Proximon
Illustrious
- Apr 10, 2006
- 14,620
- 3
- 41,465
The PII 940 can't handle DDR3 RAM. You will save money anyway by using the other board:
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P
and some DDR2:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P
and some DDR2:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi,
Thank you Proximon, you saved me Again from a costly Mi$take. I must be reading the Spec's wrong.
Question #1: Is this a DDR2 or DDR3 build, I wanted a DDR3 system?
Question #2: The GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P is Only $6.00 cheaper, the XT appears to be a better Board.
Question #3: is this AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Quad Core Processor HDZ940XCGIBOX - 3.00GHz, 6MB Cache, 1800MHz (3600 MT/s) FSB, Deneb, Quad-Core, Retail, Socket AM2+, Unlocked Multiplier, Processor with Fan a good buy at that price for My new Build or am I Again choosing the wrong components for a Gaming Rig since I do not Multi Task while in a Game ?
I spent the weekend reading & learning, yet I make Mi$takes 🙁
Edit: The AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Quad Core Processor is DDR2...Does this mean I Need ALL DDR2 Components for a better running system...or do I need to buy a AMD Phenom II DDR3 ???
Thank you Proximon, you saved me Again from a costly Mi$take. I must be reading the Spec's wrong.
Question #1: Is this a DDR2 or DDR3 build, I wanted a DDR3 system?
Question #2: The GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P is Only $6.00 cheaper, the XT appears to be a better Board.
Question #3: is this AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Quad Core Processor HDZ940XCGIBOX - 3.00GHz, 6MB Cache, 1800MHz (3600 MT/s) FSB, Deneb, Quad-Core, Retail, Socket AM2+, Unlocked Multiplier, Processor with Fan a good buy at that price for My new Build or am I Again choosing the wrong components for a Gaming Rig since I do not Multi Task while in a Game ?
I spent the weekend reading & learning, yet I make Mi$takes 🙁
Edit: The AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition Quad Core Processor is DDR2...Does this mean I Need ALL DDR2 Components for a better running system...or do I need to buy a AMD Phenom II DDR3 ???
the phenom II 940 will not work in a AM3 board. it will not work with DDR3 ram.
however, if you bought the 955/720/(some more that im missing), you could put those in an AM3 and DDR3 board.
just curious... why Do you Capitalize random Words? it Seems quite Strange.
however, if you bought the 955/720/(some more that im missing), you could put those in an AM3 and DDR3 board.
just curious... why Do you Capitalize random Words? it Seems quite Strange.
Proximon
Illustrious
- Apr 10, 2006
- 14,620
- 3
- 41,465
Hehe.
It's confusing I know. Let's see if this helps:
AMD CPUs have memory controllers built in. It's not the motherboard that determines which type of memory to use, it's the CPU. You still have to plug in the memory to the motherboard though, so in a way the motherboard AND CPU have to agree on RAM. The NEWEST CPUs from AMD can run either DDR2 or DDR3. Those are more expensive or don't work as well as the Phenom II 940 however.
Intel LGA 775 type CPUs do not have an onboard memory controller. The motherboard controlls the memory. So, any CPU can be used with any memory. There is no reason to use anything other than DDR2 800Mhz on these however, because there is no performance gain from DDR3 or faster DDR2.
Intel LGA 1366 type CPUs (i7) have an onboard memory controller similar to AMD. They ONLY use DDR3 and prefer to have it in sets of 3.
There is also no real difference between DDR2 and DDR3 for builds, so you don't actually NEED DDR3.
"AMD gets DDR3 but doesn't need it" from Anandtech.
It's confusing I know. Let's see if this helps:
AMD CPUs have memory controllers built in. It's not the motherboard that determines which type of memory to use, it's the CPU. You still have to plug in the memory to the motherboard though, so in a way the motherboard AND CPU have to agree on RAM. The NEWEST CPUs from AMD can run either DDR2 or DDR3. Those are more expensive or don't work as well as the Phenom II 940 however.
