need P4 & mobo to run with my RAM - help!

[nikko]

I bought an AMD 1800 and ECS K7S5A a month ago and have had nothing but problems since. I want to go back to Intel and get a P-4. I just bought Crucial PC2100 DDR RAM to run on my K7S5A. Obviously, I want to be able to use it so I don't have to upgrade again already. I guess my inclination is to get a 1.8 gig since I've heard those are the most overclockable. I see on Mwave.com that there's a 1.8G and a 1.8AG. What's the difference? Any recommendations on a pc/mobo combo that works with my memory would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dajo]

Well, I'm no expert but I just switched, too, after five years of nothing but AMD. Got sick of stability issues and flakey processors. I don't want to fight with AMD fans, and I've certainly given AMD a ton of money, but I finally went to a P4 2.0B Asus board (P4S533) and I really like it a lot. I first got a glimpse of the Intel versus AMD stability at work where I supported 12-14 users. I started building AMD systems as soon as I got there but over time began to notice that the only people having system problems were those AMD rigs while the Intel rigs ran month after month without a single issue. BTW, I have five systems at home - four are AMD and I have about seven other AMD builds for family members and friends so it's not like I don't know AMD.

Anyway, I think there is supposed to be a big CPU price drop around 11/10. Also, there are the Granite Bay (Intel) and SiS 655 chipsets coming out in a week or so which will support dual channel DDR (two sticks required). If I were you I would not buy for about a week or two for CPU prices to possibly fall and for the reviews of the new Dual Channel DDR boards to be posted.

I believe the "A" means Northwood but I am not sure. I do know that the Northwood overclocks better.

Like I indicated, there are people here who have forgotten more about these issues than I will ever learn and I'm sure they will jump in soon to add to the conversation and perhaps correct me if necessary.

 

[o1die]

Prices will drop some, but only on the more expensive p4's. The 1.8a will be discontinued soon, but I wouldn't let that stop you from buying it. Personally, I would go for a 2.4b and rely less on overclocking. The sis 645 dx mobos have come down in price, and you should be able to get one for about $80. Or, if you want hyperthreading support for future upgrades, consider the albatron px845 pev for about $100 shipped. Newegg had them for $89 recently.