Building a new AM2 Rig--techies help me out

This is what im looking at so far
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2000MHz HT 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735

Gigabyte GA-M55plus-S3G Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128010[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128010

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

eVGA 256-P2-N553-AX Geforce 7600GT CO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283

Havent decided on a case and PSU yet. Buying the HD off slickdeals, prolly going with integrated sound.

None of your links work, hehe, but seems pretty good to me.

[quoteec387c1fc8="Psyc"]None of your links work, hehe, but seems pretty good to me.[/quoteec387c1fc8]fixed

I would recommend the 4400. It is what I'm using, and the 2x1mb cache really makes a difference. Plus I have it overclocked to well over what a 4800 can do. If that is too pricey, I would just go for another X2 that has the 2x1mb cache. If you are running multi-monitors like me (or you just like to multitask a lot) X2 dual core is a must.

Get a SLI mobo, Just incase you want Dual graphics card later, small bit extra for future upgrades. I'm thinking of upgrading my A64 3000+ to a X2 4400+ I do a lot of video editing / rendering, So it should help XD. But Yea the mobo needs sli =P

[quote95d228aec1="KnightTrader"]Get a SLI mobo, Just incase you want Dual graphics card later, small bit extra for future upgrades. I'm thinking of upgrading my A64 3000+ to a X2 4400+ I do a lot of video editing / rendering, So it should help XD. But Yea the mobo needs sli =P[/quote95d228aec1]I debated that, but i dont think im going SLI in the near future.

i was gonna get sli but then all the asus, athlon 64 x2, socket 939 sli motherboards went gone for a while, so im probably getting non-sli. it snot like im gonna need it anyays, maybe in the near future

EDIT-

looks pretty good, i suggest another video card if have the money and youre a hardcore gamer (bf2 and such)

Why not go conroe?

I got a MSI mobo with SLI. I got it just incase I want to upgrade to 2 cards in the future. Now that AMD said AM3 will be compatible with AM2 boards, even better.

I agree, get an SLI board just in case. I wish my last board I had gotten PCI-E and now I am bummed.

Also, G.Skill is not that great. I'd spend the extra $40 and get the OCZ
OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model OCZ2P8002GK - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227089

Watch out with the OCZ ram, might cause a some problems when trying to install windows, but it's easily fixed. I just had to change the voltage.

[quote876044c103="Psyc"]Watch out with the OCZ ram, might cause a some problems when trying to install windows, but it's easily fixed. I just had to change the voltage.[/quote876044c103]
Really? Thats lame. If I really had the money I'd go with mushkin
mushkin eXtreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146108

I guess Corsair is good too if OCZ is going to be lame
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

Ya rly. I went through this whole ordeal trying to install windows. I finally found the solution on another forum.


http//hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1076328
http//www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showthread.php?p=178735
http//www.bleedinedge.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22133

The last thread makes it seem like all the PC2-6400 sticks are doing it. I just think OCZ is the one most bought.

With the intel/amd price war going on, I really wish I had the money right now to build a new rig. I'd take the one I have right now and turn it into a media pc for my tv. I need to get a laptop before I go building a new desktop though.

[quote6efc90b987="drummer_kew_03"]With the intel/amd price war going on, I really wish I had the money right now to build a new rig. I'd take the one I have right now and turn it into a media pc for my tv. I need to get a laptop before I go building a new desktop though.[/quote6efc90b987]

amd prices dropped alot, my amd went from $354 to $199, so i ordered it as soon as i saw the drop, D its here already

I want an X2 4200+ Bad now, But Figure its too much hassle, [Flashing my mobo... taking off the dang heat sink, Taking out cpu, Putting new one in, installing new heatsink, and Resetting Cmos] May stick with my A64 3000+ For a little longer. Just gotta go afk for 30 mins + When video editing or just web browse slowly P. I'll build a whole new computer later.

[quote502fac540d="KnightTrader"]I want an X2 4200+ Bad now, But Figure its too much hassle, [Flashing my mobo... taking off the dang heat sink, Taking out cpu, Putting new one in, installing new heatsink, and Resetting Cmos] May stick with my A64 3000+ For a little longer. Just gotta go afk for 30 mins + When video editing or just web browse slowly P. I'll build a whole new computer later.[/quote502fac540d]

ha thats the one i ordered and got yesterday, athlon 64 x2 4200+

intel prices got cut today.
and conroe is way faster than any amd available

[quote41d440bf79="turpentinedreams"]intel prices got cut today.
and conroe is way faster than any amd available[/quote41d440bf79]Are conroe prices competive with AMD X2? Havent read much

[quotec5a618acd5="Crynos"][quotec5a618acd5="turpentinedreams"]intel prices got cut today.
and conroe is way faster than any amd available[/quotec5a618acd5]Are conroe prices competive with AMD X2? Havent read much[/quotec5a618acd5]

The $200 Conroe (E6300) can out perform AMD's FX-62. Intel has really done a good job this time and has convinced me to switch. http//www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2802

Get an Alienware, those are fucking TIGHT!

