Athlon 64 purchase advice/recommendation from all you gurus, please?

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ChowBoy

I just found this forum and I sure am glad. I could use some help from
you experienced AMD users, if you would.

Been running an XP 1800+ system for about 5 years. The processor has
been getting hot for the past few months and finally gave up the ghost
a few days ago, after running practically 24/7 for 5 + years. I need
to replace my system and woud appreciate your help on choosing some
components.

I want to go Athlon 64, since I already recently got XP 64. Am on a
budget, so will have to replace the components I need individually as
I have the cash.

Would like to keep and use the following components and just replace
the chip, case, mobo and RAM, (if needed).

512 megs Crucial PC 133 RAM
80 gig Seagate ATA100 HD
60 gig WD ATA100 HD
Liteon LDW-401s DVD drive
ATI Radeon 9200 AGP graphics adapter

I'm not a gamer but do use multiple applications and burn DVDs
concurrently.

I have in mind the Athlon 64 3000+. Newegg has prices of $146
(ADA3000AXBOX - Retail - heatsink/fan) and $157 (ADA3000AEP4AP - OEM -
processor only). The processor only says 800 MHz FSB, but the other
one doesn't. Are they both the same chip?

Would someone tell me if this is a good choice or suggest something
better for under $200 for the chip. I also would like suggestions for
motherboard, case and RAM.

Any help extremely appreciated!!

Thanks.

ChowBoy
 
I just found this forum and I sure am glad. I could use some help from
you experienced AMD users, if you would.

Been running an XP 1800+ system for about 5 years. The processor has
been getting hot for the past few months and finally gave up the ghost
a few days ago, after running practically 24/7 for 5 + years. I need
to replace my system and woud appreciate your help on choosing some
components.

I want to go Athlon 64, since I already recently got XP 64. Am on a
budget, so will have to replace the components I need individually as
I have the cash.

Would like to keep and use the following components and just replace
the chip, case, mobo and RAM, (if needed).

512 megs Crucial PC 133 RAM
80 gig Seagate ATA100 HD
60 gig WD ATA100 HD
Liteon LDW-401s DVD drive
ATI Radeon 9200 AGP graphics adapter

I'm not a gamer but do use multiple applications and burn DVDs
concurrently.

I have in mind the Athlon 64 3000+. Newegg has prices of $146
(ADA3000AXBOX - Retail - heatsink/fan) and $157 (ADA3000AEP4AP - OEM -
processor only). The processor only says 800 MHz FSB, but the other
one doesn't. Are they both the same chip?

Would someone tell me if this is a good choice or suggest something
better for under $200 for the chip. I also would like suggestions for
motherboard, case and RAM.

Any help extremely appreciated!!

Thanks.

ChowBoy
Click to expand...
The PC133 ram is WAAAAY to slow, you will need PC3200 ram.
I have an AMD64 3200+ and love it! It however is not THAT much faster
than my AMD 2900+ chip when doing the same tasks. It DOES do some
things faster but overall is not a HUGE jump.
I can't say about what NewEgg ahs for sale other than that I have
bought there before and not been disappointed. They do have an 800
number if you are confused.
 
f/fgeorge,

Thanks for the reply. I figured new RAM was necessary.

Don't tell me you hang out in A.B.CD.G, too...

ChowBoy
 
There are two basic types of Athlon 64: Socket 754 and Socket 939.

The Socket 939 types support dual channel memory. I believe that AMD isn't
creating any new Socket 754 CPUs, but that is not a strong reason to not buy
one at this time. However, I went for Socket 939 (last August).

Either type would require DDR memory. That is completely different from
PC133 SDRAM: 184 pins for the DDR, vs. 168 for the PC133. I believe that all
the A64s are intended to use PC3200 DDR.

If you get a Socket 939 CPU, I suggest getting a Venice version. It's 90 nm
technology, and runs cooler. (The on-chip memory controller is supposed to
be improved over that on the Winchester CPUS, which were also 90 nm.) The
older 130 nm Newcastle chips run hotter, but not outrageously so. (I have a
3500+ Newcastle.) One concern: the Venice chips are newish, and your new
mainboard may require a BIOS update to work with it properly. I hope that
you can do that update with a Venice CPU installed, but I can't guarantee
that.

To keep your graphics card, you'll need a mainboard with an AGP slot. Newer
Socket 939 boards use PCI-Express graphics. Socket 939 boards with AGP slots
use the VIA K8T800 Pro chipset or the nVidia nForce 3 Ultra chipsets. If you
use the motherboard search tool at Newegg and just select Socket 939 and AGP
4X/8X, you'll get a few choices.

