What's the current Combo deal? (Mobo + CPU that will work with DDR)

[deadken]

I am thinking of replacing my 64bit Sempron 3100 and ECS NForce3 motherboard. I'd like to still use my DDR ram, but maybe move on to a PCI-e Motherboard.

Are there any current good deals for around $100-$150? I wouldn't mind going to a S939 combo, but would want to move up to a higher clock speed (the Sempron is running at 2,250Mhz folding 24-7-365). Is it worth me upgrading at this point (pricewise)? I don't need to spend $150 right now for a dual channel (or whatever) set-up if there won't be a 'decent' gain.

Any thoughts?

-Thanks, Ken

 

[nanaki333]

get an ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 Socket 939 ULi M1695 ATX AMD Motherboard. newegg has an open box one for $30. my friend has one and it's a great board. you can keep your existing AGP card and move to pcie when you have some cash for a worthy replacement. it also has the ability to plop in an expansion board to run an AM2 and DDR2.

you can also run both video cards at the same time. it's pretty neat. my friend has one and his only complaint was the SATA2 port can be picky sometimes.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157081R
that coupled with a cheap s939 CPU. you'll spend well under $100.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Here are a few possiblities. Make sure to check the combo deals on each page for the one I'm listing:

Abit AN8 32X NForce 4 (S-939, PCI-E x16) + AMD Athlon64 3700+ (S-939) - $174
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813127232

Sapphire PC-A9RD580Adv ATI Crossfire Radeon Xpress 3200 (S-939, PCI-E x16) + AMD Athlon64 3200+ (S-939) - $116
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813154009

Sapphire PC-A9RD580Adv ATI Crossfire Radeon Xpress 3200 (S-939, PCI-E x16) + AMD Athlon64 3700+ (S-939) - $137
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813154009

ECS RS485M-M ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 (S-AM2, PCI-E x16, Onboard ATI X300, MicroATX) + AMD Athlon64 3200+ (S-AM2) - $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135011



The first combo is the most expensive, but would probably yeild the best performance and most options. The last is the only non-Socket 939 out of the bunch, meaning that you'd have to upgrade to DDR2 memory. However, the socket AM2 platform is relatively new, meaning that it should be around for a while. If you could pair that combo up with some cheap (funny, I know) DDR2 memory, you would have a decently running computer for now, with plenty of upgrade options in the future.

 

[deadken]

Thank you guys for your suggestions. I have to admit, I have been scouring around for good deals and this MSI K8N Neo4 seems to be the best deal on a good quality motherboard. Admitted, it is a bulk or OEM version (I have tons of cables, etc... anyhow), so that is a slight concern (short warranty) but I think that the low price might just outwiegh the cons.

Any comments?

 

[o1die]

I ordered the dual sata II open box for $30. I also ordered a backplate for it (most open box boards don't come with it) for only $5 shipped from asrock america. With the 3200 retail boxed, the combo is only $89 shipped from newegg.

 

[luigionlsd]

I have to say, I've used both the ASrock dual SATA II, as well as the neo4-F. Wonderful boards, and I even took the ASrock as the newegg open box (last April), and it was excellent. Sure there was no I/O shield, but it was definitely a good buy. Such good AGP support that I was even able to use my 6800 Ultra on it! Fast forward to June, I did some upgrades (dedicated PCIe board - Neo4-F, an X2 4200, and a 7900 GT). Wonderful boards. Have used the single-core 939 chips (3200 and 3500) and I loved them. 3200 or 3500 + Neo4-F would be a wonderful combo IMO!