AM2 or 939

C47

i buildin new rig ... and i dunno what to go for

----

a 939 with opteron 146 (and then overclock) (with standard ram - probably twinmos)

or

an am2 with amd 3800+ single core

----

and one more thing.....if i go for am2 can i run ddr2 400 on am2's coz most gigabyte mobos dont seem to mention support for ddr2 400

thx ppl

Vikingod

If you are looking for future-proofing, I would certainly get the AM2, as it replaces 939 as the standard. AM2 does support DDR2, and is pretty much the reason the socket was created in the first place. I would also see if you can get a dual core proc, as I imagine by now they are probably $30 more than the single core.

CDsDontBurn

If you plan to continuously upgrade, go w/the AM2 socket like Vikingod suggested. However, if you want to be cheap and have some good (not generic stuff) DDR memory you don't want to get rid of, and you won't be upgrading very often, go w/the 939 board. It'll save you some cash on buying the older stuff, and also save you cash in the "don't have to buy all new RAM" department.

C47

do u guys think ddr2 400 "will" be supported no matter what the website says

coz gigbyte mobo's list support like this "DDR2 533/667/800"

i think it doesnt matter.....and is it true that amd am2 processors have a specific ddr requirement?? (coz some say ddr2 800 and stuf)

Judas

actually no..


Heres the deal,

Do you want to save your money and get something that although has a limited upgrade path as everything is clear that nothing much beyond 4800+ x2 or FX cpu will fit into the 939, but still can push some serious cpu power and still have other upgrade paths. Or spend extra on a am2 set which AMD has already comfirmed that AM2's socket lifespand is going to be exceptionally short with the introducation of AM3 around the corner EVEN if you can use an AM3 chip in an am2 chip with less functionality.


Frankly, save your pennies in this department for now, 939 is still damn good.

Bar81

Very true, particularly with the ridiculous prices for good DDR2 atm.

Judas

no kidding..

just in the low end department.. it cost the same amount for DDR2 512mb stick as it does for 2x 512mb DDR 1gb kit. go figure.

Zelig

You can get a 2x512MB DDR1 kit for $60 CAD?

PangingJr

why you want to use DDR2-400, do you already have DDR2-400 memory modules?
if you already have memory modules, then what is the name and model or part number of the memory modules?

Judas

I can get 2x512 DDR1 for 110 bucks roughly while 512mb DDR2 stick will cost me 105 bucks.

C47

just what i was scared of....i hope the am2 is not like socket754...now you've got me thinking again.....

here are my am2 options:

Asus:
http://www.asus.com.tw/products4.asp...69&modelmenu=1

Gigabyte:
http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/...e=GA-M51GM-S2G

Note that they are all Small factor.....are these ok? they will fit in a normal casing right? (the screw positions and stuff)...they also come with Geforce 6100 so that i dont have to wait for a week to start up my system (waitin for my 7900)

i will be going with Geforce7900GS so i thought a 3800+ am2 would so a pretty good job as compared to an overclocked opteron 146 (at 2.4 or 2.5 max coz i live in a desert)

futher input-advice/comments will be greatly appreciated.....esp on the above mobos

C47

and the other reason is that mem prices over here for ddr400 are the same as ddr2-533, coz the ppl here think ddr is becomin rare and they are increasing the prices and stuff....so i dont wanna be stuck with 939 in the future (when i wont be able to get affordable ram)

Judas

Hmm,

While i would not recommend getting a motherboard with onboard video if you've got a dedicated card on the way..... you could save that on a board without it.

C47, don't rush into anything your not sure of. If you feel you absalutely need a machine now then do as much research as you can, (punch in the motherboard or other parts names into google for reviews and read through them to get the most accurate idea on them)

ATM, i'm building AM2 machines right now, BUT i'm leary on what is ahead and what is to come quickly off AM2. AMD states backward capabilities, but who knows with mobo makers and what WILL end up happening.

CDsDontBurn

but now that AMD has aquired ATI, AMD now has it's own MoBo chipset, so they can in effect back that statement up if they wanted to...

kelticknight

i just did my last 939 upgrade as socket is to change again,for me no point in spending 5-900 euros on good am2 cpu and mobo
getting tired of upgrading cpu and mobo these days as they seem to be going way of gfx
will wait till its worth upgrading
my 5 cents

PandaZ3

I am a 939 fan, there is very little offered by AM2, DDR2 is really only worthwhile with truly high end mother boards and some of the highest speed memory. If you are staying with 400 speed then why in the world would you want to pay premium prices for DDR2? It doesnt really work any better, the advantage DDR2 has is speed potential, if you are not going to go higher than PC6400, then by all means stick with good old less expensive DDR. Do use a decent Brand such as Corsair, OCZ, Ballistix... Etc.

I have a 939 ASUS with the 6150/430 chipset and yes it is a good board with okay onboard graphics, but it has a less than stellar BIOS interface in my opinion. The Gigabyte is better.

Neither would be my choice

abit AT8 32X, ASRock 939 Dual VSTA, EPoX 9NPA3Ultra or 9U1697GLI would be my choices.

http://www.abit-usa.com/products/mb/...es=1&model=311

http://www.asrock.com/product/939Dual-VSTA.htm

http://www.epox.com/USA/product.asp?id=EP-9NPA3ULTRA

http://www.epox.com/USA/product.asp?id=EP-9U1697GLI

kelticknight

installed a new build for friend with asrock dualsata vista
great mobo
so smooth