First time builder, First time poster

[hawksview]

I've been lurking for a couple days trying to figure some stuff out, as I'm trying to see if I can build my own computer for the very first time. I've heard some helpful tidbits, and I hope that my question hasn't been asked before.

Although I was pretty set on the idea of an AMD computer, AMD throws out their AM2 socket processors. My question is simple, should I go for an AM2 processor and mobo, or stick with the 939? I've heard answers both ways, and I guess that I just want some more opinions.

I'm fairly certain that either socket will do what I need it to do (gaming, and general school use), but as far as upgradeability(is that a word?) and how things will come out in the future, would I be better served going with the new(and improved?) AM2, or staying with old reliable 939? Or does my question make absolutely no sense(which is definitely possible )?

Thanks for any replies, and I hope that you can help me with this and my future questions.

[doctorgonzo]

Socket 939 is being retired, so if you want upgradeablility, then go with Socket AM2. There isn't much reason not to go with Socket AM2 for a new build.

[makisushi]

I would go for a 939. They will be around and supported for a while. Heck there are still quite a bit of 754 stuff floating around. You will save money now that you can use later to build an AM2 system when the prices drop.

[786ARS]

also with 939 prices dropping with the release of AM2, 939 seems the way to go

[MakeYourslf2012]

I would go with the AM2. Its just seems more logical, why buy older technology? When there comes a time that you want to upgrqade your RAM, for instance, the prices of regualr DDR would be pretty expensive due to depleting supply and DDR2 going mainstream.


How big is your budget?

I haven't really searched for any prices, but from what I've read - there shouldn't be a huge price increase when looking at 939 compared to AM2.

[hawksview]

Yeah, it doesn't seem to be that big of an issue price-wise. Now that I hear some replies to the topic, I think that I should go AM2.

I guess the only issues with it would be the reliability of it(which I really don't think will be a problem) and the probability that they come out with something new in the near future. Isn't 939 still fairly new? I guess that's always the risk you run with buying technology though...

Thanks for the replies thus far.

[doctorgonzo]

They probably won't come out with another new socket for at least a little while. Socket 939 has been around.

The main change with Socket AM2 is the DDR2 memory support. Since DDR2 memory is the future, going with it makes the most sense.

[Staren]

939 has been out a while, well in computer terms anyway. Only thing to keep in might with AM2 is that your core parts (motherboard / CPU) will be first generation runs so you will be beta testing the stuff. Any little problems that in house testing didn't catch, you're going to be hit with. That's not usually a big problem, but it could be annoying. Just a heads up.

[hawksview]

Makes sense. Thanks for the help.

I'll probably be back later with some parts issues.