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Worth getting S939 vs. S754?

R

RezMN

Member
Oops, didn't post my msg... editing...

Is it worth shelling out the extra $100 or so bucks and get a S939 (I want a soltek board) with an A64 3500+ vs. getting the S754 (soltek board) with an XP 3400+. I'm trying to keep on a budget, but want a computer that's gonna last me a long while. I'm a big gamer too. Just looking for suggestions... I've already bought the case and other little items, but haven't decided on the large things.

-Jason
 
I've never been a fan of overclocking. Most since I'm uneducated about it all. But, I don't plan on overclocking... so now what you think?

-Jason
 
My opinion remains unchanged. Just because overclocking is alien to you doesn't make the fact that its the best deal any different.

I would still go for the 939. Gamer will want PCIe x16 at least, if not SLi. Socket 939 will always be the wise for upgrade availability. You can get a Toledo (dual-core) when it comes out at the end of this year.
 
I was thinking about that whole upgrade availability... that's very true that I could easily upgrade, already having the S939 core. Would I be better off getting an S939 with an XP 3200 vs. getting an S754 with an XP 3400?

-Jason
 
Yes, if you are the type that will upgrade the cpu. If you just buy whole systems at a time, the 754 would be better.

What kind of ram were you getting? Corsair's value ram ($135 2x512mb ddr400 cas2.5) is awesome for A64's.
 
Like I said, I'm in the process. I've been shopping for good deals and if I come by one, I jump on it. Lately, my last few computers have been whole new ones (didn't upgrade processor, just started anew). I'm not sure if I want to dish out that cash for a 3500...grr! Hopefully these rumors are true about the A64 price drops.

Is that corsair value RAM good then? I usually stick with Crucial which runs bout $75 a stick. Let me know... I'm in the market for a gig.

I'm researching the X800XL radeon right now too. I might want to replace my radeon 9800 (not pro).

-Jason
 
I would save some money and go with the A64 939 3000+ CPU instead of the 3200+. Fellow parts upgraders are saving their money already for the dual-cores. If they come out this year, then by this time next year they'll be fairly affordable. Performance difference isn't all that great is it? Between the 3000+ and 3200+.

If you don't want to upgrade the CPU later on, even when the dual cores come out, then by all means, splurge on!
 
Originally posted by: JuanT
I would save some money and go with the A64 939 3000+ CPU instead of the 3200+. Fellow parts upgraders are saving their money already for the dual-cores. If they come out this year, then by this time next year they'll be fairly affordable. Performance difference isn't all that great is it? Between the 3000+ and 3200+.

If you don't want to upgrade the CPU later on, even when the dual cores come out, then by all means, splurge on!
Click to expand...

It's a $150 to a ~$200 for a 3000 to a 3200. Then from a 3200 to a 3500 it's up to $300. It sucks because I want to conserve money, but I don't want to sacrifice performance. Especially when I don't feel like upgrading anything within the next year or hopefully two. The computer I have now (in my sig.) has lasted me FOUR YEARS. It's time for a new computer, but I go in spurts with getting new comps.

-Jason
 
The 3200 has a 10x multiplier which overclockers like. I'd go with the 3000 and save for Toledo.

nForce is worth it.

ATi is my preference too. Should work great.
 
Also Ribbon, that Chaintech VNF4/ULTRA supports the Winchester XP 3500+ correct? I'm getting confused with this NewCastle, Winchester terminology. I know its the different sizes, but Newegg says the NewCastle is Windows compatible, but nothing for Winchester. Everywhere I read says to get Winchester...?

-Jason
 
yea the winchester is windows compatible, there the same, its just that the winchester core is built on a 90nm chip making it run cooler and supposed to be better for overclocking.
It makes more sense to go with the winchester core because its almost the same price as the newcastle. Zipzoomfly has the 3500 winchester priced the same as the newcastle for $277 free 2nd day shipping
 
Yeah, I was gonna get it either there, or from ChiefValue for $276 (free fedex saver shipping).

Well I'll get the Winchester then, assuming my mobo supports it. Ugh, I hate throwing out so much cash like this, but I think my setup will be nice.

-Jason
 
Is it worth it now? Not really, no real reason to go from S754 -> S939 because the only thing that 939 offers is PCI-e, Dual Channel and SLi.
 
