Need a very good AMD motherboard

paratwa · 11-10-2007, 01:43 AM

I am going to build a system for my stepson, who INSISTS on a AMD system. I tried to talk him into an Intel cpu, but he is a AMD guy and will not even listen to the facts about the current Intel vs AMD chips.

So, since I have not really done any research on AMD boards for a couple of years, I really have no clue about which are the better boards.

I am thinking about either one of these as the CPU I want to use. Not really sure since I really do not want to spend a ton of money on this build.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

Or the

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103191

As for which mother board to use, please give me some choices and why you picked them. And if you have a comment about either of those CPU's, I would like to hear them.

Thanks!

EDIT: The motherboard should have IEE 1394, USB , onboard audio and a lan. No onboard video needed, or wanted. AM2+ would be a nice option as well.

PC eye · 11-10-2007, 01:57 AM

I paid $229 in August for the 6000+ X2 and a week later that dropped $50 so seeing the 6400+ X2 for $209 is a good price. You won't see a great difference with the .2ghz difference between those two models however. So far the 6000+ X2 has done a great job here as I would expect from an AMD cpu. Sorry no Intel fan here either!

For boards avoid anything with a VIA or SIS chipset. You won't be seeing Intel chipsets on an AMD board either. For makes Asus, Gigabyte, MSI seem to hold the lead in spefications and features while others like Abit and DFI still make decent boards. The Asus M2N-E offers 3 bot 2 pci slots and 6 sata ports over other models seeing only 2 pci slots and 4 sata ports and even SLI or Crossfire capability. It depends on the type of build as well.

StrangleHold · 11-10-2007, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paratwa

I am going to build a system for my stepson, who INSISTS on a AMD system. I tried to talk him into an Intel cpu, but he is a AMD guy and will not even listen to the facts about the current Intel vs AMD chips.

So, since I have not really done any research on AMD boards for a couple of years, I really have no clue about which are the better boards.

I am thinking about either one of these as the CPU I want to use. Not really sure since I really do not want to spend a ton of money on this build.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

Or the

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103191

As for which mother board to use, please give me some choices and why you picked them. And if you have a comment about either of those CPU's, I would like to hear them.

Thanks!

EDIT: The motherboard should have IEE 1394, USB , onboard audio and a lan. No onboard video needed, or wanted. AM2+ would be a nice option as well.

ThatGuy16 · 11-10-2007, 02:30 AM

If you want a SLI, get a 590 chipset (same as the 680i). Mine has 6 Sata ports, with 2 PCI slots. I think AM2+ is overpriced at the moment, and currently any socket AM2+ cpu's such as the X4s are 100% compatable on AM2.

I suddenly like PC eye alot better

This is the one i have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=foxconn%2b590, I love it and it took me a while researching on comparing the different 590 boards. This has some realy nice, detailed bios options.

You didn't say anything about a budget?

The 5200/5600/6000/6400 are the same chips, but if hes not overclocking i suppose the price on the 6400 would be worth it?

I could honestly tell a different between 2.8ghz to 3ghz and 3ghz to 3.2- and a little from 3.2 to 3.3..

paratwa · 11-10-2007, 03:00 AM

SLI is not needed at all, neither is wifi.

But my stepson does need IEE 1394 for transferring video from a video camera. His live in girlfriend of 8 years is a graphics artist ( a very good one) and while she has her own system, he helps out with editing videos and such.

Are there any current AM2 boards that will be able to be upgraded to the AM2+ specs by bio's upgrades? Remember, I don't deal with AMD at all, so I am kind of lost when it comes to them. I know that most of the new board coming out will have PCI-E 2 built into them. Are there any coming out in the next month that will have it?

I would like to keep the price for the motherboard under $150, but I would go up a little bit for a good board. And it has to be compatible with Nvida GPU's

Just as an example of my stepsons girlfriends work, here is just one of her many works, she has even been published on the cover of some Goth books and other places. I know this is not the place, but I am a bit proud of her work.

PC eye · 11-10-2007, 03:54 AM

Well like I mentioned before you can go for a good AM2 model with the nForce shipset and avoid SIS and VIA models. There are a few ATI.AMD chipset desgns as well. But for NVidia video cards as suspected you will want the nForce chipset over others regardless of make or model. The new boards coming out usually see a much higher $329,99 price tag at newegg in general. That's what is seen on PCI-E 2.0 boards presently out.

paratwa · 11-10-2007, 05:42 AM

Unfortunately all of the boards that are true am2+ boards are crossfire boards. I hope someone comes out with an nvidia chip soon.

Quad core crossfire? Damn!

