GAHHH!!! AM2 is cunfusing me!!

[linuxconvert]

I just went on to newegg and nvidia, and i'm finding all this AM2 stuff! i'm totally stoked (i think), yet so confused so I have a few questions since i am planning on building a computer by the end of the summer.

#1: What's new in AM2 aside from pin arrangement, support for DDR2 and a new fan mounting?

#2: Will it be compatible with DX10?

#3: I noticed that all the Socket AM2 procs so far are only single-core. Is this permanent?

#4: What is the difference between a Socket 939 X2 3800+ and a Socket AM2 3800+ Orleans?

#5: Should I just wait for DX10 Cards and Vista? (kinda irrelevant)

 

[xtreme26]

1. pretty much it, i think
2. that depends on the os and video card
3. no theres also dual cores too
4. ddr2, a little more performance 1%-5%, different memory controller to support ddr2
5. well if u dont need a system now, i would. plus there may be a chance 65nm processors from amd will be around vistas release

 

[Cooler]

Will it be compatible with DX10?
Thats a video card question.

Right now i would wait untill july to get system to see how intels new super chip does.

 

[Aluvus]

1. You hit most of the important points.

2. The socket doesn't really have to be. But yes, it will be possible to run DX10-compatible cards on any AM2 board with a PCI-Express x16 slot.

3. No.

4. The X2 is dual core, and 2.0 GHz vs. the Orleans' 2.4 GHz. Thermal characteristics may be different as well. A more even comparison would be to the Athlon 64 3800+ Venice, which is single core and 2.4 GHz just like the Orleans. The Orleans chip supports DDR2 and Pacifica virtualization, but is otherwise not especially different.

5. You could always upgrade your video card later...

 

[pcoffman]

Originally posted by: linuxconvert
#1: What's new in AM2 aside from pin arrangement, support for DDR2 and a new fan mounting?

Virtualization technology, which is cool. Also, AM2 generates less heat and consumes less power, so over time you save a little $$.