Socket AM2 and Socket 939?

[TheBiggmann]

Hey, I'm building a computer and looking at processors and I was wondering what the difference between the two are. I have absolutely no idea what that even means so some help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[akshayt]

939-older
AM2-newer

Core 2 Duo Intel - better

 

[hennethannun]

everything akshayt said is correct, but just in case you want some more info

S939 is an older socket standard. it uses DDR RAM, which is now an outdated standard.

AM2 is the socket that supplanted s939 as AMD's top of the line platform. it performs very similarly to s939, but uses the newer, DDR2 memory standard.

if you are buying a whole new AMD syste, get AM2.

But if you are buying a whole new system, there is very little reason not to buy conroe (Core 2 Duo), which outperforms comparably priced AMD processors across the board.

 

[akshayt]

AM2 may turn out to be more expensive at the moment, more expensive ram(DDR 2 667 or up), more expensive motherboards, why not get Intel Core 2 Duo intead.

 

[Bateluer]

Originally posted by: akshayt
AM2 may turn out to be more expensive at the moment, more expensive ram(DDR 2 667 or up), more expensive motherboards, why not get Intel Core 2 Duo intead.

There is the price inflation and gouging on the C2D chips and their supply shortages to consider as well.

C2D is faster than AM2 in most cases, but are you willing to pay the vendor's inflated prices for the chip?

 

[Kromis]

Actually, there is some incentive to not buying a Core 2 Duo. Its called "availability" and it costs too damn much at the moment.

If you would like to take a gamble with AMD, go with AM2. Who knows what will AM3 will have in store for us.

 

[Pederv]

If money is tight -
If you need a system NOW, then AM2(perferably X2).
If you can wait at least a couple months for a better selection, then C2D

If you have money to burn -
Get a C2D now and in a couple months get a new motherboard that can increase your C2D performance maybe another 10-20%.

 

[TheBiggmann]

So, if I'm gonna do mostly gaming do you still think I should go with a C2D? I'm getting a GeForce 7900 so my card will be good. And if I do go with a C2D, what is a good motherboard for a decent price? Before I started this forum i was planning on going with a AMD X2 4200+ and an ASUS M2N-SLI deluxe motherboard to give you an idea on what I was gonna spend. I realize the C2D's are more expensive so I would mostly just like to know a good mobo that's of a fairly comparable price and will get the job done nicely. I should probably also add that I doubt I will be overclocking much.

 

[Kromis]

If you are mostly going to game, then I'd just go with the AMD...unless you happen to be gaming at 800x600 or even 640x480...

With higher resolutions, the C2D doesn't really make a difference. The difference is negligible.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Kromis
Actually, there is some incentive to not buying a Core 2 Duo. Its called "availability" and it costs too damn much at the moment.

If you would like to take a gamble with AMD, go with AM2. Who knows what will AM3 will have in store for us.

Actually along those lines the problem I see with C2D is Aaot of people having memory not working with their motherboard and they have to buy specific brands and specific model numbers for it to run which is rediculous. Also alot of people are buying a motherboard that is C2D compatable but they can't flash the BIOS to make it work with their chip since they have no other CPU that will fit in there. This is a major issue IMO, but one that should work itself out in a few months.

 

[MrUniq]

If you didn't preorder a core duo..MAYBE you can get the 6300 for MSRP price..but doubt it. That'd be the only one i'd get...your other option is AM2 which only advantages are availability and range of motherboards. If you really want C2D .. get a 'low price' AM2 and motherboard...get some high quality DDR2 and swap out the MB and chip a few months from now.

 

[Sonikku]

Conroe would be awesome if it was selling for what Intel and Anandtech boasted it as selling for. But with gouging, you're looking at way overpriced Conroe chips versus discounted AMD chips getting cheaper by the week.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Sonikku
Conroe would be awesome if it was selling for what Intel and Anandtech boasted it as selling for. But with gouging, you're looking at way overpriced Conroe chips versus discounted AMD chips getting cheaper by the week.

What he said :thumbsup:

 

[Pederv]

If you want to get the best performance for your money,
I'd say wait.
A C2D would be the best chip at the heart of your system, but motherboard selection sucks. Sure there are boards that work, but I bet in 3 months none of these boards are in the top 5.
Another advantage of waiting a couple months is time for data to come back so you can make a better desicion.

 

[TheBiggmann]

If I were to look at a C2D right now, what would be a good motherboard from the meager selection for under like $150?

 

[Spikesoldier]

i considered this

right now C2D seems like the way to go, especially if you have a little extra money to spend.

however with it just coming out, what i have read is horrible problems with motherboards, and in some cases not even booting with all the proper hardware due to incompatibilities on the initial/shipping BIOS.

sounds like something i wouldnt be interested in, at the moment. give C2D a while to mature, the availability to sink in, and to lessen in price before pulling the trigger. if you can't wait, I can't help but suggest getting an AM2 system if you are starting from scratch or if money is an object.

in summary:

upgrading from old comptuer: 939 / reuse your ddr memory

starting new, on a budget: AM2 / new ddr2 cheaper and reusable in tommorow's pc's

starting new and want the best: C2D / in a little while, but costs a pretty penny.