MB/processor ques

cubix

I am running an old Amd Xp2000(1.6Ghz) processor on a Asus Socket A MB. I was thinking of upgrading to a 939Socket MB/AMD 64-3700+ processor and new memory similar to this bundle from Komplett
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=109410&cks=PRL

Everything else I have should be fine for a while as I am not a big game fan but like to surf the net/music/encode movies. Just wondering from anyone is an Intel setup any better € for € or is Amd the way to go. Not looking for cuting edge stuff hence the reason I am going the 939 route

Thanks

Khannie

939 is as good as it gets at the moment.

The 3700+ is a cracking processor.

AGP may hold you back in the medium term.

You may need a new PSU. Probably not though.

K.O.Kiki

Intel P4's are better for video encoding; a Pentium D would be nice, but probably over budget.
Also, if you're upgrading from a sktA, you absolutely should consider a new PSU! (esp with a Pentium)
Also, since you do video encoding I'm guessing you do have a graphics card?

cubix

Cheers lads, Ko I presume any graphics card will do?. Like eveyone else dont want to have to spend a wedge straight off, I am running an old GF3 card(Elsa 64mb I think). Another words when doing the likes of video encoding the GC does not do the hard work, does it. Also anyone give me an idea whats comparable in the Intel P range to a Amd-3500/3700+ cpu

Thanks

Stephen

I don't imagine there's many socket 939 boards still out there that have AGP slots on them, as AGP is pretty much dead. You could get one with PCI-Express and a dirt cheap, bottom of the range PCI-E graphics card. If you need to, you can then upgrade it at a later stage. Cheapest PCI-E graphics card on Komplett is 55 euros.

conzy

There are S939 motherboards with AGP available but DO NOT buy an AGP S939 board just to use that old AGP card.

That bundle is reasonable but you dont get whats in the picture:mad:
If you read the fine print its Value ram at CL3 which is slow and and the epox board has the NF3 Ultra chipset which isnt a good idea with S939 get these instead:

Athlon 64 3700 €233
Asus A8N-E €100
Twinmos Pc3200 CL2.5 ram €110

and here are the links

http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=309484&cks=SPC
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=307700&cks=SPK
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=118498&cks=PRL

It works out €33 dearer but its alot better than the bundle;)

K.O.Kiki

Yeah dude, but Intel P4 is better for video encoding.
Sad but true. And he's not a gamer, so double-no to AMD skt939.

art

cubix wrote:

I am running an old Amd Xp2000(1.6Ghz) processor on a Asus Socket A MB. I was thinking of upgrading to a 939Socket MB/AMD 64-3700+ processor and new memory similar to this bundle from Komplett
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=109410&cks=PRL

Everything else I have should be fine for a while as I am not a big game fan but like to surf the net/music/encode movies. Just wondering from anyone is an Intel setup any better € for € or is Amd the way to go. Not looking for cuting edge stuff hence the reason I am going the 939 route

Thanks

Generally, across the board, the AMD chips are better in terms of value and performance. They also tend to run less hot and use less power so, as mentioned at the start, you may not need to get a new Power Supply with a new AMD and you are cutting down (in a minimal way) on running costs. It would be worth just getting the motherboard, chip and new memory (if that's needed?) and seeing how it all hangs together then take it from there. An AGP board will limit you though if you need a new card - decent AGP cards are actually dearer than decent PCI-express cards. What is the current graphics card you have?

cubix

Thanks everyone, your input is very much appreciated and cheers for the links ConzyMaher. Art its a very old GF3-64mb card. Just out of curiousity what is classed as a decent graphics card these days, ie: what spec should be on it

Cubix

SouperComputer

S939 is the way to go alright.

Unless you are playing the latest games, or doing heavy 3D Cad\3D Design work, a rubbish 8Mb card is fine.

Video editing and photo editing have nothing to to with graphics cards, within reson of course!

Khannie

K.O.Kiki wrote:

Yeah dude, but Intel P4 is better for video encoding.
Sad but true. And he's not a gamer, so double-no to AMD skt939.

Euro for euro, AMD will still outpace Intel.

SouperComputer

Khannie wrote:

Euro for euro, AMD will still outpace Intel.

aye, even with video encoding.

Stephen

Especially with the new dual core chips, AMD are wiping the floor with intel.
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-10442_7-6389077-1.html

Khannie

Nice article. A proper whooping for intel. I'm amazed that they still hold so much of the x86 processor market.

cubix

One last question, what is classed as a standard psu to run a Amd-3700+ 350/430watt?. Had a look on Komplett and they seem to range from €56 upwards,not looking for a particularly quite one just one that people here have used and could recommend as been rock solid

Cubix

conzy

I got an enermax liberty 500watt its silent and a great PSU, dont look at wattage but at the amperage on the different voltage rails......


Will you be overclocking?? if not I think the Antec Sonata 2 case would be a good purchase its around €120 and comes with a decent 450watt Antec PSU

*I am not sure if it has a 24pin atx connector you will havw to check*