Intel LGA 775 type CPUs do not have an onboard memory controller. The motherboard controlls the memory. So, any CPU can be used with any memory. There is no reason to use anything other than DDR2 800Mhz on these however, because there is no performance gain from DDR3 or faster DDR2.
Intel LGA 1366 type CPUs (i7) have an onboard memory controller similar to AMD. They ONLY use DDR3 and prefer to have it in sets of 3.
There is also no real difference between DDR2 and DDR3 for builds, so you don't actually NEED DDR3.
"AMD gets DDR3 but doesn't need it" from Anandtech.
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi,
Thank you All for your patience with a geek wannabe.
Proximon your replies have been very Precise and very helpful, it is my lack of understanding what I'm reading on the Spec sheets that's the problem. But I am learning from my Mi$takes!
" Pace thank you. In answer to your question "why Do you Capitalize random Words? it Seems quite Strange."
I like to Cap certain words for Emphasis 1. special stress laid upon, or importance attached to<..[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/emphasis] & I also Cap the first word in a sentance this is proper English composition. I'm Old school not Stupid. I also like to say Hi, it is a greeting 😍
PS: "i" is a word and should be a Cap "I" where ever it is in a sentence. "
Edit: Fix the links & remove Quote box.
Thank you All for your patience with a geek wannabe.
Proximon your replies have been very Precise and very helpful, it is my lack of understanding what I'm reading on the Spec sheets that's the problem. But I am learning from my Mi$takes!
" Pace thank you. In answer to your question "why Do you Capitalize random Words? it Seems quite Strange."
I like to Cap certain words for Emphasis 1. special stress laid upon, or importance attached to<..[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/emphasis] & I also Cap the first word in a sentance this is proper English composition. I'm Old school not Stupid. I also like to say Hi, it is a greeting 😍
PS: "i" is a word and should be a Cap "I" where ever it is in a sentence. "
Edit: Fix the links & remove Quote box.
but the thing is, if you want "future-resistance", you should go am3.... right? so you'd only have to upgrade CPU and possibly ram later on.
yes you don't NEED AM3 yet, but if you want future-resistance, you should go the am3 route -my claim
please someone verify/call me an idiot.. im trying to see if this statement is true
yes you don't NEED AM3 yet, but if you want future-resistance, you should go the am3 route -my claim
please someone verify/call me an idiot.. im trying to see if this statement is true
oh, in no way am i calling you stupid... it just seems that "proper english composition" dictates that you don't emphasize random words. also, you are using the quotes incorrectly, as you are quoting everything... including your own replies 😛
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi,
Hope all is well my friends 😍 I did as much research as I could, the Pll 955 looks good but not worth $100 more than the 720BE. The Pll 720BE build above is Testing very close to the Pll 955. It's all still very confusing as far as AMD is concerned.
April MIRs will soon expire & we will have May MIRs to look at, I think MIRs are a sure thing in todays market, money is very tight making it a buyers market.
Proximon, I have equal interest in both builds quoted above, the prices have remained the same give or take a few dollars. Please review them again & make a final recommendation Please I trust your judgement it has been accurate thoughout this entire thread. Do not base your opinion on any games, since I change games often & Futureproofing is not a concern based on the fact that all the other hardware in this computer I'm keeping is 4+ years old...I hope that makes sense.
Proximon
Illustrious
- Apr 10, 2006
- 14,620
- 3
- 41,465
Since WoW is now using up to 4 cores, it seems like the 3-core 720 is going to be a good choice. The 790X board is a crossfire board as well, so you could add a second 4830 down the road if you feel the need.
I say the AMD build is more likely for the games you are going to play most.
I say the AMD build is more likely for the games you are going to play most.
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi,
Thought I would share this INFO that helped me understand my confusion with AMD 😍
------------------------------------
EZ Guide to AMD Socket AM3
: http://www.amdzone.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=135850&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=25#p148985
SUMMARY - Phenom II CPU's for Sockets AM2, AM2+, AM3
We know there are 2 versions of Phenom II (Ph2)
in January 2009 > AM2+ Ph2 cpu - AMD's Upgrade Path to Existing Customers w Sok AM2+ & Sok AM2 mobos.
in February 2009 > AM3 Ph2 cpu - The CPU of AMD's Sok AM3 mobos, that also works w Sok AM2+ & Sok AM2 mobos.
