Need Help With Buying Computer Parts

[imported_IKnowNothing]

Hey guys,

First post yay

I would appreciate it if anyone could help me on this one. I'm going to be purchasing an Athlon 64 3500 CPU with the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum Motherboard. I probably won't be doing any over-clocking.

Questions:

1. Should I buy the standard cheaper memory (Dual Channel 2x512 (1gig) DDR 3200 - 400Mhz) or a higher performance memory like Kingston Hyper X 434Mhz plus? Is the higher performance memory just for over-clocking?

2. I currently have a 350 watt power supply, is that enough? My video card is a 9700 AIW PRO which is out dated but I'm hanging on to it for a few months untill the uber video cards go down in price.

3. Are all Athlon 64 3500 CPU's the same or should I be watching for more current versions of it.

4. Should I save a bit of money and go with the Athlon 64 3400? The parts are a bit cheaper but I'm not sure about the performance gap.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[chilled]

1. Cheaper memory will suffice. The Athlon64 doesn't benefit much from using lower latency memory. get a good brand like Crucial, Kingston, Corsair, etc.

2. What is the brand of the 350watter? If it is a big brand like Antec, Enermax, etc. you will be OK. If it is a relatively unknown brand, I would suggest you invest in a better brand. It isnot worth skimping on a PSU.

3. At the moment, yes. But we will begin to see 0.09u versions of the A64 soon, as opposed to the current 0.13u. You will also begin to see A64's <3500 for the S939 all based on 0.09u.

4. If you plan on upgrading your motherboard at the same time as the CPU, then yes this would be the better option. ALternatively wait for the <3500 to come out for S939 - this should be within the next month or so.

EDIT: Welcome to AT!

 

[MustISO]

I would go with a bigger power supply. A good name brand 480W+ would be good. The difference between the 3400 and 3500 is probably negligable. I would buy the cheaper of the two. The standard memory is fine for this CPU and you don't have to get dual channel with the AMD.