To choose mobo/cpu

[kayoti]

Hey, I am still saving money for my system (http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=96608) you guys helped me pick out. I am still stuck at choosing a motherboard and processor. I am planing on using the system for huge amounts of animation, graphics, and video editing. I am stuck between an AMD Athlon XP 2500 (I have never overclocked before...), AMD Athlon XP 3000, or one of the AMD 64's. I'd plan on sticking with an Asus mobo that suits the socket needed, but have a couple questions; 1, I am not understanding the FSB. What is the difference between an Athlon XP 3000 with 333mhz, or the XP 3000 with 400mhz and would it be noticable in the video editing system I am building? And 2, is a 64bit CPU pointless at a time where no 64bit version of Windows exists?

[Cricket]

For what you plan to do, my suggestion is to get the most powerful processor you can afford. Video editing is very CPU intensive and you want to fastest one you can get. If the video is really important and you don't want it to get messed up, you might want to stay away from overclocking as you can get data corruption and stability problems. The AMD Athlon 64 might be your best option here.

:) Cricket

[Tin]

check out the A64 2800+. its cheaper than a 3200+ XP and crushes it in terms of performance. couple that with one of the new nforce3 250GB mobos and youre rockin' and rollin'.

[kayoti]

Good suggestions guys. ::Looks in his wallet:: Any chance the 64's will come down in price over summer?

[Tin]

the 2800+ A64 is ~$180.

[WolfPac_Ite]

Usually the prices go down at least a littl bit when ever a new CPU from the same company is released.

[kayoti]

K, excellent. Also, I have not heard anything about Chaintech, but that is the only company that I can find with a socket 747 nforce3 250GB mobo (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-042&depa=1). Does Chaintech have a good reputation, or should I stay away from that brand?

[glc]

I'd stay away from Chaintech - they aren't a top tier manufacturer.

[fedz]

I'll second GLC on chaintech. However, this motherboard has had very good reviews everywhere I've looked so it might be an option, if you don't mind the RAM limitations (2GB). A few more 754's on their way so you might want to wait a little

[fedz]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=1178
Here are some./ Don't see what's wrong with the Asus or the Gigabyte...

[glc]

I think those are the NF3 150 chipset, not the 250?

I seem to remember Tin telling us that the 150 has some issues and the Via equivalent is a better bet.