We know they are NOT just the same thing.
The AM2+ Ph2 cpu will NEVER WORK IN Sok AM3 mobos.
ONLY an AM3 Ph2 cpu will EVER WORK in Sok AM3 mobos.
Either the AM2+ Ph2 cpu or AM3 Ph2 cpu will work in Sok AM2+.
Either the AM2+ Ph2 cpu or AM3 Ph2 cpu will work in AM2. (maybe - not recommended) (see mobo maker)
The only Ph2 cpu that will work in Sok AM3 is AM3 Ph2 cpu.
So this item, AM2+ Ph2, that releases first and very soon is a unique item.
It is NOT an AM3 Ph2 cpu.
It WILL NOT work in future Socket AM3 mobos.
ONLY an AM3 Ph2 cpu will EVER WORK in Sok AM3 mobos.
It WILL work in Socket AM2+ mobos (and some AM2)
It is available months ahead of equivalent clock speed AM3 cpu's
It is available as locked Ph2 920 @ 2.8 GHz
It is available as unlocked Ph2 940 @ 3.0 GHz Black Edition
RE: OLDER SOCKET AM2 MOBOS:
The idea of putting an AM3 Ph2 cpu or an AM2+ Ph2 cpu into an end-of-life Sok AM2 mobo, might not be best due to potential limitations of 2 generations older or slower specs:
specs dual powerplanes are only found in Sok AM2+ and AM3 mobos - single plane in AM2
specs HT3 support is only available through Sok AM2+ and AM3 mobos - slower Hypertransport HT1 supported through Sok AM2 mobos
specs RAM: AM2+ =DDR2 800,1066; AM3 =DDR3 1366; AM2 =DDR2 667 (800 max)
Additionally the Sok AM2 upgrade path to either AM2+ or AM3 cpu's is (perhaps) not recommended - possibly cripples the new cpu performance; may introduce electrical incompatibilities re lack of dual power planes and memory utilization;
- but it seems AVAILABLE as an upgrade path IF IT IS SUPPORTED by a new BIOS update from mobo maker.
ALSO SEE THIS THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=52&t=136077#p152838
RE: OLDER SOCKET AM2 MOBOS
Thought I would share this INFO that helped me understand my confusion with AMD 😍
------------------------------------
EZ Guide to AMD Socket AM3
: http://www.amdzone.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=135850&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=25#p148985
SUMMARY - Phenom II CPU's for Sockets AM2, AM2+, AM3
We know there are 2 versions of Phenom II (Ph2)
in January 2009 > AM2+ Ph2 cpu - AMD's Upgrade Path to Existing Customers w Sok AM2+ & Sok AM2 mobos.
in February 2009 > AM3 Ph2 cpu - The CPU of AMD's Sok AM3 mobos, that also works w Sok AM2+ & Sok AM2 mobos.
We know they are NOT just the same thing.
The AM2+ Ph2 cpu will NEVER WORK IN Sok AM3 mobos.
ONLY an AM3 Ph2 cpu will EVER WORK in Sok AM3 mobos.
Either the AM2+ Ph2 cpu or AM3 Ph2 cpu will work in Sok AM2+.
Either the AM2+ Ph2 cpu or AM3 Ph2 cpu will work in AM2. (maybe - not recommended) (see mobo maker)
The only Ph2 cpu that will work in Sok AM3 is AM3 Ph2 cpu.
So this item, AM2+ Ph2, that releases first and very soon is a unique item.
It is NOT an AM3 Ph2 cpu.
It WILL NOT work in future Socket AM3 mobos.
ONLY an AM3 Ph2 cpu will EVER WORK in Sok AM3 mobos.