My own mainboard is an Asus A8V Deluxe. It has been reliable. I've got a
couple of 512 MB sticks of cheap generic PC3200 DDR in it (Samsung chips),
and the A8V seems to be not at all fussy about RAM. I can use 2.5-3-3-8
timings with a 1T command rate, even though the bus frequency is at 220 MHz
(10% overclock, done manually).

If you do the same for Socket 754, I'd give the PC Chips products a miss.
Their reputation isn't the greatest, and there may be better inexpensive
choices.

It's too bad that you're on a budget, if you are into multitasking. The new
X2 CPUs (Manchester or Toledo cores) are supposed to be good for that, but
the cheapest X2 CPU costs nearly $600.

Hope this helps.

Bob Knowlden

Address may be scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.
 
I have in mind the Athlon 64 3000+. Newegg has prices of $146
(ADA3000AXBOX - Retail - heatsink/fan) and $157 (ADA3000AEP4AP - OEM -
processor only). The processor only says 800 MHz FSB, but the other
one doesn't. Are they both the same chip?
Click to expand...
No. One appears to be 754 and the other 939.
Would someone tell me if this is a good choice or suggest something
better for under $200 for the chip. I also would like suggestions for
motherboard, case and RAM.
Click to expand...
You will need a new MB, cpu/cooler, ram, and pobably a new PSU. This is
the cheapest combo I found.

http://www.smksuperstore.com/catalog/viewitem.asp?ID=13431
 
Bob,

Thank you so much for your advice and recommendations. Using your
great info, I just ordered from Newegg:

Aspire XDreamer II ATX case w/ 420 watt ps
Asus A8V Deluxe mobo
1 gig Corsiar DDR 3200 RAM
AMD XP 64 3200+ socket 939 venice chip

I really appreciate all your help. Not having looked at computer
components in a few years left me hoplessly confused!

ChowBoy
 
PB said:
I always enjoy reading comments by Wes and he is a reliable source of
knowledge and tips. He is also complete in his searches and
recommendations for inexpensive (not cheap or low-cost) sources. I always
take a look-see. Here is a link to Reseller Ratings that is worth a look,
too.
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller3517-p1-s1-d1.html
PB
Click to expand...

I too, have in mind to buy a new desktop computer, now that I am retired
and can use a bit of the money I've saved up over the years on such luxury.
Are the dual core processors in the market yet? What would you experts
assemble, if you were to get a new computer with the components available in
the market today (money no problem), without going to the ridiculous like
the huge one in Tokyo someone once mentioned ? Not only am I curious, but a
few of my associates have also been looking into the matter, and so far,
none of them has come up with a viable concoction.
J.
 
I too, have in mind to buy a new desktop computer, now that I am retired
and can use a bit of the money I've saved up over the years on such luxury.
Are the dual core processors in the market yet? What would you experts
assemble, if you were to get a new computer with the components available in
the market today (money no problem), without going to the ridiculous like
the huge one in Tokyo someone once mentioned ? Not only am I curious, but a
few of my associates have also been looking into the matter, and so far,
none of them has come up with a viable concoction.
J.
Click to expand...
cyberpowerinc.com has SEVERAL X2 computers available SOME with Windows
XP64! The ad is near the back of the Aug 05 Maximum PC magazine. I NOW
NOTHING about the company!!!!
They have a x2 4800+ for $2725US as a "workstation 9000", with XP64.
They have an X2 4800+ for $1739US as a "workstation 5000", with XPHome
 
f/fgeorge said:
cyberpowerinc.com has SEVERAL X2 computers available SOME with Windows
XP64! The ad is near the back of the Aug 05 Maximum PC magazine. I NOW
NOTHING about the company!!!!
They have a x2 4800+ for $2725US as a "workstation 9000", with XP64.
They have an X2 4800+ for $1739US as a "workstation 5000", with XPHome
Click to expand...

Thank you - I really appreciate that.
J.
 
No guru here, but...

The dual core A64 processors are on the market, although prices are high and
supplies are limited. Newegg (www.newegg.com) lists the 4200+ and 4600+
"Manchester" CPUs as in stock, but not the 4400+ "Toledo", which is expected
on 7/13. (Manchester CPUs have 512 kB of L2 cache per core, equivalent to
the 3500+ and 3800+ single core CPUs. Toledos have 1 MB per core, similar to
the 3700+ and 4000+ single core chips.) Newegg also has the 4800+ Toledo,
for those who are prepared to pay more than $1000US for a CPU.
www.monarchcomputer.com also has the 4200+ and 4600+, with the 4400+ and
4800+ expected on 7/22.

