Socket 754 vs 939

[ViRaL1]

I'm helping my mom build a new system over xmas. We've both been running Intel chips from day 1 and haven't had any issues with them. In addition I'm building 2 more new Intel systems for my gf's kids next week. I do like what I've heard about the Athlon chips and was hoping to build my mom a new A64 system. Bang for the buck they seem better than Intel. However I seem to be going over budget with the intended upgrades (Mobo / CPU / RAM). The current system is a P4 1.6Ghz with a 120GB, 2 DVD burners and 640MB of (I believe) SDRAM. Any decent CPU upgrade is going to warrant a new mobo, which in turn will warrant new ram (DDR). I initially looked at the socket 939 mobos and CPUs but I was considering socket 754 also. My question is, if you're not upgrading from an AMD / 754 system, does it make sense to build from the ground up with 754 or should I go 939 as the A64/754 seems like a stopgap?

Any help or comments (constructive) are much appreciated.

TIA

[bazooka]

Go for the 939

The 754 will soon be killed off.

[IAIHMB]

Well, do what do the kids plan on using the computers for and do they plan on upgrading? If they plan on updgrading go with socket 939, if not you can save a few bucks and go socket 754.

[Cobra]

http://www6.tomshardware.com/motherboard/20040420/nforce3_250gb-01.html

I am also considering upgrading from SocketA to a Socket939 XP3500+ Winchester.

[ViRaL1]

Well, do what do the kids plan on using the computers for and do they plan on upgrading? If they plan on updgrading go with socket 939, if

not you can save a few bucks and go socket 754.

Oh, I've already got the parts for the kids systems on the way.

mobo - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-139-147&depa=0
SOYO "SY-P4RC350" ATI 9100 IGP Chipset Motherboard For Socket 478 CPU -RETAIL

CPU - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-112-190&depa=0
Intel Celeron D "320" 2.40 GHz, 533MHz FSB, 256K L2 Cache Processor - Retail

Case - http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=11-117-033&depa=0
Sky Hawk/Eagle Tech Silver ATX Mid Tower Case, Model "BAX-4638" -RETAIL

Those are already ordered for the kids.

This system is for my mom. I know she's fairly far behind, and admittedly she won't be stressing any NEW system I build regardless of which socket I choose.

But at the same time it seems like starting from scratch with socket 754 is just planned obsolescence. She's already going to have to buy a new CPU, mobo and RAM (also talking her into a second 1200JB for RAID), I'd hate for her to have to rebuy everything all over again next time she decides to upgrade.

(I upgrade her system every 2 to 3 years when I'm out there).

Here's what I was looking at for a socket 939 system...

Mobo - http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-463&depa=1
MSI "K8T NEO2-FIR" VIA K8T800 Pro Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
(open to suggestions)

CPU - Either A64 3000+ OR 3200+ depending on the rest of the budget (about $35 diff)

RAM - http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-299&depa=1
Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail
(For a new A64 system, Dual Channel Memory is recommended if not required, right?

Thanks for all the input so far.

[SLICK RICK]

Hey ViRaL1,

I am not sure if you have checked already but there is alot of info about what memory to use and what not to use with that MB on their website. It looks as though there is some info that has to be read before installing any memory on that MB.

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=K8T_Neo2-FIR

[glockjs]

yes deffinatley go with with 939, 754 is restricted so if you want to upgrade 939 is good idea.

i would go with a msi k8n, the nforces chipsets tested way better than the via's.

[waheed]

DEFINATELY the socket 939, better upgrade potential for the future.

This is going to be my next motherboard.

[glockjs]

nforce4

see's the price...

[waheed]

yep... nforce4

unfortunately, its the most expensive motherboard avaiable money can buy.

At Overclockers its just under £190 ($360 USD)

[mrtristan]

I've been waiting for the 939 motherboards and chips to come down in price. It's going to give you more room to expand in the future.

I don't see enough of a speed gain to build a new system yet, though. Especially with the cheapest 754's. Might as well build an Athlon XP system.