Building new P4 system

[CEV]

Hi, I am looking to build a new system and would like to know the differences between my options. I am looking at either a P4 3.2 or 3.4. Looking on Newegg I see the Prescott w/1MB Cache and the Northwood w/512K Cache. Which of these is better and what are the exact differences? Then I also see the new LGA 775. What are the benefits of this over the Socket 478? Then theres the MB, do I go with the 925 or 915 chipset? What are the differences? And is DDR2 really that much better than DDR? Sorry for so many questions in 1 post, but I am trying to decide which way to go. I will mainly be doing a little video editing and a little photo editing, no gaming at all.

Thanks for any comments,

Chad

 

[JohnAn2112]

Any of the 915 or 925 chipsets are going to use the socket LGA 775 Prescotts. If you go that route, you're going to have to buy DDR2 memory and a PCIe video card. If you go Socket 478, you can get either the s478 Prescott or Northwood along with DDR1 and an AGP video card.

How much are you looking to spend altogether? The new chipsets are more expensive in terms of the motherboard and DDR2 memory, however, you will be future-proofing yourself somewhat considering that all the new video cards will mostly be PCIe only.

 

[CEV]

Looking to spend about $700 - $800 without HD's, witch I already have. Performance wise, will spending the extra money be worth it for LGA 775, DDR2, and PCI Express?

Thanks,

Chad

 

[imported_Bleh]

DDR2 in most cases is actually slower than DDR. There wont be too much performance increase over a socket 478 system compared to a LGA775.

 

[Architect]

DDR2 in most cases is actually slower than DDR. There wont be too much performance increase over a socket 478 system compared to a LGA775.

That was a while back, but most modules now are increasing in speed dramatically. The modules a while back (PC5400) could only run at a CAS4 and a timing of 4-4-12, which unforuntately decreased performance and they were quite a backdrop from DDR. Until now; newer PC5400 modules that have a timing of 3-3-3-8 show great improvements, being able to hit ~712MB/s in Buffered tests. So we should see some even better modules lateron.

 

[Zebo]

Northwood retail box
Abit AI7 motherboard
2x512 MB PC3200 Buffalo B line ram.

$400 and Best bang for buck intel setup.

 

[lancer45]

Just wait a month or so and get a intel 3.4 ghz w/ the eo stepping. Search for 550j for more info about this cpu. Thats what im plannin to do!