Much Info Needed For Build - FX, Dual Channel, Please Explain

It seems I need to build a new computer. My old one crapped. At first I thought it was the video card as per my previous post. It seems that there is something much worse wrong. I won't get into it, but trust me it ain't good.

So, I need to a new motherboard, chip, memory, and video card. My old rig is in my sig. Of course I want someting faster. So, I began researching. I have noticed there are many new types of chips. FX, X2, dual core, etc. Additionally, there is DDR 2 ram and Dual Channel ram. I have a vague understanding of things, but things are much more complicated than a few years ago when I built last my last rig. I am pretty lost.

I have no idea what hardware to start with. I need mobo reccomendations, ram, and CPU reccomendations as well. I would like to stick to AMD. I would be willing to spend maybe $450 total. Ideally I would like a mechant that would assemble and pretest for a small fee. I used to assemble all myself, but I found it much more convinient to have it shipped ready to drop into the case and attach hard drives, etc.

Additionally good sites that make direct comparisons between the types of hardware? I am aware of many technical sites, but I would like specific links to a page if available.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

While I would like to say AMD is better, right now that simply isnt true. I would strongly recommend getting an intel core 2 duo system, as they are much faster than AMD's equivalent chips right now. (I have an X2 4200+) All the new platforms use DDR2, so dont get a socket 939 or anything that uses DDR1, since that will limit your upgrade-ability in the future. Dual channel RAM is basically, in a nutshell, having two identical sticks (in size) running together in sync, and provides marginally better performance.

Things you want to look for in a mobo: at least one PCI-e x16 slot for a graphics card (all graphics cards are now for this due to the amount of power they can be supplied.) If you plan on doing SLI (hooking up 2 graphics cards) you will need 2 of these slots (or crossfire for the ATI (now AMD) dual graphics cards)

You definitely want a dual core processor, this is where development is going, and they provide much better performance if you like to do more than one task at once. I wouldnt even consider single core for a $450 budget.

Get 1 GB of DDR2 RAM in 512MBx2 if you want Dual channel, since RAM prices are very very high right now (2 GB DDR2 will run up up ~200-300$)

If you do plan on sticking to AMD though, you will want to get an X2, FX processors are out of your price range. (these are basically the enthusiast processors from AMD, similar to intel extreme)

On this budget you're going to have trouble getting a good graphics card, a GOOD (can run all the latest games at max or near max) gpu will run you up at least $300 right now.

 

Not far from today, AMD will be in stride with intel again. Toms hardware is a great place to read about pc stuff in almost english...meaning the way they explain it of course, here is the link..
http://www.tomshardware.com/index.html
I love my PC(specs in sig) Its smokin..and very affordable, unlike the intels at the moment
Jaza

 

Baselerd -

When you stated you would not consider single core for a $450 budget, does that mean it is too much or not enough? I realize a graphics card would be additional, so I was not counting that in my total.

So, it seems an Intel Dual Core Duo with a gig of ram (a gig has been plenty for me so far anyway). Now, does the dual core chip reuire dual channel ram? If not, I realize there will be a performance hit but for $$ that will be ok. I don't really need bleeding edge. How are dual core prices in comparison to AMD prices? Of course I will do research in the meantime.

Thanks.

 

$450 budget, AMD is the right direction
The Most bang for your buck is a Solid Proven NF4 socket 939 based system, you can even get a dual core cpu

dual core / quad core, bla bla bla, where's the software to support it? marketing ploy

MOBO I'd go to DFI as they are #1 for customer support
2nd choice on the mobo Asus but their customer support Sucks & is slow

VC you can get a 7800gt/7900 for $200 or less

 

Yeah - I have read a dual core would be more for future use. However, on Tom's Interactive CPU comparison thingie-ma-jingie the X2's do seem to perform consistently better than there single core counterparts.

 

I don't think I would get a socket 939 like the guy below mentioned. Yes, it will be cheaper, since u only have to buy DDR ram for socket 939. However, as you probably know, it's a bad idea to buy outdated hardware. If you DO get an AMD, definitely get socket AM2 so you will be able to upgrade in a few years if you want. Socket 939 has ended, no more future processors will be released for it. And yes, a Core 2 Duo would be your best bet. Not Core Duo. And if the $450 is your budget for just the RAM, mobo, and cpu you can get a decent setup.

Dual Channel RAM and DDR2 are completely different things. DDR2 is just a new RAM standard that is replacing DDR, since it's faster (even if only by a narrow margin) If you get a Core 2 Duo or socket AM2 AMD processor, you have to get DDR2, but this is something you want (due to upgrade-ability)

Dual Channel is a RAM configuration that most mobo's support. Basically you have to get a pair of identical RAM (size and timing, although sometimes I think you can downclock a faster ram stick to run run dual channel with a slower one) This can be done with both DDR1 and DDR2. It does provide some improved performance, so you will want to buy your ram in a pair, such as 2x512MB for a Gig, 2x1GB for 2GB, etc.

Realistically, both Intel's and AMD's offerings are good. I have an AMD. But Intel's processors are much faster now, so why not go with that? (I would if I were you) Intel's lowest Core 2 Duo (the e6300) performs between AMD X2 4200+ and 4400+, and from there the Core 2 Duo's take off and knock out the X2 processor line as far as performance goes.

And, to clear up your confusion, for that budget I would definitely get dual core, no questions asked.

Here's A setup I reccommend

1 GB Corsair XMS Dual Channel kit DDR2 - $124
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145566

Core 2 Duo E6400 - $217
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115004

Foxconn P9657AA-8KS2H ATX Intel Motherboard - $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813186102


Total: $441

As a side note, if you're comfortable overclocking, you can just get an e6300 for about $40 less and overclock it to get the same performance as the e6400. Also, I chose corsair XMS ram, which is really nice RAM, you could save money on the RAM and get lower quality ram.

Also, I didnt spend too much time looking for a motherboard. Im not too familiar with intel chipsets, I'm sure there are better mobo's out there for this price, but Foxconn is a pretty good brand, along with ASUS and Gigabyte.

 

howdy fellas interesting reading and id like to put a few cents in
i just picked up last night a new asus crossfire mobo and the am2 64x2 dual 4600+ cpu that with a geforce 7600 gpu and 2 gig of ocz (which btw 2 gig is minimum) cost me 900+ im not bragging here simply wanted to brig out the idea that upgrading just a cpu isn't always the end of it and also i forgot to look at my psu which that board recommends a 600w mini so im sitting here now on my laptop cause my comp wont run. so give a little more thought into exactly what your going to need before ya run out and buy something. ya might end up likeme tonight

 

and sorry i forgot
i agree with intel is the fastest right now and i understand its with a conroe setup socket 954 fine tuned by a friend of mine to 298mghz and i dont think hes done + he said it was price comparable with my am2 setup ya might look into that

 

There is nothing wrong with socket 939, and while, yes, its a dead socket design, the important thing to keep in mind, budget computers within a price range like this are not built for upgradeability.


That said...there will be plenty of upgrades available to the user via FX chips.

There is no drawback to buying outdated hardware, as long as you know that the upgrade path will eventually end.

By the time an FX-60 becomes so antiquated as to not be a great performing CPU, socket AM2 will probably be retired anyway.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103608

Socket 939 is just fine as the new budget machine.

 

Based on the reviews from Newegg, I wouldn't touch that board with a 10 foot pole.

Granted, reviews there are not a be all, end all, when the average of 19 reviews is lukewarm...I'd be wary.