It WILL work in Socket AM2+ mobos (and some AM2)
It is available months ahead of equivalent clock speed AM3 cpu's
It is available as locked Ph2 920 @ 2.8 GHz
It is available as unlocked Ph2 940 @ 3.0 GHz Black Edition
RE: OLDER SOCKET AM2 MOBOS:
The idea of putting an AM3 Ph2 cpu or an AM2+ Ph2 cpu into an end-of-life Sok AM2 mobo, might not be best due to potential limitations of 2 generations older or slower specs:
specs dual powerplanes are only found in Sok AM2+ and AM3 mobos - single plane in AM2
specs HT3 support is only available through Sok AM2+ and AM3 mobos - slower Hypertransport HT1 supported through Sok AM2 mobos
specs RAM: AM2+ =DDR2 800,1066; AM3 =DDR3 1366; AM2 =DDR2 667 (800 max)
Additionally the Sok AM2 upgrade path to either AM2+ or AM3 cpu's is (perhaps) not recommended - possibly cripples the new cpu performance; may introduce electrical incompatibilities re lack of dual power planes and memory utilization;
- but it seems AVAILABLE as an upgrade path IF IT IS SUPPORTED by a new BIOS update from mobo maker.
ALSO SEE THIS THREAD: viewtopic.php?f=52&t=136077#p152838
RE: OLDER SOCKET AM2 MOBOS
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi, 
All comments welcomed & appreciated as always, your a great group thanks for the Help!
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: June 2009
SYSTEM USAGE: Gaming (MMO's / RPG...World of Warcraft, Starcraft2 & Diablo3) Surfing the internet.
BUDGET RANGE: $500.00
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
PARTS PREFERENCES:
AMD Phenom II X4 quad core 955 (HDZ955FBGIBOX) 3.2ghz black edition.....Price: $245.00
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P amd 790X chipset ATX......Price: $124.99 after $15.00 MIR
CRUCIAL ballistix BL2KIT25664BA1336 4gb kit (2gb x 2) match pair pc3-10600 1333mhz 6-6-6-20...Price: $64.99
TOTAL $ 434.98
PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
OS: Windows XP PRO [I own it]
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail [still in the box from newegg, 5/18/2009 ] Price: $69.99 after $30.00 MIR
MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC V2 GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail [still in the box from newegg, 5/25/2009 ] Price: $59.99 after $20.00 MIR
This was Not my first choice for a VC but the Price was right...I will prob get a new one in 2 years.
These parts are 4 to 7 years old, from my Alienware Area 51
Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD1200JB 7200rpm (120 Gb)
Pioneer DVD-Rom DVD-116
Pioneer DVD-Rw DVR-106D
Floppy Drive: Samsung 3.5"
Addatronics 6820A Full Size Case
FANS: 2x80mm Front, 1x80mm Door & 1x120mm Rear Out
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This should be good for the next 4-5 years...Thanks for all your Help !!! 😍
ps: Windows 7 for my birthday Nov 30th
All comments welcomed & appreciated as always, your a great group thanks for the Help!
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: June 2009
SYSTEM USAGE: Gaming (MMO's / RPG...World of Warcraft, Starcraft2 & Diablo3) Surfing the internet.
BUDGET RANGE: $500.00
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
PARTS PREFERENCES:
AMD Phenom II X4 quad core 955 (HDZ955FBGIBOX) 3.2ghz black edition.....Price: $245.00
GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P amd 790X chipset ATX......Price: $124.99 after $15.00 MIR
CRUCIAL ballistix BL2KIT25664BA1336 4gb kit (2gb x 2) match pair pc3-10600 1333mhz 6-6-6-20...Price: $64.99
TOTAL $ 434.98
PARTS NOT REQUIRED:
OS: Windows XP PRO [I own it]
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail [still in the box from newegg, 5/18/2009 ] Price: $69.99 after $30.00 MIR
MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC V2 GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail [still in the box from newegg, 5/25/2009 ] Price: $59.99 after $20.00 MIR
This was Not my first choice for a VC but the Price was right...I will prob get a new one in 2 years.
