upgrade from amd 2600 to AM 64

[Shiranai_Baka]

would there be a noticeable difference between the performance because if the OS isn't 64 bit, then the full power is bottlenecked right? Also, is L2 512k cache good enough? And, whats the difference between socket 939 and 754? I'm thinking of buying either http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-483&depa=0
that or http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-500&depa=0
Lol one more question. Which cores are better?

[silent h3ro]

Socket 939 runs cooler, quieter (I think) and uses less power then 754 sockets yet the cpu is just as powerful. I have a 939 socket 3500+. :01:

EDIT: :ermm:

[silent h3ro]

Also if u have the money then obviuosly the 939 sockets are better than the 754 ones.

[Shiranai_Baka]

so is 512k enough cache? for playing high end games.

[silent h3ro]

Yes I have 512KB L2 Cache and it runs all my games flawlessly. I can run Half-Life 2 on the highest settings and its still very smooth ( I havent measered my framerates yet). I'm sure a 3200+ woudlnt be much different, especially with the high end card that u have now. I only got the 3500+ is because after the 3500+ is the 3800+ and 4000+ and they each are like 300 more added on to each other in price, so 3500+ was the best bet. But yea the 3200+ 939 socket should run high end games great.

[SciManAl]

clear

[Darth Sushi]

Don't worry too much about the cache size. Look at Intel...the prescott has 1mb of cache while the northwood has only 512kb yet the speed difference is laughable while the heat difference is ludicrous.

[Shiranai_Baka]

Hrrm.. I don't understand the FSB speed, it says integrated into chip.. O.o

[silent h3ro]

Hrrm.. I don't understand the FSB speed, it says integrated into chip.. O.o Yea the FSB speed is usually integrated onto the chip :blink: (someone correct me if I'm wrong, unless its on the mobo :blink: ). What? :blink: :blink:

[Shiranai_Baka]

so.. whats the speed of the fsb?
(I've still got the core question unanswered =P)

[tesco]

The default fsb is 1600mhz i think.

the default one is integrated onto the chip. As is the multiplier and vcore(voltage of the chip). but you can change the vcore and fsb in the bios if you want. :)
Im not certain about the 64bit chips, but on most chips the multiplier is locked.

[lynx]

Go for this instead:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-502&depa=0

You also get the HSF, you don't get that with the OEM product.
Warranty is much better on the retail product too.

The memory controller is built in to the Athlon 64 chips, the 939 pin version has dual channel capability, 754 pin only single channel. Remember that is right to the chip, something the old dual channel Socket A motherboards couldn't do with their external memory controllers, so it really works. That is one of the big advantages of these chips compared to Socket A chips, even if you don't fully exploit the 64 bit capability.

Socket 939 also have 25% faster hyperchannel speeds, 1GHz compared to 800MHz for socket 754.

[clocker]

Go socket 939...I believe that is the platform that AMD will expand/support for a goodly while, but don't get it yet.
Find the new chips which are based in the 90nm process (smaller=faster).

The new gen of nForce4 boards will be available soon ( right now Asus is the only choice) and the combination should be great, but kiss your high end AGP vid card goodbye and go PCI express (you have no choice really).

There ARE 64-bit OSs out already...MS has a free beta XP64 edition and Mandrake Linux is 64bit also.
Appropriate drivers are becoming readily available to suit.

[Shiranai_Baka]

Any information on the cores? I googled a bit but found it confusing and it didn't really explain on the cores.