Athlon 64 3500+ 90nm - perfect partner?

[DanDeadstar]

Okay, I've been working my ass off for a month now and it's time to dish out for a brand new system!

Originally (back in Nov/Dec) I was going for:
- Athlon 64 3500+ [130nm]
- Corsair TWINX1024-3200XLPT XMS3200 (2x512MB) [2-2-2-5]
- Asus A8V Deluxe
- x800 graphics card

...but now with new products on the market I'm considering the likes of PCIexpress boards and cards, which wasn't an option before because they where too far and few between.

The new Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe is looking rather tasty, but i'm i'm not quiet upto speed on how exactly PCIexpress works and why there are two slots on the board.

So, can you possible suggest the perfect partner for a 90nm 3500+?<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by DanDeadstar on 02/03/05 09:06 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Flinx]

Hi,

Not going to suggest a board, I'm sure someone else will do that.

I can explain a little about PCI-e though. Simply, they are removing AGP and PCI and replacing it with PCI-e. PCI-e is also known as PCI-Express. It offers some significant band width enhancements although most of it will be comming in the future. <A HREF="http://www.pimpedoutcases.net/article.php?57.0" target="_new">http://www.pimpedoutcases.net/article.php?57.0</A>

The two slot PCI-e for graphics card is called SLI; an Nvidia thing. That's not all there yet either. <A HREF="http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjMz" target="_new">http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NjMz</A>
and
<A HREF="http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzEx" target="_new">http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzEx</A>

The loving are the daring!

 

[tweebel]

The perfect partner depends on your money. If your money is much, good, many, huge, you know, the best partner is/are 2 nVidia 6800 (is it ultra) cards.

It's your choice: Either I'm drunk or you are. If we're both drunk you wouldn't be able to tell me I'm drunk.

 

[DanDeadstar]

Well money is nothing really I have plenty, but the thing is I wouldn't buy say an Athlon 4000 because the performance increase doesn't justify the cost.

So, thats two graphics cards, but do they actually work together to provide twice as much power and is this kind of setup compatible with todays range of games.?

 

[tweebel]

The cards work together but are only compatible with some games, not all. If you just want to be ably to play all modern games with high res and detail, one ati 800 or nvidia 6800 combined with an A64 3500+ will be plenty of power.

 

[DanDeadstar]

Cool - thanks tweeble.

I think i'll end up going for the Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe.
One more question before I finish, how can you tell a 90nm Athlon against a 130nm one, probably Manuf.Code but what numbers...?

 

[tweebel]

Most websites detail the specs online. If you're not sure, phone them.

 

[darkhorseporter]

If you're getting the sli board, make sure and buy the 6800 (in case that wasn't already clear)