Building a new PC

Halen5150 · December 28, 2004

I plan on building a new computer soon, and I'm trying to choose between an Athlon XP cpu and an Athlon 64 cpu. Once I decide that, I can choose the mobo. At least 1GB of PC3200 RAM, dual dvd-rw drives, 200GB Western Digital SATA HD or greater, Sound Blaster Audigy 2, and a Tyan Tachyon G9600 Pro(Radeon 9600 Pro) will be used. The remaining parts such as case, fans, etc. will be determined later. Will there be any significant advantages going with the Athlon 64 over the Athlon XP? For the mobo, I was either going to go with a DFI or an Abit. Any reccomendations or suggestions? Please don't tell me to go with a P4 cpu/mobo instead. I've already made up my mind on AMD. Also, whatever cpu I get will be overclocked. I've had my P4 1.6 for 2.5 years now, and I'm hoping to get the same amount of use from whatever I build this time. Thanks!

SnakeEyeSS · January 1, 2005

get a 64.

in 2007 Microsoft plans to release the new Windows(currently codename longhorn) and it will be a 64 bit OS. WinXP is a 32 bit but made in 64 version. theis "longhorn " will be optimized for a 64 bit processor, and you'll already have one.

While the Athlon XP is optimized for WinXP, the 64 is faster in everyway.

My last two computers have been Athlonb(last was a first gen Athlon, current is a Athlon XP 2400+), and have NEVER had any processor problems. The AMD's has a better, shorter pipeline design which makes it faster when comparing the same GHz rating.

There was an excellent article in Popular Mechanics a few years back about it. also explained how MAC processors(motorola made) are the best.

MCourson · January 1, 2005

get a 64.

...

While the Athlon XP is optimized for WinXP, the 64 is faster in everyway.

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Plus you can get the free trail version of Windows XP 64 now from Microsoft and that should be coming out very soon too.

Socket A (Athlon XP) is dead, Socket 754 (A64) is going to Semprons only. If I were to do it again It would be a A64 Socket 939 90nm (Winchester core)

Plus the A64 has the on board memory controler so RAM latencies are drastically reduced.

My system:

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ ClawHammer (1mb L2, Socket 754)

MSI K8N Neo Platinum MS-7030

Kingston PC3200 512mb RAM

WD Raptor SATA 74 GB, WD Caviar 40 GB HDDs

Antec P160 case

Win XP pro SP2

Fedora Core 3 x86_64 Linux

SnakeEyeSS · January 1, 2005

I'm thinking of upgrading my mobo and procressor, with a mobo that is memory backwards compatable so I can upgrade the rest as I go.....my problem is that this is an HP. "they say" HP's aren't made to allow much compatability with non-HP sourced, supplied, or made parts, so I migth just hold off on trying that until by 2400+ is far outdated.

I think the XP 3000+ will still work with my current mobo, and since they are dirt cheap now I might just do that instead.

Halen5150 · January 4, 2005

I'm thinking of upgrading my mobo and procressor, with a mobo that is memory backwards compatable so I can upgrade the rest as I go

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What do you mean by this statement? What types of memory are you talking about? Sorry, I just don't understand what you mean. MCourson, that's a nice setup you have. I'd like to install Linux on my PC, but I don't have the HD space for it yet. Is it hard to learn Linux? Thanks for the insight, guys. Looks like I'll try to find a deal on a 64 cpu.

MCourson · January 4, 2005

I think he is looking for a mobo that not only supports faster mem PC3200 (DDR400) and up but also supporrts the older stuff.

Linux is not that bad to learn with all the good material that is out there on the web. Since I am dual booting I have been on XP mostly lately but I need to get back to FC3 and get Samba running.

Might set up another Linux box and run a domain controller for the house. (5 machines) I know Im sick.

Edit, if you do decide to ever mess with it and you use Fedora Core 3, this is the best beginners website. http://stanton-finley.net/fedora_core_3_in...tion_notes.html

Halen5150 · January 5, 2005

Thanks. One more question, is SATA that much faster than IDE? I'm just wondering because I've been wanting to buy a 250GB Western Digital IDE forever now, but now I'm thinking it would be better to go with SATA instead.

MCourson · January 6, 2005

I doubt you will notice much of a difference between the two. Unless you compare like a regualar IDE drive to like a WD Raptor.

Halen5150 · January 7, 2005

What are the differences in the core types of the Athlon64 cpus? What makes the winchester core the best? How does it compare to a newcastle core?

MCourson · January 7, 2005

The A64 cores

SledgeHammer - Socket 940 (A64 FX51-53, Opteron), 1M L2, 130nm

ClawHammer - Socket 754 (A64) Socket 939 (A64FX53 and up), 1M L2, 130nm

Newcastle - Socket 754 and 939 (A64), 512k L2, 130nm

Winchester - Socket 939 (A64), 512k L2, 90nm

With the A64 architecture(integrated memory controller), an extra 512k cache only showed minimal gains. The plus to the Winchester is the 90nm process. It seems to preform a bit better clock for clock compared to a 130 A64 and it also uses less power, therefore runs cooler.

The Winchester is not the "best" A64. For the price it is, but if you can afford a FX-55 (Clawhammer) that thing is a beast.

Halen5150 · January 7, 2005

Thanks for pointing that out. I've found a mobo that I really like, and it's a socket 754, so I could only use A64 cpus with Clawhammer or Newcastle cores, right? What do you think of this mobo? DFI LanParty

Sorry for bugging you with so many questions, but you seem very knowledgeable about this stuff. I figure it will take a few months for me to slowly piece this computer together(I'm in no hurry), but this mobo keeps going up in price, so if it's good I might as well buy it now.

MCourson · January 7, 2005

That one is a very good choice, especially if you plan to do any over clocking. The 754 will only have A64 (CHs and NCs) up to 3700+ and Semprons. But to be honest 754 is a good choice. I know at least the next time I upgrade 939 will be long gone so there is no need to go to it know sinc eI already have 754.

99Silver6.0 · January 8, 2005

Thanks for pointing that out. I've found a mobo that I really like, and it's a socket 754, so I could only use A64 cpus with Clawhammer or Newcastle cores, right? What do you think of this mobo? DFI LanParty

Sorry for bugging you with so many questions, but you seem very knowledgeable about this stuff. I figure it will take a few months for me to slowly piece this computer together(I'm in no hurry), but this mobo keeps going up in price, so if it's good I might as well buy it now.

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Alot of people swear by that board!! I dont think you can go wrong. I like ABIT boards. Thats all I have ever really used. Friend of mine has the ABIT KV8-Max3 754 board and hes had great luck with it.

MCourson · January 8, 2005

Win XP Pro x64

Edit, its obviously based off Server 2003 CPU-Z and others are saying it is Windows Server 2003.

Edit again.... had to move pic to a new server. I really need to figure my port deal out to get mine running.

Halen5150 · January 9, 2005

Awesome, I'm going to order that mobo soon. I bought an HD and and PSU yesterday. I wanted at least a 200GB hard drive, but I settled for a 120GB Western Digital SATA because it was on sale for $50. I bought this psu, except mine's a black finish, not the blue. I got it on sale for $66. I was looking at getting this case, the cooler master cavalier. It has 120mm fans in front and back, but none on the sides or top. I'm also going to be using this heatsink/fan on my cpu. Will that be enough to keep an overclocked cpu cool, or should I go with a different case? I need a good mid tower that costs no more than $100.