I have some A64 questions I need answered.

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I am looking into upgrading to an A64 system, and need to know some things. I've looked extensively throughout the forums and on Anandtech, but still have some questions. Most of these are basic, but please bare with me.

1. What is the most simple explanation of the difference between the A64, A64-FX, and Opteron?
2. I've noticed two different socket sizes, Socket 754 and Socket 940. The 754 is the regular A64, and the 940 is for the FX/Operton, correct?
3. Let's say I invest in a Socket 754 A64 cpu, will this die out fairly soon in favor of the Socket 940 FX/Opertons? Why have two different socket types?
4. I've also noticed two different chipsets for the A64, the VIA K8T800 and the nForce3 150. Which is better for the long term (i.e. 2 years)?
5. Are there any new chipsets for the A64 coming out shortly that would be worth waiting for?
6. I currently have 2 sticks of 512MB Mushkin Basic PC2100 in my 2400+ comp. Basic stuff I've had for a while. Due to the increased price of RAM, upgrading right now isn't in the budget. Will my current RAM work for a basic A64 2800+ system?

As you can see, I'm not too good at researching. Thanks for any answers.

 

[AyashiKaibutsu]

1 The A64 is a dumbed down version of the FX/opteron. The FX is a repackaged opteron.
2 correct
3 They are both going to die out. The new Socket 939 will take their places. Since you planning on getting a 2800 you'll beable to upgrade to a 3700 when you think you need the speed boost above that though you'll need a new mobo.
4 There are new Chipsets on there way nforce 3 250 and vias new one. I'd look more for the mobo that has what you want and what chipset it has go with it. I saw chaintechs znf3-250 on there website I don't know if newegg has them yet though.
5 see 4
6 They should work.

 

[JyushinX]

1) As far as I know. The FX's and Opteron's are very similar architecturally, the only difference being Opteron's are meant for use with servers. Currently, the Athlon 64's reside on Socket 754 and the FX and Opteron use Socket 940. This will be changing soon though (See the next answer). The FX and Opteron also support Dual Channel memory transfer, though right now it needs to be registered RAM to work in Dual Channel systems. The cache is also larger on the FX than the Athlon 64's. So bottomline is, the FX's are simply meant to target a higher-end market, since it offers better performance via its memory controller, cache, and other architectural differences.

2/3) Socket 939 will be released at the end of May. And both the FX's and regular 64's will migrate to this platform with the Opteron staying on the 940. If I were you, I'd wait until Socket 939 as this will be the Socket used by AMD for a while at least. As far as I remember 754 will be phased out though a few more A64's will be released on it. Check out Anandtech's roadmap for details on the socket release.

4) I'm not sure about this one. I know nVidia just released the newer nForce3 250 which is an upgrade from the 150. I'd look into that instead of the 150 althoug it depends how much you want in terms of performance/price.

5) There are some which will be utilizing the faster Hyper Transport (1 GHz) and eventually PCI Express. I'm not sure of model numbers.

6) As far as I know the RAM will work fine. It will simply run at its designated speed. So if you are content with slower performance, there is no problem there.

EDIT: AyashiKaibutsu beat me to it.

 

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I greatly appreciate both of your responses. I'm pretty sure this is all the info I'll need to consider upgrading. I'm not rich by any means, so I have to be able to use parts that I've already got, and upgrade later.

Thanks guys.