CPU/Mobo An upgrade route - Socket AM2 or 939?

Doc Holliday

Doc Holliday

Adept
Hi all,

Thanks for your your responses to my other post . I am considering an upgrade now.

First the scenario. I am running the present configuration (Athlon XP 2500+; A7N8x Deluxe) as an office file server running for approximately 15 to 17 hours each day. So what I need is a replacement for this.

My requirements:

1. No gaming. (Okay maybe the occassional game - I wish I could game, but simply no time folks :(
2. Robust Reliable desktop running XP Pro OEM - that can be used a small office server for sharing folders/files. Also running an FTP server (ssh very soon).
3. I need a serial 9-pin port for some essential legacy devices.
4. Budget - limited - 15k (okay can stretch it a bit to 18 K).
So far I have come up with the following:

1. AMD AM2 X2 3800.
2. MSI K9NGM2.
3. Transcend /Kingston 512/1 GB DDR2.

I need suggestions please.

1. Is the above-mentioned config okay?
2. Alternatives? Should I take the tested socket 939 route?
3. Other alternatives?

Please help me guys!

Thanks in advance.

- DH
 
Buddy Go For Amd 3800+ Am2 Socket As It Supports Ddr2 Ram, While 939 Support Ddr. Nowadays Ddr Prices R Getting Higher Than Ddr2. Try 2 Go For Msi K9gm2-fid Mobo. Config U've Chosen Is Perfect For U. If U Wish U Can Try Conroe E6300 Also.
 
consider these 2 config

amd 3800+ AM2 - 8200 approx
K9ngm2 - 5000 approx
trancend/ kingston 512*2(recommended)= 1GB - 5500 approx
or single 1gb module is for Rs 5200. corsair ram(reccommended) are few bucks more than transcend or kingston

or other config is

Intel Core2Duo(conroe) - 9500 approx
mobo - intel D965RY(on board graphics) - 7200
or msi Q965 or g965(recommended,with loads of features)- 7500
ram prices are as mentioned above.

there is no real world performance diff. bet amd 3800+ and e6300, unless u overclock e6300. but i would reccomend u intel.
 
HEMANTRATURI said:
consider these 2 config

amd 3800+ AM2 - 8200 approx

K9ngm2 - 5000 approx

trancend/ kingston 512*2(recommended)= 1GB - 5500 approx

or single 1gb module is for Rs 5200. corsair ram(reccommended) are few bucks more than transcend or kingston

or other config is

Intel Core2Duo(conroe) - 9500 approx

mobo - intel D965RY(on board graphics) - 7200

or msi Q965 or g965(recommended,with loads of features)- 7500

ram prices are as mentioned above.

there is no real world performance diff. bet amd 3800+ and e6300, unless u overclock e6300. but i would reccomend u intel.
Click to expand...

Hey Hemantraturi,

Thanks a lot. Although I am no Intel fan, the Core2Duo sure is tempting. However, I still feel that there are no chipsets *yet* to untap the full potential of such a fine processor. Also, the budget is going to go up to 21K if I am not mistaken. I asked my vendor here the cost of memory today and he said Rs 6750 for 1 GB Zion (Not Kingston or Transcend). He must think I am crazy or rich (I am neither :) ) .

Also, what do you think about the AM2 socket? Are there still nagging issues that need to be ironed out before one really goes for it? - At least I feel so. You see, I am going to run this desktop for business and nags will create losses. Do you think I can get a config with an Opteron? What are the advantages of running an Opteron (even if means running a slower processor)? And the disadvantages. How much moolah I need to shell out for this?

Lastly, what about a decent AMD 64 939 solution, something rock solid (on board video will do).

Looking forward to responses from you and the gurus. You guys rock!
 
its fine 2 go with amd am2. m also a big fan of amd. i wouldn't suggest 2 go with amd 939 as amd have already stopped the production of 939 sockets.though there is no performance diff. bet 939 and am2, i would strongly recommend u to go with am2 socket as ddr2 is future ram. also there r some memory issues with am2, i mean confirm tht ram model u r buyin is compatible with mobo, its just a minor issue . as i see msi mobo u've chosen is best in your budget and with loads of features and asus mobos r causing bios problems so don't fall 4 asus. opetron is a server cpu. gimme a day or 2 to post its price.
 
Buddy Opteron Cpu Prices R More Than Double The Amd X2 . Also There Is No Issue With Am2. So Just Goahead And Buy Those Products. Also Ram Issues Has Been Solved In Am2, Issues Were The Part Of Initial Phase.but Remember No Matter How Much Shopkeeper Try 2 Pursue In Buying 939 Socket, Don't Listen!!!
 
iirc am2 benefits a lot from good ram and say ddr800 which are kind of hard to come across here locally. also the last time i checked the asus m2n series had a lot of issues so unless they've fixed them check out msi or something else
 
bottle said:
iirc am2 benefits a lot from good ram and say ddr800 which are kind of hard to come across here locally.
Click to expand...

