Which Processor?

We need a new computer and are considering a few different processors. A Pentium 4 3.0 gig with the 1 meg cache, a AMD 64 3400+ or 3200+ socket 754, and a AMD 64 3200+ socket 939. It would mainly be used for gaming and backing up dvds. Which would be the best bet?

 

Hi ChrisW67,

OK, I'll risk it

From what I have read, the socket 754 is being phased out, so the highest speed (XXXX+ rating) you see now in the "line" will be what you could upgrade to in the future.

The 939 line will have future upgrade potential (higher and higher speeds depending on the capabilities of the motherboard).

AMD vs Intel, the difference may be in the motherboard rather than the CPU itself. Your first priority should be to find a decent motherboard, then you can toss the coin ( you die-hards! )

Matt

 

You should've run a poll!

Personally for me, it would only ever be an Intel chip (currently the P4), partly due to their close relationship with Microsoft. I'd only buy a board with an Intel chipset too, not an Intel board mind you, just an intel chipset.

Of course, the processor is only as good as the components you surround it with... use lower speed/class memory or a slow HD, then it's all academic anyway!

Just MHO.

Andy.

 

Am I ever glad to see COMBINATION refered to.

If you buy a good MB and stick in a Cheap Video card. Don't blame the MB if things are not right.

I also believe that the Vidoe card should be matched to the CPU/MB also.

BillyBob

 

Thanks for your replies so far.
For an AMD, I was look at either the MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum for a 939, or a K8N Neo Platinum for the 754. Can anybody comment on these boards? As for an Intel processor, I'm not too sure. Just to note, I already have a pretty good AGP video card (Radeon 9600XT), so I would prefer to avoid having to spend an extra $300 for a PCI express card.
Thanks
Chris

 

Chris, those two sound like the same model or at least the same chipset. See my post about 754/939 for the difference between the processors. Otherwise, it may just be your personal preference for "added features" eg, SATA, RAID, built-in LAN, built-in Audio, etc.

Have a look through the specs of both and come back with any questions. They sound so close that we would probably be making up your mind for you

Matt
PS MSI is a good brand. Suggest you do a search on the model number with "review ". That will give you some good indications.

 

We finally bought the Athlon 64 3500+ with the MSI K8N Neo2 mobo and 512 meg ram for dual channel. Now the hiccup....its unstable and were not sure why. We have noted the mobo voltage monitering program sees only 2.4 volt for the 12 volt rail but measured with a voltmeter it measures 12. Not sure about that. Now when we run future mark it crashes each time. its a bit of a mystery unless it could be the powersupply for some reason...although in the bios it reads the voltages properly. what should we try next in terms of diagnostics?

Chuck_W for chrisw67