These parts are 4 to 7 years old, from my Alienware Area 51
Sound Blaster Live! 24-bit
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD1200JB 7200rpm (120 Gb)
Pioneer DVD-Rom DVD-116
Pioneer DVD-Rw DVR-106D
Floppy Drive: Samsung 3.5"
Addatronics 6820A Full Size Case
FANS: 2x80mm Front, 1x80mm Door & 1x120mm Rear Out
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This should be good for the next 4-5 years...Thanks for all your Help !!! 😍
ps: Windows 7 for my birthday Nov 30th
- Apr 12, 2009
- 214
- 0
- 18,690
Hi,
First let me thank all of you for all your time and helpful replies to this post "AM3 Gaming Rig" 😍
This computer is as much yours as it is mine. Your brains my Money.
CASE: Not sure Antec 300 or 900 COOLER MASTER RC-690 any suggestions ?
CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550 BE Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core
Processor - Retail
MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Support AM3 Socket Phenom II DDR3 CPU Only
Mem: OCZ OCZ3P13334GK 4gb kit (2gb x 2) 1333mhz 7-7-7-20 240-pin ddr3 dimm w/heat spreader
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS
Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
VC: MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC V2 GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
Supported Video Card - Retail OC Edition overclocked to 660Mhz
This was Not my first choice for a VC but the Price was right...I can get a new one in 2 years.
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - OEM
DVDROM: Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM
16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
MONITOR: Hyundai 19" 1280x1024 max res 75mhz max
OS: Windows XP PRO 32bit sp3
Windows 7 for my 68th birthday this Nov 30th
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This should be good for the next 4-5 years or my 75th birthday...Thanks for all your Help !!!
ps: Photo's to follow 😛
First let me thank all of you for all your time and helpful replies to this post "AM3 Gaming Rig" 😍
This computer is as much yours as it is mine. Your brains my Money.
CASE: Not sure Antec 300 or 900 COOLER MASTER RC-690 any suggestions ?
CPU: AMD Phenom II X2 550 BE Callisto 3.1GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core
Processor - Retail
MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-MA790XT-UD4P AM3 DDR3 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Support AM3 Socket Phenom II DDR3 CPU Only
Mem: OCZ OCZ3P13334GK 4gb kit (2gb x 2) 1333mhz 7-7-7-20 240-pin ddr3 dimm w/heat spreader
PSU: OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ700MXSP 700W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS
Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
VC: MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC V2 GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI
Supported Video Card - Retail OC Edition overclocked to 660Mhz
This was Not my first choice for a VC but the Price was right...I can get a new one in 2 years.
HD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD5001AALS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" - OEM
DVDROM: Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM
16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD/CD Rewritable Drive - OEM
MONITOR: Hyundai 19" 1280x1024 max res 75mhz max
OS: Windows XP PRO 32bit sp3
Windows 7 for my 68th birthday this Nov 30th
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This should be good for the next 4-5 years or my 75th birthday...Thanks for all your Help !!!
ps: Photo's to follow 😛
TRENDING THREADS
-
Question New build wont post Gigabyte B650M Gaming Plus wifi , AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, 32GB T-Force RGB DDR5. Need help!
- Started by Notmiserable
- Replies: 26
-
Discussion PSU recommendations and power supply discussion thread - Tom's hardware- Started by Darkbreeze
- Replies: 2K
-
Discussion What's your favourite video game you've been playing?- Started by amdfangirl
- Replies: 4K
-
Question Ram speed stuck at 2400, my ram advertise speed is at 3200- Started by Dolixe
- Replies: 2
-
News Gaming industry insiders say cutting-edge graphics cost too much to make for AAA games- Started by Admin
- Replies: 65
Latest posts
-
Discussion Temu Coupon Code [acu729640] $200 off For New & Existing Users
- Latest: sallygomes92
-
Discussion Temu Coupon Code 90% Off [acu729640] For First-time Customers
- Latest: sallygomes92
-
Discussion Temu Coupon Code 70% Off [acu729640] For New Users January 2025
- Latest: sallygomes92
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram