64-bit or 32-bit PC ?

[Jukkis]

Originally posted by wvjohn
remember the semprons have a much smaller onboard cache than the a64 athlons - they would not be a good choice for video editing -

of course a64 is better choice, it's faster than sempron.

question is if it's really worth of paying extra money ?


939 processors here in finland aren't really so cheap.

I would pay nearly x1.5 for decent 939 processor (+140 euros) compared to
what I have to pay for 2400+ sempron (60 euros).

also motherboard will cost extra 60 euros (which is like double from 32-bit socket a motherboard).


but I'll have to think about this. maybe I'll cut costs and I'll try to get along with my antique
graphics card while spending more money on motherboard and processor.

+ I leave out dvd-burner from 1st round of having update for current computer.

then I just might have afford for 939 processor and other goodies....

[EvilHorace]

Here's a few US prices for cpu/mobo/fan combos so it then becomes ones opinion as to what's "affordable"

http://www.pricewatch.com/m/mn.aspx?i=306&f=1

[Jukkis]

hmm... I live in Finland, prices aren't exactly same.

I think prices for new 64-bit processors are relatively (while compared to sempron's) cheaper in US than what they are in Europe (?).

...........

they weren't.

nevermind... I think I'll skip 939 processors and stick with 32-bit processors.

[Jukkis]

ok. so I didn't made final decision yet.


here are my 2 options :

32-bit mobo :

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_produc ... MB&SITE=US

64-bit mobo :

http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_produc ... MB&SITE=US


prices are nearly same. as you can see features on 64-bit mobo are not as good as in 32-bit mobo.

my budget is limited, I really can't afford paying more for mobo.


is 64-bit processor such big advantage while in other 'side' there's possibility to
get 32-bit mobo with features like gigabyte lan and dual channel memory.


since 64-bit mobo has graphic circuit included, I'm saving 60euros with not buying external (basic) gfx card.

then I can afford for cheapest 64-bit processor (754 - ATHLON 64 2800+ BOXED).

my 32-bit processor would have been 2400+ sempron.



hmm... additional question : 64-bit mobo is microATX (my case is ATX... is this a problem ? I need to buy new case ?)

[nexus_7]

dont worry about dual chanel memory. really dosnt mean all that much.

no, a smaller mboard will be fine in the case.

onboard video sucks!

the 754 pin is fine. I have 2 of them and they are insanely fast.

Greg

[Jukkis]

ok.

but what about this article ?

http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/2004122 ... ts-06.html

All CPUs for Socket 754 only work with a single DDR400 memory interface, which adds up to a maximum memory transfer rate of 3 GB/s. A memory expansion of more than a gigabyte caused frequent problems.

onboard video might suck, but my intention is to use computer for other purposes than playing games.


my strategy was getting along couple months with onboard video and then invest money for buying decent gfx-card.

[Absolut Talent]

I just want to say props to you Jukkis, you are actually doing some research instead of just asking for spooon fed answers.


As nexus said, onboard vid sucks. But you mentionedthat you will be using the system other than games....but what purposes will that be?

honestly....both routes kick ass. They are both faster than some p3 setup. So shoot for whatever has more features in your budget

[Jukkis]

Originally posted by Absolut Talent
As nexus said, onboard vid sucks. But you mentionedthat you will be using the system other than games....but what purposes will that be?

2d graphics, video, post-production.

maybe some 3d. but it isn't like most important thingy.

what I've understood is that 2d graphics (printing stuff) is most demanding for gfx-card.

post-production and video are more using pure cpu power for their tasks...

unless you're using separate hardware card for rendering video or real-time keying etc.


I thought about purchasing graphics card after I've transferred content of my old hd's to new one
and I'm able to sell my old mobo,processor,memory and hds. it should give me enough money
for buying decent graphics card.

------------------------------

ok. done.

I'm quite satisfied with what I ordered.

- 64-bit mobo and processor (754 2800+ amd)
- firewire,sata, digital audio io et.c on mobo
- 80gb hd (I'm buying 2 separate hd's anyway in longer term)
- 1gb ram

all under 400 euros.

[nexus_7]

very nice.

ok, let me explain about the dual chanel memory.

as you know, the A64 has an onboard memory controler, which means it is more then twice as fast as any other cpu when accessing the memory. what does that mean? it almost always can saturate the memory pipeline by its self with out the bursting other cpu's have to resort to. that is why, when you compare a 939 and a 754 with the same cpu speed to eachother, the are usually no more then a few frams different in gaming.

As for onboard video. even when surfing the web or doing spread sheets, I can tell when I am running a shitty videocard. the scrooling wont be as smoth or stuff like that. but you can upgrade that later.

Greg

[Jukkis]

ok.

so it sounds like buying 64-bit 754 instead of 32-bit sempron was good choice ?



:

[nexus_7]

4 sure. and you can probably get a decent OC out of the 2800+ also.

Greg