Yet Another...

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halfracedrift

halfracedrift

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New computer.. This time it's for me... (Selling off my old one for $400)

Maximum Price after Canadian sales tax and PST is $1400. (So raw price is around 1200 CND)

Suggestions / Modications?Multitasking on this computer.. play games, do work, watch tv, all sorts of stuff. Hopefully, the computer will last me for 2-3 years with upgrades in between using the same motherboard.
 

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halfracedrift
Hopefully, the computer will last me for 2-3 years with upgrades in between using the same motherboard.
Click to expand...
Not with Socket 754 you aint.

Let's take a look at AMD's current roadmap. There are no future versions of the Athlon 64 for the 754 platform (ending with 3700+). All future chips have shifted towards Socket 939 (64 and FX series). Only AMD's low-end Sempron chips are using 754. If you want a future-proof motherboard, I would highly recommend Socket 939.

AMD's new Socket 939 Winchester core Athlon 64 chips are targeted for entry level users who want 64-bit processing and can't shell out $800 for the high-end 64 chips. The speeds come in 3000+, 3200+, and 3500+ flavors and are perfect for enthusiasts. Did I mention that they can be had for under $250 USD?

As for the memory, you will need two sticks if you want to use Dual Channel on your motherboard. Dual Channel means that there are two memory controllers that the CPU can take advantage of on the motherboard. With two controllers and two memory sticks, the CPU can send data between both (instead of one) and effectively doubling the rate it sends the data.

Two sticks of 256MB would be just fine.

IMO, I would ditch the floppy drive and save yourself some money.
 
Viper Zero
IMO, I would ditch the floppy drive and save yourself some money.
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Or go one up and get a USB Flash Drive.

20-155-407-01.JPG


It'll cost a tad more than a floppy drive, but you can't go wrong with anywhere up to 512mb of storage. 👍
 
^Yeah I have one of those. Very much worth it IMO. More portable, too. I have mine on my Key-chain.

I never use Floppy drives, never really have. Although, the USB Flash Drive is expensive if you want a good one. My Dad got 2 free as a Perk for being Mr. Right-Hand Man for the Manager of HP Australia. I got one of them. :sly:
 
Floppy drives are essential no?

Don't I need a floppy drive, just in case the worst of the worst hits? I mean, really, I could ditch it if I don't need it, but it's just there as a last resort for emergencies.
 
I would definitely have a floppy on hand. It'll be able to update your BIOS, as well as, any system information that might get screwed. So, I would say it's a great idea to have a floppy.
 
Well I wasn't saying to get rid of the Floppy Drive. I never would personally. I'm just adding to what Shannon posted about the USB Flash Drive.

On second look, I see you're replying to Viper Zero. Still, keep your current Floppy Drive (providing you have one), and use your money on a USB Flash Drive. 👍
 
I noticed on that list of specs that the optical drive doesn't seem to be DVD+/-RW, it just looks like a CD burner which can read DVDs. I'd recommend upgrading that to a DVD burner. Indispensable for backing up large amounts of data.

I've got a few gigs of digital photos on my PC and I can back them up to a single DVD instead of having to copy them to several CDs.

As for the floppy drive, mine just sits there gathering dust. With an internet connection and a CD burner it's bugger all use. The only reason I would need it is if I had a disaster and needed to use a boot disk. Surely these days there's some way to make a boot CD?


KM.
 
I personally would stay away from MSI's motherboards. Of course that is due to the fact that their KT4V-L motherboard has some issues with the 9600XT which is in my system. I've had a good experience with my DFI Lanparty NFII Ultra B. This isn't a 64-bit board though. You might look into DFI. Their motherboards are a little pricey, but definitely worth it considering all the options they ship with them.

Although, I'm sure the compatibility issue isn't even present in that newer board that you're considering.
 
Viper Zero
Not with Socket 754 you aint.

Let's take a look at AMD's current roadmap. There are no future versions of the Athlon 64 for the 754 platform (ending with 3700+). All future chips have shifted towards Socket 939 (64 and FX series). Only AMD's low-end Sempron chips are using 754. If you want a future-proof motherboard, I would highly recommend Socket 939.

AMD's new Socket 939 Winchester core Athlon 64 chips are targeted for entry level users who want 64-bit processing and can't shell out $800 for the high-end 64 chips. The speeds come in 3000+, 3200+, and 3500+ flavors and are perfect for enthusiasts. Did I mention that they can be had for under $250 USD?

As for the memory, you will need two sticks if you want to use Dual Channel on your motherboard. Dual Channel means that there are two memory controllers that the CPU can take advantage of on the motherboard. With two controllers and two memory sticks, the CPU can send data between both (instead of one) and effectively doubling the rate it sends the data.

Two sticks of 256MB would be just fine.

IMO, I would ditch the floppy drive and save yourself some money.
Click to expand...


And with going 939, I'd also make sure the mobo has a 16X PCIE slot. That way, you can get a newely release 6600GT or X700 Pro, both of which are much better than the 9800 Pro. Currently only out in PCIE, though. I'd get the 66GT.
 
Hmm...

I picked up a sweet sweet deal today (Or so I think so..)

A 9700 PRO AIW for $150 Canadian. Good no? I think that's the card I'll be putting in.
 
halfracedrift
Hmm...

I picked up a sweet sweet deal today (Or so I think so..)

A 9700 PRO AIW for $150 Canadian. Good no? I think that's the card I'll be putting in.
Click to expand...

That's pretty good, it's not much worse than the 9800 pro (in performance.)

I think you should keep the floppy drive for convenience.
 
Why don't you just pull the floppy out of your old computer? Floppy drives are universal aren't they? Meaning they should plug into any mobo.
 
Shannon
Why don't you just pull the floppy out of your old computer? Floppy drives are universal aren't they? Meaning they should plug into any mobo.
Click to expand...
That's what I always thought...
 
More questions....

The only 'big advantage' that the 939s have over the 754s is the fact they can run dual channel memory right?

Does dual channel have a HUGE effect on relative speed of the computer?

When do 6600AGP versions come out? (And how much would they cost [around]?) If the 6600AGP will be around when Christmas time comes, I might as well ditch the 9800PRO and go for the 6600AGP version.
 
The biggest advantage that the 939 has is a future. Look at the road map I posted and it's obvious that the 754 has no future besides low-end computing. If you want a gaming rig that you can upgrade in the future, you definitely want socket 939. Last time I checked, an Athlon 64 3000+ 939 socket was going for $150 USD. If that doesn't convince you, nothing will.

Dual Channel does have a speed advantage, while small compared to other factors, but still important in building a computer. All 939 motherboards support Dual Channel, so there isn't much to worry about, it's an added bonus.

Nvidia has said they would release an AGP version of the 6600 and 6600GT this year. On the other hand, you could wait for PCI-Express motherboards to come out.
 
Alrighty. If it's this year then it should be by Christmas time or so.. Alright.

I'll be getting a 6600 then along with a 3000+ 939. Thanks.
 

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