OT - New AMD Based PC Specs - But what's the Intel equivalent? | Forums

[Realjambo]

I'm window shopping for some new components and would welcome comments from other system builders here.

I will keep my Thermaltake Soprano case, Jeantech 500w PSU and X-Fi Xtreme Game and for the time being my 7900GT 512, but will eventually become an 8800GT. I'll have to update from my current AMD 64 x 2 4400 (939 skt) and as I have only ever known and used AMD, I don't know what the equivalent would be for an Intel based system so those Intel Kaleun's out there speak up! I know the Intel CPU's are currently strides ahead of the AMD's if you get the right one, but I don't know an Core 2 Duo E6750 from a Core 2 Extreme QX6

Any upgrade from 939 skt AMD will mean new ram because of the pin configuration change, so that is part of the consideration too, but at least is compatible with both the AMD and Intel motherboards.

Here's how far I have got, based on Ebuyer UK which I like to use. If you enter the quick find codes it will give you the extended spec on the website.

Arctic Cooling Freezer-64-LP Dual Cooling Low Profile Processor Cooler for AMD 939 and AM2 Processors
QuickFind Code: 131148 | Mfr part #: AC-FRZ-64LP
(£11.99 inc VAT)

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 6400+ Socket AM2 Black Edition 3.20GHz Retail Boxed Processor Without Fan
QuickFind Code: 132142 | Mfr part #: ADX6400CZWOF
(£110.75 inc VAT)

ASUS M2N-SLI DELUXE Socket AM2 nvidia 570SLi 7.1channel audio ATX (I won't be going SLI but it's a pretty good board from what I've read)
QuickFind Code: 113974 | Mfr part #: 90-MIB030-G0EAYZ
(£74.22 inc VAT)

Corsair 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 XMS2 Memory Non-ECC Unbuffered CL4(4-4-4-12) E.P.P. Heat Spreader Lifetime Warranty
QuickFind Code: 111439 | Mfr part #: TWIN2X2048-6400C4
(£51.52 inc VAT)

[bunkerratt]

rj....2 things..first...to save a heartache later...get a bigger case ..it'll give you room for the 8800 later...and ..if and when you can..i would go with a 600 watt psu ....

[Realjambo]

Thanks BR. I think my Soprano case will take it all - an 8800GTX card fitted with no problems and hopefully Hiper will replace my 530w M series PSU which 'should' have enough oomf to keep up, but thanks for the advice, I will bear it in mind

[Liddabit]

The gigabyte 8800gt is really small if space is a concern, its the one I have. Its also much cooler than the other 8800gt boards so far.

This chart may help you decide:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html

I would probably go with Intel if I were making a new system now. I just went with a special low powered cool running AMD 64 X2 4200. I was tired of worrying about heat and listening to fans :P It runs at 86F with stock fan so I never worry about heat anymore. That was awhile back though so it is out of date.

Your power supply should be fine so long as it isn't faulty and has 2 12V rails and you don't run SLI. If you get the HIper one back it should be fine for everything though

Heres the size comparison picture on the Gigabyte 8800GT compared to the reference size which most are using now.

[Realjambo]

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html

Thanks Liddabit! That comparison was exactly what I was looking for! Thanks very much for posting it

[Liddabit]

Thou art welcome Sir Jambo!

[pookapotamus]

well I can at last help out a moderator!!

My AMD6400+ runs great!! the only real issues I had when installing it was to update my bios, which turned out to be a non issue. My motherboard has a bios update utility built into it, the only issue was me learning to use it.

My previous processor was a 4200+ 2.2 gig and the jump up to the 6400+ was great i do notice a lot better load times (although my load times with the 4200+ were in no way horrible) plus better start up times. I am running the power hungry vista but honestly I love it, my only real issue is that a 32 bit system only supports 3.5 gigs of ram. so my next up grade will probably be a 64 bit operating system.

I will keep posting info about my cpu as i know many people want more power from there systems.

[Realjambo]

Thanks Pookapotamus!

Are you running the stock cooler on that CPU?

[pookapotamus]

no since it does not come with a cooler I am running a high end zalman cooler coupled with a zalman northbridge cooler. no water cooling as of yet but my chip stays cool at about 21 deg C under heavy loads.

if I new how to post pics I would show you my system but that is a question for later.

[Realjambo]

Ah OK, I asked as I wondered if it was only the 6400's in the UK that came without a fan.

I use an Arctic Colling fan on my cpu currently, but I am liking the look of some of the newer Zalman ones

For a guide on posting pictures, go Here