Yes, and how much does this DDR800 RAM cost by the way - that is one what really needs to use the AM2 to its potential.

Another question. Which is a good no-issues ATX AM2 board?

As for the Opteron idea, my vendor says he can get me 248 (socket 940) for Rs 7000/-. Any good? If yes, which motherboard and which RAM? Again, this not for gaming but a business workstation.
- DH.
 
AS I C MSI K9GM2 IS BEST IN ONBOARD GRAPHICS RANGE FOOR AM2. AM2 WORKS DECENTLY ON 533 AND 667 HZ DDR2 ALSO. REGARDING OPTERON MODEL I HAV NO IDEA, BUT I SUGGEST TO B VERY CAREFUL AND DO A GOOD MARKET RESEARCH BEFORE BUYIN OPTERON. ALSO PRICE U MENTIONED SEEMS TO B FISHY. Processor Pricing

CHECK DIS SITE, ACTUAL PRICES SHUD B HIGHER THAN THE MENTIONED.
 
the prices are gonna be a lot higher than that coz the prices mentioned there are price per unit when bought in 1000 unit array's so... there is no use comparing the prices :|
 
hi,
i'm using am2 for some time now and have come across wit no problems wat so ever,i wont recommend u to go with 939 as mentioned above it uses ddr and ddr2 is the way to go now,although a e6300 would be the best choice if u can do that.go with 2 X 512mb ram as i think it can help in dual channel operation (correct me if i'm wrong).
As for am2 i'm using m2n 32 sli and its pretty good (although the asus forums say diff) ,if u can find m2n e it should be good and the mobo u have mentioned is a good one 2.
 
board-
Gigabyte RS-482 chipset one or Gigabyte K8N51GMF or any other similar type wit onboard graphics - approx 3500 rs.

proc.
x2 3800(939)- should be in 8500 range .. not too sure...

and then
2*512 or 2 *256 cause of dual channel - 2900 *2 or 1600 *2

thats it...
i recomment 939 cause the performance is supposed to be better... and also i read quite a few articles on how the am2 was not doin too good ... it is said to be something like a test for their next socket the am3 and there is also the new am2+ to be launched by this year end or q2 07
 
Doc Holliday said:
As for the Opteron idea, my vendor says he can get me 248 (socket 940) for Rs 7000/-. Any good? If yes, which motherboard and which RAM?
Click to expand...

Opterons arent exactly a good idea especially when you have a limited budget. The 248 proc is an expensive choice, considering its a single core CPU and a bit more would get you a regular desktop dual core. Moreover you'd need a Socket 940 board as well as ECC RAM, which would probably up the cost even more.

Socket 939 platforms are a reliable choice, however with AMD putting the axe on the 939 platform along with rising DDR1 prices you'd probably be better off with an AM2 setup. AM3 procs are supposedly going to be made AM2 compatible giving you an upgrade route, plus DDR2 RAM is only bound to get cheaper. You have the cheaper AM2 based X2 3600+ for around 7k as well in case you find yourself going beyond your budget.

True there are some nagging issues here and there, however your dealer should be able to put you onto the right match since they would very often be selling Motherboard/CPU/RAM combos.

Finally the Core2Duo is a pretty good choice as well. About the chipsets holding back their potential , I wouldnt say so - atleast all the Intel chipsets are bound to give you C2D's best. Even entry level Intel 946 chipset based boards should hold you in good stead (as long as you arent into overclocking :D ).
 
Thanks for all your suggestions guys. The phasing out of the 939 socket and the currently high prices of the Core2Duo does sandwich my choice to the AM2 for now. The only nag for me is the prices for DDR2 in town, which is presently much higher that what DDR is selling for.

@HEMANTRATURI Yes, the MSI K9NGM2, they say is a fine mATX solution. What about full-fledged ATX boards? Any suggestions?

@Crazy_Eddy - Couldn't agree with you more. The ECC RAM scares me - the prices that is! Also, with the Core2Duo, I would really want to wait to see *improvements* that Intel and/or other chipmakers are bound to come up with and of course would love to see the prices head southwards. And the only overclocking I do currently is my work hours :eek:hyeah: So it seems AM2 for now - or maybe just hold on to this board/a similar replacement board and wait for things to stabilize (Does it ever :p ).
 
Buddy As I Already Mentioned That K9gm2 Is The Best Mobo With Graphics. Beyond That U'll Find Much Better But They Don't Hav Onboard Graphics, U Hav 2 Add Grphic Card And It Will Shoot Ur Budget
 
HEMANTRATURI said:
Buddy As I Already Mentioned That K9gm2 Is The Best Mobo With Graphics. Beyond That U'll Find Much Better But They Don't Hav Onboard Graphics, U Hav 2 Add Grphic Card And It Will Shoot Ur Budget
Click to expand...
thats what i took K9AGM2 with the graphic on board works perfect take a PCI express but not needed :)
 
My Dear gravedigger unclefred. :eek:hyeah: please look at the date of the last post before u post anything :) U seem to be bumping 2005-2006 dead threads
 
Back
Top