Maximum PC

I currently have an ABIT NF7 rev. 2.0 board with an AthlonXP 2600+ (333FSB). I was almost ready to purchase an AthlonXP 3200+ (400FSB) when I noticed an Athlon64 2800+ CPU that was $3 cheaper. Of course, if I went with the Athlon64, I would have to buy a new mobo. I definitely want to be able to play HL2 when it comes out. So, what do you guys think? XP 3200 or 64 2800 + a motherboard? Has anyone seen how these two CPUs compare head-to-head? Thanks in advance for any feedback.

well, the performance from the 3200+ would probably be better, but its basically on a dead socket. if you want the ability to upgrade go with the 64 2800+ but if you want sheer speed for now go with the 3200+.

I would go with neither and wait until the Socket 939 A64's become affordable. However, if I HAD to pick out of those two, I would go the 3200+ XP route.

That recommendation is, again, based on intentions to perform a platform upgrade once 939 reaches an attractive pricepoint. I would even look at the 3000+ to save $40 on the tide-me-over speed boost. Still hard for me to justify the expense on this assumed temporary upgrade.

have you tried overclocking your 2600+? you could oc it for now for a free performance boost and get a socket 939 athlonm 64 like the previous post recommends. i would wait for socket 939 to be affordable to upgrade so you have future upgradeability that neither socket 754 or socket a have.

Not to mention the possible need for Registered memory, which is pretty pricey and has a notable performance hit vs. using un-registered sticks. You'll have to factor in these costs as well, or choose wisely with this in consideration.

I also agree that 939 is worth waiting for, then just order up the entire base components together. An Abit/Asus AV8/A8V mobo and a 3500+ should be a big jump for you and think you'll be much happier in the long run. This will take some money ($500 sound like a good forecast for both?), so if you are strapped and don't think you can get this down the road, I really don't know what to say.

id go with the 64

better performance

I believe only the Socket 940's need registered DDR, and since he mentioned an A64 2800 proc. he wouldn't be able to use it with a Socket 940.

Another vote for the Socket 939 setup. It may cost a little more, but to me it's worth it. Not only can you use a 939 A64 and A64-FX proc., but you also don't need the dreaded registered ram. So with a 939 setup it will surely be the best as far as upgradability goes. I plan to do this as my next upgrade in a month or so.

EDIT: You can also try overclocking as athlon11 mentioned. Spending less money for the cooling hardware possibly needed.

Your proc and mobo are still decent. Hang on to them for now, then once HL2 actually comes out reconsider what to upgrade with.

personally, i'd go with the A64. i just would not buy an Athlon XP CPU at this time.

well, he should only go with the a64 cpu if it is a socket 939 part. both socket 754 and 940 are soon going to be dead as desktop technologies with everything consolidating in the socket 939 formfactor.

well, he should only go with the a64 cpu if it is a socket 939 part. both socket 754 and 940 are soon going to be dead as desktop technologies with everything consolidating in the socket 939 formfactor.