[quote1b93d9fe79="Brok3n_Sword"][quote1b93d9fe79="Crynos"][quote1b93d9fe79="turpentinedreams"]intel prices got cut today.
and conroe is way faster than any amd available[/quote1b93d9fe79]Are conroe prices competive with AMD X2? Havent read much[/quote1b93d9fe79]

The $200 Conroe (E6300) can out perform AMD's FX-62. Intel has really done a good job this time and has convinced me to switch. http//www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2802[/quote1b93d9fe79]Yeah, shit, i might have to change this to conroe, the e6300 is tempting.

Heres what im looking at as far as conroe goes...
Intel BOXDP965LTCK Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121035[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121035


Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 1.86GHz / 2MB Cache / 1066MHz FSB / Dual-Core / OEM / Socket 775 / Processor
http//www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2280517&CatId=2397[]http//www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2280517&CatId=2397

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Unbuffered DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231084

eVGA 256-P2-N553-AX Geforce 7600GT CO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283[]http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130283

Is the Conroe even available yet?

i suggest you look around for some benchmarks first before you change your mind.
http//www.tomshardware.com/2006/07/18/would_you_buy_core_2_duo_today/

they say its pretty much a [b75468ec019]tie[/b75468ec019]
and check this out

http//www.tomshardware.com/2006/06/05/first_benchmarks_conroe_vs_fx-62/page5.html
conroe vs amd fx-62 in gaming..

[b75468ec019]conroe beats amd in LOW quality but loses in HIGH quality?[/b75468ec019]

LMFAO.

On anandtech the benchmarks showed the e6300 crushing even in X2 4400, let alone just the 3800

the benchmarks there are sh owing the 6300 and an fx-62.... i doubt crynos is gonna drop a four spot on the proc.... overclocking headroom on the 6300 looks good too but maybe not with the generic intel mobo you're looking at

my personal experience with OCZ memory is outstanding. one of my stikcs of memory got zapped by a power surge and OCZ was not only willing to replace it but they also sent me a dual channel kit that cost twice as much as the one i bought. their customer service was prompt and friendly and i have nothing but good things to say about them.

yeah it was a fx-62, not x2 4400, or 3800 (of course coonroe would beat those because conroe is the newest best intel processor).. but i dont think youre gonna get that, you were gonna get the other amd.. and yeah core duo 2 is better than the one you were gonna get, but if you read the whole article of the benchmarks it would say that theyre pretty much tied for now.

for now because intel claims to release the top line core duo 2.

if you're building a rig right now. it'd be way smarter to get a conroe. the only thing am2 has going for it is that there are better motherboards out there for it but if you're willing to wait a bit until asus, abit, or dfi get some decent (performance and price-wise) boards... the low-end conroe would definately serve you much better no matter what you do.

Where can you even buy Conroe except for Dell right now?

Hey why not opt out of the AMD setup and go with a INTEL chip

The Pentium D is $97 from newegg. Its dual core and with a good after market heatsink/fan or water cooling, the chip will do around 4ghz.

This chip doesnt run hot either. My friend got one and is at 4ghz rock solid stable

Use the $ saved to juice up the power supply or for case fans or a good hsf

The chip outperforms the fastest processors from AMD (Athlon 64 FX-60) and Intel (Pentium Extreme Edition 965), each of which costs over $1,000.

NEWEGG
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001


Review of chip at toms hardware with comparison charts compared to tons of other cpus

http//www.tomshardware.com/2006/05/10/dual_41_ghz_cores/

[quotebb8cb72fe1="ffactoryxx"]Hey why not opt out of the AMD setup and go with a INTEL chip

The Pentium D is $97 from newegg. Its dual core and with a good after market heatsink/fan or water cooling, the chip will do around 4ghz.

This chip doesnt run hot either. My friend got one and is at 4ghz rock solid stable

Use the $ saved to juice up the power supply or for case fans or a good hsf

The chip outperforms the fastest processors from AMD (Athlon 64 FX-60) and Intel (Pentium Extreme Edition 965), each of which costs over $1,000.

NEWEGG
http//www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001


Review of chip at toms hardware with comparison charts compared to tons of other cpus

http//www.tomshardware.com/2006/05/10/dual_41_ghz_cores/[/quotebb8cb72fe1]

http//www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=329&chart=68&model2=328
that pentium EE 965 does not beat fx-60.. not even close in gaming at least.. -.-.

pretty sure fx-60 would beat pentium ee 965 in other benchmarks too

OK I need to build a new system like now, what should I do?

Also, my old system will be up for sale )

[quote363454e370="Wolfeman"]OK I need to build a new system like now, what should I do?

Also, my old system will be up for sale )[/quote363454e370]

Depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to pay for the whole thing.

[quote797983be74="AstonisheD"][quote797983be74="Wolfeman"]OK I need to build a new system like now, what should I do?

Also, my old system will be up for sale )[/quote797983be74]

Depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to pay for the whole thing.[/quote797983be74]
<$1500 (including shipping & tax). Don't need anything crazy for video, 2GB RAM, 2 HDD (1 smaller faster one for system files and 1 storage drive), no monitor...

Get the 3800+ x2, it's an overclocking beast. You can clock it to 4200+ frequencies easily, and more if you have good cooling

edit Regarding the conroe processor, from what I've gathered, the x2 is better with multimedia type stuff, while the core 2 duo (conroe) is better at office type applications.