Best proc for gaming?

[The_MaguS]

I've read AMDs are the best for gaming. I'm currently thinking about making a San Diego 4000+ this summer. Any comments/recommendations?

Also, this is probably gonna be my first AMD system, so if anyone could link me an appropriate motherboard (like from newegg) for that type of processor. All this Althlon XP/64/64+/FX stuff confuses the hell out of me.


Thanks in advance.

<font color=blue> There's no such thing as hell, but you can make it if you try.</font color=blue>

 

[jmwpom3]

OK,
I'm not the authority by far, but here goes. The new processors are the AMD64- socket 754 and 939. The fx is the flagship 939 processor (though I see it as too much $/bang). The 3500+ or 3700+ will give almost the same performance for less than half. But, if you have the cash to waste, go for it. However, you did say you were looking for an X2, so go for a 3500/3700 now and have some extra $ for the upgrade (you should be able to use the same MB with minimal flash upgrade). To the best of my knowlege the 939 socket is supposed to be compatible with the new X2's, but they are coming with a new socket type as well. So, if you can wait, that might be the way to go.

For now, the 939 has the mem controller on it allowing for the dual channel ddr (and I don't think the 754 will be compatable w/ X2's). The top contenders (that I know of) for that are ASUS, DFI, ABIT, GIGABYTE, MSI, that kind of thing. If you search any product website for socket 939 boards they'll give you a list.
I like the ASUS boards, but there's quite a few guys on this forum that like the DFI board better. There are other makers out there, but I prefer the front runners; if you're going to buy the latest/greatest cpu, why skimp on the MB?
Such is my opinion, hope it helped. I'm sure there are plenty out there who will disagree with me some way or other.

<font color=blue> Failure is not an option -- it comes bundled with Windows. </font color=blue>

 

[endyen]

Going to pci-exp? I like <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127207" target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127207</A>
Not that SLI is that great, but the chipset has better features.
If you want to stay with agp, abit has a via board that is not too bad.<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127186" target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127186</A>
DFI and Epox have some very nice boards as well. I'm just on an abit kick, because they seem to have great product, well backed, at reasonable prices right now.

 

[The_MaguS]

So what exactly is the San Diego? Is that the newest/best?

<font color=blue> There's no such thing as hell, but you can make it if you try.</font color=blue>

 

[The_MaguS]

I plan on getting the Nvidia g70, which I do not believe is PCI express ATM.

<font color=blue> There's no such thing as hell, but you can make it if you try.</font color=blue>

 

[endyen]

According to <A HREF="http://img289.echo.cx/img289/5360/7800gtxpower0gs.jpg" target="_new">http://img289.echo.cx/img289/5360/7800gtxpower0gs.jpg</A>, it is only PCI-exp. Get the nforce board.

 

[The_MaguS]

So is the Venice good?

Or is there something better coming out soon? AMD confuses the hell out of me with all these procs and names.

; _ ;

<font color=blue> There's no such thing as hell, but you can make it if you try.</font color=blue>

 

[endyen]

Or is there something better coming out soon?

What like dual core? Oh right, they are already out. For staight gaming they dont do anything. If you want to shrink a DVD while gaming, they are good. If you play online, with chat, and run antivirus in the background, they are nice. Big chunk of change though.

 

[liquidpaper007]

FX-55 owns all in gaming.

athlon fx's were made for gaming. first was the fx-51 2.2ghz 1mbL2 socket 940, then the 939 fx 53 2.4ghz 1mb L2(almost like 4000+) and the fx 55 2.6ghz 1mb L2 owns all. and fx's are the best for gaming becuase of the unlocked multiplier

 

[liquidpaper007]

Its out in Japan? why? isn't AMD american based? I thought this only happened with companies like nintendo and sony.

Are you sure about that?

 

[liquidpaper007]

black market?

 

[endyen]

No, Japan's computer shops get everything first (including all chips)

 

[The_MaguS]

If I get this processor:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103529


Will I need to upgrade my socket 939 BIOS to use it? If so, why?

How will I know if I need to upgrade it? I've heard humors that San Diego requires a bios update on socket 939 boards (which is strange because it is 939...)

<font color=blue> There's no such thing as hell, but you can make it if you try.</font color=blue>

 

[HansGruber]

San diegos Venice. :tongue:

New MB so buy it with latest bios, if not possible tell them to piss off.

And those names, you only need Socket and PR number, and money to buy it

Unless you want to dedicate your life to overclocking and leave sexlife to others... :lol:

 

[jmwpom3]

Not sure on that one, you kinda lost me Hans.
But, I wouldn't count on any MB being pre-loaded with a dual core ready bios yet. The update isnt that hard anyway.

<font color=blue> Failure is not an option -- it comes bundled with Windows. </font color=blue>

 

[HansGruber]

Ok, i 'might' have used too strong words, and stupid commenting in the end..

But it's good to ask with a latest bios, maybe there is no extra cost.
This way we in time get better service, becouse they succeed by providing us good service.

ps. Maybe im just dreaming, and when i woke up i notice that we are all using Dell.. [cry]

edit:
About those steppings and codenames.
No actual need to no anything unless you are overclocker that want's to break records or something.
Just PR number IE. +3500 etc, AND socket type is enough.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by HansGruber on 06/09/05 08:07 PM.</EM></FONT></P>