Socket 478 or 775?

[AzuthZero]

My friend is looking to build a computer, and he asked me to help him on deciding which parts to buy. He wants to build a P4 based system, but I have no prior experience with a P4, so I come to you asking for help.

Which socket should he go for? He's gonna get a 3.2Ghz proc, but isn't sure about which socket to get. Also, do you have any motherboard suggestions? Preferably something $150 or lower... Any help on this would be much appreciated, as he wants to start putting it together soon while he's on Christmas break.

Thanks

 

[o1die]

I can't recommend socket 478, unless he gets a good price on the cpu. They've actually gone up, since they're no longer made. The "c" series p4 is what I use. It runs cooler than the "e" prescott with 1 meg cache. Socket 775 will work fine up to about 3.2 with good case fans. Personally, I would go with an athlon 64 2800 combo deal. Pricewatch has one listed with the epox nforce3 board for $184. It might overclock to 2.2 or 2.3. The amd actually runs cooler than socket 775, and is far better for gaming. Or you can go with socket 939, but the boards aren't as stable yet.

 

[jbh129]

If I was dead set on going intel I would probably get a prescott bc they are cheaper and get the DFI 875-T mobo because it uses DDR memory and overclocks very well.

 

[ts3433]

LGA 775 procs above 3.2 or 3.4 are known to have severe thermal throttling issues, so I'd be worried about heat on all of them. If he MUST get Intel, get something using DDR1 memory, at the very least.