For a mainboard, I'd probably choose one based on the nVidia nForce4
chipset, if I was starting fresh. These use PCI-Express graphics cards. I
might pass up the SLI boards, which use dual PCI-E graphics cards (intended
for 3D gaming fanatics). If I wanted to keep my AGP graphics card, I'd have
to stay with a board based on the VIA K8T800Pro chipset (like my Asus A8V
Deluxe), or one using an nVidia nForce 3 Ultra chipset. PCI-E boards using
the Via K8T890 chipset are not supposed to support the dual core CPUs.

A64 CPUs use DDR memory, and Socket 939 boards support dual-channel memory
operation. You'd need PC3200 or better to match a A64. (Athlons are supposed
to be fussy about RAM, but I'm using two non-identical 512 MB PC3200 sticks,
purchased months apart. They both use Samsung chips, but the chip ID numbers
are not the same. Works fine, at 2.5-3-3-8, even with a mild overclock, with
a small voltage bump: 2.7V.)

Other than that, the choices are common to all up-to-date systems. For a
high/mid range graphics card, I suggest a PCI-E nVidia 6600GT based one. I'd
prefer SATA hard drives, although I doubt that they offer huge performance
advantages. I like my ancient Plextor PX-708A DVD burner, but there are
supposed to be good cheap ones on the market now. Most mainboards have
multi-channel onboard sound now, but I have used a PCI soundcard for years
to gain the lower CPU loading. (My current one is a Creative Audigy 2.)

Have fun, whatever you choose.

Address scrambled Replace nkbob with bobkn.
 
I just found this forum and I sure am glad. I could use some help from
you experienced AMD users, if you would.

Been running an XP 1800+ system for about 5 years. The processor has
been getting hot for the past few months and finally gave up the ghost
a few days ago, after running practically 24/7 for 5 + years. I need
to replace my system and woud appreciate your help on choosing some
components.

I want to go Athlon 64, since I already recently got XP 64. Am on a
budget, so will have to replace the components I need individually as
I have the cash.

Would like to keep and use the following components and just replace
the chip, case, mobo and RAM, (if needed).

512 megs Crucial PC 133 RAM
80 gig Seagate ATA100 HD
60 gig WD ATA100 HD
Liteon LDW-401s DVD drive
ATI Radeon 9200 AGP graphics adapter

I'm not a gamer but do use multiple applications and burn DVDs
concurrently.

I have in mind the Athlon 64 3000+. Newegg has prices of $146
(ADA3000AXBOX - Retail - heatsink/fan) and $157 (ADA3000AEP4AP - OEM -
processor only). The processor only says 800 MHz FSB, but the other
one doesn't. Are they both the same chip?

Would someone tell me if this is a good choice or suggest something
better for under $200 for the chip. I also would like suggestions for
motherboard, case and RAM.

Any help extremely appreciated!!

Thanks.

ChowBoy
Click to expand...

There isn't much you can save except for the DVD and the graphics card and
even that is iffy. The A64 uses DDR RAM so you will need new RAM. If you
want to use your old graphics card you will have to get a motherboard that
supports AGP, the latest motherboards are PCI Express. The AGP motherboard
to get is the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum, I have one works fine, I'm using an
Athlon 64 3800+ with it. If you get a PCI Express motherboard then the
board to get is the MSI K8N Neo4. If you ever want to upgrade to a dual
core then you'll want to get the Neo4, no one has done an X2 BIOS update
for the Nforce3 motherboards (which is what the Neo2 is). It's probably
coming but there is always the chance that it will never happen.

You will also want to get a new power supply, they added another
connector when the P4 came out. The Athlon 64 uses the same power supply
as P4s. Get at least 450W, Enermax or Antec.

As for processors, the absolute best bang for the buck is the Athlon 64
3400+. It's a socket 754 not a 939 so the motherboards that I suggested
won't work with it. However it has a 1M cache instead of a 1/2M cache
which is what you would get in 3000. I have a 3400+ and a 3800+ system,
the 3400+ is as fast or faster then the 3800+ on most everything. On some
things it's much faster. I see a nice looking small form factor system on
Newegg that you want to consider that is 754 compatible,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16856101462
 
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