DescentBB

I still catching up on all the new AMD 64 info. What is the difference between AMD64 and AMD FX64? Just cache size? What type of RAM does it use? PC3200? And is VIA or nVidia the way to go with motherboards?

Does WinXP 32bit software run just was well on a 64 as it does on and AthlonXP?

I'm planning my next system and need to get in the know. Thx.

32bit on the 64s i hear is damn fast and there so Noth Bridge or a South Bridge its all in one chip now
thats all i know about them so far

The memory controller for both processors is built into the CPU. For the regular AMD64 its single channel DDR, PC3200 (200mhz bus). For the FX line is dual channel DDR, again PC3200.

I would wait for the new Nvidia boards to come out. I believe its the Nforce3 250. Nvidia's driver support is far above anything VIA could ever hope to achieve.

I can't comment on the speed in the 32bit apps.

Despite being an AMD fan, only one conclusion is possible: if you buy 64 bit CPU you are effectively "sponsoring" AMD.

Buy a P4. And crank it up.

You also have to use registered memory until the 939pin CPUs comeout, which can use unregistered.

toms hardware is your friend

http://www20.tomshardware.com/motherboa ... index.html

Yea, I'd wait for the nForce3 250 boards to come out, they'll be more expensive, but well worth the wait compared to the 150's which I hear are buggy in their support of certain things (SATA being one)

Honestly, I'd wait on the 64bit to come down in price for a while. There aren't many 64 bit apps, let alone games, to take advantage of it.

But you'd be ready for any that do, however. Depends on how long you plan it to be before your next upgrade after this one...

I'd wait till intel get their AMD-64 clone out.

Pentium 4s are too hot.
And when it comes to performance, even the Athlon 64 3200 can beat the Pentium 3.4GHz EE (5/10 the time in 32-Bit, 1/0 the time in 64-Bit)
Tom is wrong and corrupt.
PCWorld is a better friend.

And for RAM:
Athlon 64 - Up to PC3200 w/ or w/o Registered DDR
Athlon 64 FX - Up to PC3200 w/ Registered DDR (Requires Registered DDR. Registered DDR doesn't have to be ECC.)
Opteron 148, 248, 848 - Same as Athlon 64 FX
Opteron Below 148, 248, 8458 - Same as Athlon 64 FX except maximum RAM is not PC3200 but PC2700

Aggressor Prime is a jaded fan-boy.

I'll probably just go Barton until cost on the 64's drop.

Thanks for the replies.

JMEaT wrote:I'll probably just go Barton until cost on the 64's drop.

Thanks for the replies.

Wise move. I love my XP2800.

I may spend Teh Bux, and get a 3200+

Rav4 is just about paid off and it's time to spend some car payments

fliptw wrote:Aggressor Prime is a jaded fan-boy.

ya think, just be grateful he spends most of his time here
(look at all the authors)

I Have an athlon 64 system and I am very happy with it.

Well, there is a big difference between the K7s and the K8s.
The onboard memory controller gets rid of the idea of FSB slowing your system down.
Considering the Athlon 64 3200 beats the best Pentium and the Athlon XP 3200 couldn't even beat the Pentium 4 3.2GHz, I would get an Athlon 64.
Now, I wouldn't get the 64 3200. I would get the 64 2800 which should come out soon. Unlike the 64 3000, it will have 1MB Cache 2 but will run at 1.6GHz. It should be nice and cool and easily overclockable.
Of course, if you like to upgrade, wait for the Socket 939s.
Not only does the performance rock, but you will be able to enter the 64-Bit age more easily.
64-Bit age should hit the homes by 2005 with the launch of the Pentium 5 AMD64-based CPUs.

tbph I'm still not entirely convinced that integrating the functions of the North Bridge into the CPU core itself is such a good idea. I mean sure, there's the advantages in memory speed/latency etc but I don't think that makes being forced to get a certain CPU (which is a fair amount extra in the case of the Athlon FX thanks tothis stupid idea AMD seem to have got into their heads that the reason Intel's chips are selling so well is because they're so expensive) for something like dual channel RAM support (which can be given to even the lowliest of current generation chips like the Celeron and Duron byt simply buying a motherboard that supports it) worthwhile...