Specifications:
* AMD 790FX chipset based
* Supports AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 Phenom, Athlon and Sempron processors
* 2 PCI-E x16 slots for full x16 speed CrossFire support
* 2 extra PCI-E x16 slot design for Quad VGA with x8 x8 x8 x8 speed.

dave_w · 11-10-2007, 05:51 AM

Agreed. AM2+ and PCI-e 2.0 are both exceptionally expensive technologies at the moment. I doubt that we'll even be needing PCI-e 2.0 for a long time. not even an OC'd 8800 Ultra uses the full bandwidth of normal PCI-e. AM2+, if I am not mistaken, is going to be used for the new Phenom processors arriving...soon? Eventually? In any case, I really doubt that it's worth adding money to the budget for such a tech. Much easier to just upgrade later, *if* you end up needing it.

paratwa · 11-10-2007, 06:11 AM

Since this system is going to be for my stepson, I want this to be as future proof as I can, that way I do not have to buy him a new system for another 5 years or so. Am3 will be coming out in a year or so, so I know it's only a matter of time until AM2+ will be outdated. But still, only the best for my "kid".

Edit: I stole this from another forum.

Socket AM2+ will have some differences however that will be used in AM2+ chips, there are two main features in Socket AM2+ not in Socket AM2:

HyperTransport 3.0 operating at up to 2 GHz
Split power planes: one for the CPU cores, and the other for the Integrated Memory controller (IMC). This will improve power savings especially with integrated graphics if CPU cores in sleep mode but the IMC still active.
AMD confirmed that AM2 processors will work in AM2+ motherboards and AM2+ processors will work on AM2 motherboards. However, due to the lack of support of HyperTransport 3.0 and separated power planes in Socket AM2 motherboards, AM2+ chips will be limited to the specifications of Socket AM2 (HyperTransport 2.0 at the speed of 1 GHz, one power plane for both Cores and IMC). AM2 chips will not benefit from faster HyperTransport and separated power planes on AM2+ motherboards as they do not support them, AM2+ motherboard then fall back to compatibility mode using AM2 specifications.

According to confirmations from AMD, Socket AM2+ will have a compatibility path with Socket AM3, AM3 processors will work in AM2+ motherboards; however, AM2+ processors will not be compatible with AM3 motherboards.

PC eye · 11-10-2007, 06:36 AM

I'll tell you another little secret about pcs and hardwares. Any new system or build loses 80% of it's retail value within 2yrs. time. There's no such thing as a "future proof" system since the hardwares are outdated in 6 months. The best advice is to simply use quality hardwares to see a system last for a few years while knowing "something new" is always right around the corner.

11-10-2007, 01:43 AM	#1 (permalink)
paratwa Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,969	Need a very good AMD motherboard I am going to build a system for my stepson, who INSISTS on a AMD system. I tried to talk him into an Intel cpu, but he is a AMD guy and will not even listen to the facts about the current Intel vs AMD chips. So, since I have not really done any research on AMD boards for a couple of years, I really have no clue about which are the better boards. I am thinking about either one of these as the CPU I want to use. Not really sure since I really do not want to spend a ton of money on this build. AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773 Or the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103191 As for which mother board to use, please give me some choices and why you picked them. And if you have a comment about either of those CPU's, I would like to hear them. Thanks! EDIT: The motherboard should have IEE 1394, USB , onboard audio and a lan. No onboard video needed, or wanted. AM2+ would be a nice option as well. Last edited by paratwa; 11-10-2007 at 01:48 AM.

11-10-2007, 01:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	I paid $229 in August for the 6000+ X2 and a week later that dropped $50 so seeing the 6400+ X2 for $209 is a good price. You won't see a great difference with the .2ghz difference between those two models however. So far the 6000+ X2 has done a great job here as I would expect from an AMD cpu. Sorry no Intel fan here either! For boards avoid anything with a VIA or SIS chipset. You won't be seeing Intel chipsets on an AMD board either. For makes Asus, Gigabyte, MSI seem to hold the lead in spefications and features while others like Abit and DFI still make decent boards. The Asus M2N-E offers 3 bot 2 pci slots and 6 sata ports over other models seeing only 2 pci slots and 4 sata ports and even SLI or Crossfire capability. It depends on the type of build as well. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

11-10-2007, 02:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
ThatGuy16 Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA Posts: 5,314	If you want a SLI, get a 590 chipset (same as the 680i). Mine has 6 Sata ports, with 2 PCI slots. I think AM2+ is overpriced at the moment, and currently any socket AM2+ cpu's such as the X4s are 100% compatable on AM2. I suddenly like PC eye alot better This is the one i have: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...=foxconn%2b590, I love it and it took me a while researching on comparing the different 590 boards. This has some realy nice, detailed bios options. You didn't say anything about a budget? The 5200/5600/6000/6400 are the same chips, but if hes not overclocking i suppose the price on the 6400 would be worth it? I could honestly tell a different between 2.8ghz to 3ghz and 3ghz to 3.2- and a little from 3.2 to 3.3.. __________________ CPU: C2D E8400 @ 4Ghz 1.24v HSF: Apogee GTX MB: Gigabyte X38-DS4 Ram: 2x2GB G. Skill DDR2-1068 HDD: 320GB Seagate PSU: OCZ GameXStream 700w OS: Vista Home Premium 64bit GFX: 2x HD4850 Crossfire LCD: LG 22" L226WTQ 3DMark06: 20826

