reference board never arrived on 21st Sept 2004. There's better stuff out there. OT: Austin! Where'd you go? We missed you.
The K8T890 is a nice solid board, just don't expect much of an OC. I've built a couple of budget systems using it and they have been stable and smooth.