If you're not going SLI (and I'm of the belief that no reasonable person should be blowing money on that, but you'll find differing opinions), then it's questionable whether 939 is worth another $100. I'm sticking with S754 since the X800XL pre-orders aren't going through until who knows when, and AGP cards seem to be more readily available at better prices. There are advantages to going 939, however, whether that's worth $100 to you.
 
based on the lowest prices right now... a 3000 is like $150, a 3200 is about $165 -170 and a 3500 is $275.

its probably not worth the $100 jump to 3500. just save there, buy more ram, do anything, i'm sure there are better uses if you are on a budget. probably best to just get a 3200 if you dont o/c
 
Originally posted by: hans007
based on the lowest prices right now... a 3000 is like $150, a 3200 is about $165 -170 and a 3500 is $275.

its probably not worth the $100 jump to 3500. just save there, buy more ram, do anything, i'm sure there are better uses if you are on a budget. probably best to just get a 3200 if you dont o/c
Click to expand...

Here's what I figured out...

With XP 3500+
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-463&depa=0
$289... free shipping + free t-shirt
TOTAL: $1092.28 -- have to pay, but already bought a couple things so the real total is this: ($1234.76)

With XP 3200+http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-502&depa=0
$198... free shipping + free t-shirt
TOTAL: $1001.28 ($1143.76)

With Soltek S754 MOBO and 3400+ retail- chaintech $116 = 687.28 (before 142.48)
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-180-061&depa=0
$85.75... $2.99 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-484&depa=0
$219... free shipping + free t-shirt
TOTAL: $995.02 ($1137.50)



They're all very similar. Ugh, I'm so confused what to do! Which is worth it?

-Jason
 
I'm in a similar situation to you, although I'm not really a gamer. I am leaning towards a Soltek MoBo though....

I have conceptually built these systems using prices from NewEgg as of 2/16:

Note: The case and LCD I have already purchased, so those are the prices I paid, not NewEgg prices.

Socket 754 System

SOLTEK "SL-K8TPro-754" VIA K8T800 $106.00
AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache 64-bit Processor $147.00
Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail $69.58
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Advantage Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "100561 GR" -BULK -OEM  $103.99
Seagate 80 GB Barracuda 7200RPM SATA with NCQ Hard Drive, Model ST380817AS, OEM $73.69
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black w/ Software, Model ND-3520A, OEM  $66.49
Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 -OEM Specifications: Designed exclusivel...... $93.94

ImageQuest L90D+ 19" LCD Monitor w/ Speakers, 8ms and DVI ?RETAIL  $388.00
Antec Solution Series Quiet Black Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK2650-BQE" - Retail  $45.50

$1,094.19


Socket 939 System

SOLTEK "SL-K8TPro-939" VIA K8T800 $113.99
AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache, Socket 939 64-bit Processor - Retail $158.00
Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail $69.58
SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9600PRO Advantage Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, Model "100561 GR" -BULK -OEM  $103.99
Seagate 80 GB Barracuda 7200RPM SATA with NCQ Hard Drive, Model ST380817AS, OEM $73.69
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black w/ Software, Model ND-3520A, OEM  $66.49
Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 -OEM Specifications: Designed exclusivel...... $93.94

ImageQuest L90D+ 19" LCD Monitor w/ Speakers, 8ms and DVI ?RETAIL  $388.00
Antec Solution Series Quiet Black Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK2650-BQE" - Retail  $45.50

$1,113.18


Socket 939 System PCI-E

SOLTEK "SL-K890Pro-939" VIA K8T890 $127.00
AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache, Socket 939 64-bit Processor - Retail $158.00
Kingston 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail $69.58
Albatron nVIDIA GeForce 6600 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "PC6600/128" - Retail  $119.99
Seagate 80 GB Barracuda 7200RPM SATA with NCQ Hard Drive, Model ST380817AS, OEM $73.69
NEC 16X Double Layer DVD±RW Drive, Black w/ Software, Model ND-3520A, OEM  $66.49
Microsoft Windows XP HOME Edition With Service Pack 2 -OEM Specifications: Designed exclusivel...... $93.94

ImageQuest L90D+ 19" LCD Monitor w/ Speakers, 8ms and DVI ?RETAIL  $388.00
Antec Solution Series Quiet Black Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK2650-BQE" - Retail  $45.50

$1,142.19


As you can see, to go from socket 754 to socket 939 cost an additional $18.99. To go from AGP to PCI-E on socket 939 costs an additional $29.01. Total cost to go from 754 AGP to 939 PCI-E is $48.

For my money, the $48 is definitely worth the future upgradabilty. I'm going 939 and PCI-E.

Best of luck.
 
Wow, awesome post my man. Why'd you choose the Soltek over the Chaintech mobo that I may be getting? I'm tossed up on that also. Why the 3000+ and not something faster either?

-Jason
 
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