11-10-2007, 03:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
paratwa Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,969	SLI is not needed at all, neither is wifi. But my stepson does need IEE 1394 for transferring video from a video camera. His live in girlfriend of 8 years is a graphics artist ( a very good one) and while she has her own system, he helps out with editing videos and such. Are there any current AM2 boards that will be able to be upgraded to the AM2+ specs by bio's upgrades? Remember, I don't deal with AMD at all, so I am kind of lost when it comes to them. I know that most of the new board coming out will have PCI-E 2 built into them. Are there any coming out in the next month that will have it? I would like to keep the price for the motherboard under $150, but I would go up a little bit for a good board. And it has to be compatible with Nvida GPU's Just as an example of my stepsons girlfriends work, here is just one of her many works, she has even been published on the cover of some Goth books and other places. I know this is not the place, but I am a bit proud of her work. Last edited by paratwa; 11-10-2007 at 03:20 AM.

11-10-2007, 03:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	Well like I mentioned before you can go for a good AM2 model with the nForce shipset and avoid SIS and VIA models. There are a few ATI.AMD chipset desgns as well. But for NVidia video cards as suspected you will want the nForce chipset over others regardless of make or model. The new boards coming out usually see a much higher $329,99 price tag at newegg in general. That's what is seen on PCI-E 2.0 boards presently out. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

11-10-2007, 05:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
paratwa Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,969	Unfortunately all of the boards that are true am2+ boards are crossfire boards. I hope someone comes out with an nvidia chip soon. Quad core crossfire? Damn! Specifications: * AMD 790FX chipset based * Supports AMD Socket AM2+/AM2 Phenom, Athlon and Sempron processors * 2 PCI-E x16 slots for full x16 speed CrossFire support * 2 extra PCI-E x16 slot design for Quad VGA with x8 x8 x8 x8 speed. Last edited by paratwa; 11-10-2007 at 05:45 AM.

11-10-2007, 05:51 AM	#8 (permalink)
dave_w Silver Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 163	Agreed. AM2+ and PCI-e 2.0 are both exceptionally expensive technologies at the moment. I doubt that we'll even be needing PCI-e 2.0 for a long time. not even an OC'd 8800 Ultra uses the full bandwidth of normal PCI-e. AM2+, if I am not mistaken, is going to be used for the new Phenom processors arriving...soon? Eventually? In any case, I really doubt that it's worth adding money to the budget for such a tech. Much easier to just upgrade later, if you end up needing it.

11-10-2007, 06:11 AM	#9 (permalink)
paratwa Diamond Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,969	Since this system is going to be for my stepson, I want this to be as future proof as I can, that way I do not have to buy him a new system for another 5 years or so. Am3 will be coming out in a year or so, so I know it's only a matter of time until AM2+ will be outdated. But still, only the best for my "kid". Edit: I stole this from another forum. Socket AM2+ will have some differences however that will be used in AM2+ chips, there are two main features in Socket AM2+ not in Socket AM2: HyperTransport 3.0 operating at up to 2 GHz Split power planes: one for the CPU cores, and the other for the Integrated Memory controller (IMC). This will improve power savings especially with integrated graphics if CPU cores in sleep mode but the IMC still active. AMD confirmed that AM2 processors will work in AM2+ motherboards and AM2+ processors will work on AM2 motherboards. However, due to the lack of support of HyperTransport 3.0 and separated power planes in Socket AM2 motherboards, AM2+ chips will be limited to the specifications of Socket AM2 (HyperTransport 2.0 at the speed of 1 GHz, one power plane for both Cores and IMC). AM2 chips will not benefit from faster HyperTransport and separated power planes on AM2+ motherboards as they do not support them, AM2+ motherboard then fall back to compatibility mode using AM2 specifications. According to confirmations from AMD, Socket AM2+ will have a compatibility path with Socket AM3, AM3 processors will work in AM2+ motherboards; however, AM2+ processors will not be compatible with AM3 motherboards.

11-10-2007, 06:36 AM	#10 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,730	I'll tell you another little secret about pcs and hardwares. Any new system or build loses 80% of it's retail value within 2yrs. time. There's no such thing as a "future proof" system since the hardwares are outdated in 6 months. The best advice is to simply use quality hardwares to see a system last for a few years while knowing "something new" is always right around the corner. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

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