Easy Question...is it an easy answer?

[exorr]

Been reading some threads on S939 vs S754 and got to thinking, I'm upgrading my PC but don't intend to upgrade the video card. This being the case, is there a reason to go with S939 if I am NOT going to use PCI-e right now? I'm going to have to buy a new mobo/proc/etc anyway when I upgrade in 2 years because PCI-e will be the only liable option and since there are no mobo's that support both AGP and PCI-e (damn I really wish there was) then what do I do?

The cost between S754 and S939 is about $100 which I wouldn't mind saving.

So that being said, what do you all think? Is there a reason to go S939 if not going PCI-e?

 

[CheesePoofs]

The only reason to go S939 is upgradability and dual channel ram, but the small performance boost that gives doesn't make up for the price dif. Go with the S754 if you aren't don't plan on upgrading your processor without getting a new motherboard.

 

[exorr]

Thanks Cheese. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

 

[exorr]

up

 

[exorr]

Any other thoughts?

 

[HJustin]

You've asked the same question I asked in another post, only much more quickly and clearly. I bought a Radeon 9800 Pro for $375 just over a year ago and I hate the thought of getting rid of it so soon. A 6800GT would be nice but I can't spend that kind of money on a video card now. I definitely need to get something quicker than my 2800+ Barton though. I'm going to do some more research and see if anyone responds to my thread. If only my funds were unlimited...that'd make this a lot easier.

J

 

[exorr]

Agreed Justin Let me know if anyone replies to your thread.

 

[Edward Lee]

Upgradablility is overrated for those of us who want the best bang for the buck and don't mind waiting 3 years or more for our next system. The only reason, performance wise, one can argue 939 over the 754 is Dual channal RAM which doesn't even make much difference because a 754 3000+ runs at 2.0 GHz and a 939 3000+ runs at 1.8. AMD made the performances negligible between the Newcastle (754) and Winchester (939) based on their respective product numbers. (the AMD 64 3200+ runs at 2.2 GHz and 2.0 GHz respectively)

Personaly I think every penny counts. Considering you'll see a MUCH bigger difference spending $100 more on a better graphics card than a CPU and MOBO. I would rather upgrade my graphics card for an extra $50-$100 than worry about how upgradable my computer is in the next 6-24 months.

 

[ComatoseDelirium]

I don't think the 939 solution is future proof, I'd go with the 754 and get a nice video card, any 939 boards you get now will look like crap compared to the mobos 'supposably' comming out in 1-6 months.

 

[exorr]

Good thoughts all. I'll probably go with the 3000+ and use my current graphics card, then in a few months upgrade that. Thanks for all the input!

 

[HJustin]

I'll probably go 754 as well with a 3400 CPU. I'm not going to worry about PCI-e or any of the new tech.

 

[drpootums]

Yes, i would go skt754 too (as i did about 2 weeks ago...). The 3% boost with dual channel memory isn't quite good enough for the 15% markup. The extra 200mhz with the skt754 versions is much more valuable (meaning >3%).

And for HJustin, if you're going for a 3400+, get the newcastle version. It beats up the clawhammer AND the skt939 3500+ (at least in 90% of the tests anyways)!!!