AMD upgrading their sockets?

[n57flyguy]

I guess its happening, but does anyone know when? This is kind of imporatnt to me if Im going to build a computer soon. Thanks.

Paul

[Staren]

A side note before I answer your question, please please watch your spelling and terminology when asking about specific hardware. Standard errors like “teh” aren’t that hard to figure out, but “ADM” instead of “AMD” and using plug instead of the proper term “Socket” can make it a little difficult for us to help each other, and they can make the person using them come off as less then intelligent at times.

Yes AMD has changed over to a new socket type called AM2. All current Athlon 64 X2 processors and all future upgrades will come out in that socket design. We’re starting to see them in stores now, and should be fully available in the next couple of months.

[n57flyguy]

I'm sorry for screwing up the terms, I'm a total no0b and should have done more research into that before I posted. Sorry again.

So, the newer sockets in the AMD processors are the AM2s. How often are sockets upgraded? Thanks alot.

[Staren]

Not a problem. Sorry if I came off a little strong on the terms and spelling. We've all been there at some point. It is something to try and break yourself of as fast as you can though.

Ya, the AM2s are the new ones. The only real difference that is a big change from Socket 939 that you would notice right off is that the AM2 motherboards work with DDR2 RAM instead of the older DDR RAM. Intel already made this switch awhile back. As for time wise, the sockets seem to be changed completely around to where you can’t use older processors every 2 ½ to 3 years or so. Back when I built the desktop in my sig, both Intels Socket T (LGA 775) was just coming out and Socket 939 was still fairly new if I remember right.

[n57flyguy]

No, Im glad you schooled me, I need to learn somehow.

If I build a PC with the newer AM2, I'll need a compatable Mobo, and Ill need DDR2 RAM. Correct?

[Kareeser]

Yes. AM2 Motherboards support the AM2 processor, and usually aren't backwards compatible. They utilise DDR2 RAM.

[freakitchen]

To re-iterate an important note GLC has recently brought up on the forums, if you're building an AM2 system soon then pay special attention to memory. The memory controller is proving very fussy, so make sure you choose your RAM from the certified list on your chosen motherboard manufacturer's website.

FK

[n57flyguy]

OKay, I'll definitley keep that in mind. Now, what brand motherboard should I get? how are ASUS?

[Panama Red]

I edited the title for ya.

[freakitchen]

Asus are top of the pile in terms of quality. I wouldn't recommend any other manufacturer for an AMD system (apart from perhaps DFI if overclocking is your thing)

FK

[Staren]

DFI is great. I'm considering them for my next build, but keep in mind that their motherboards are beyond picky. I was looking at their Socket 939 SLI boards awhile back and not only do you have to look at model numbers, but aslo spacific batch numbers. Just because some rather mundane thing had to be changed for one run of the model, you could go from a system that would run like a grayhound to one that won't even boot for you. If you're looking at AM2, I would have to assume that it's even harder at the moment. If you are willing to put the energy needed into the resrearch, then I'd say go for it.

Otherwise Asus is a very solid brand. You would not be disappointed with their quality.

[n57flyguy]

I did find some compatable Motherboards on newegg.com. the CPUs with AM2s are kind of pricy right now though, and DDR2 RAM is pricy too. what do you mean by looking for specific batch and model numbers?

Asus does look very good though, so does DTI, but I depends which one is more compatable.

Thanks Panama

[n57flyguy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...SubCategory=22

What is North Bridge/South Bridge and PCI slots?

[freakitchen]

You will always pay a bit of a premium for the latest product, which AM2 is. Don't forget that you can still build a socket 939 AMD system (the most recent socket before AM2), which is a tried and tested format, just as powerful with equivalent processors - and without the memory issues we're seeing with the new socket.

If you let us known your budget (and whether this includes a monitor) and what you want to use this computer for, then we can make part suggestions.

FK

EDIT:

What is North Bridge/South Bridge and PCI slots?

North/Southbridge is your motherboard's chipset. The Nforce chipset is AMD's best by far.

PCI Slots are expansion slots on the motherboard, into which you can plug various cards for certain features. Standard PCI is an older but still relevent technology, slowly being phased out by PCI-Express. PCI-Express x16 is the newest standard for video cards, for example, replacing AGP.

FK

[spartan015]

Gigabyte and Abit are pretty good motherboards too. I've had good expereinces with them. MSI has been going down hill lately though... but that's just my opinion

[Staren]

Originally Posted by n57flyguy I did find some compatable Motherboards on newegg.com. the CPUs with AM2s are kind of pricy right now though, and DDR2 RAM is pricy too. what do you mean by looking for specific batch and model numbers?

Well everything you find in a store has more ID info then just its name. Say for example you are looking for G.Skill brand DDR RAM for a DFI motherboard (a known good brand for DFI socket 939 SLI motherboards). Well there are 4 diffrent G.Skill brand sticks of memory that have the right amount of RAM, but only 2 are known to work really well. At that point you have to find someone who has built a similar system to you and get the exact model number they used and search for that spacific RAM. Thankfully it isn't usually that bad. You only have to do that when you have a known to be picky brand motherboard or bleeding edge technology like the AM2 is right now. Just as Freakitchen said above, if you are working with known picky hardware (you'll know, post a parts list here or just ask about something and if it has a rep, someone will speak up) find yourself a list either on an offical website or a community site and check what works.

[Kareeser]

Don't forget Intel manufactured boards... they're more expensive, but they work with practically anything (as far as I know, anyhow)

This only applies if you're building an intel system, however.

[Staren]

Originally Posted by Kareeser Don't forget Intel manufactured boards... they're more expensive, but they work with practically anything (as far as I know, anyhow) This only applies if you're building an intel system, however.

His orginal question was about AMD and AM2 so that's what our replies where to. Yes, if you are going to do an Intel build, an Intel motherboard should be the first place you look.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by Freakitchen You will always pay a bit of a premium for the latest product, which AM2 is. Don't forget that you can still build a socket 939 AMD system (the most recent socket before AM2), which is a tried and tested format, just as powerful with equivalent processors - and without the memory issues we're seeing with the new socket. If you let us known your budget (and whether this includes a monitor) and what you want to use this computer for, then we can make part suggestions. FK EDIT: North/Southbridge is your motherboard's chipset. The Nforce chipset is AMD's best by far. PCI Slots are expansion slots on the motherboard, into which you can plug various cards for certain features. Standard PCI is an older but still relevent technology, slowly being phased out by PCI-Express. PCI-Express x16 is the newest standard for video cards, for example, replacing AGP. FK

I firgured I would pay more for a newer product (makes sense). But I don't want to get something that I'm not sure whats it going to do yet, its my first build and I don't really know to much yet, I don't want to build something thats over my head, but I want to be able to upgrade it in the future. By the time I do start, I don't know if this will be a problem though.

As for my budget, I'm thinking $800-$1100 w/ monitor if possible. I want to use it for Moderate gaming (MSFS X and a few other games). I think that should be enough for a decent build of this type. Part guidence would be much appreciated. All I know is that I'm looking at ASUS motherboards.

thanks for the Info about the bridges and PCI slots.

Paul

[SputnikSweethrt]

Just incase you haven't seen this yet.. the ASUS site lists all the RAM that are tested to be compatible with their motherboards under the 'QVL Download' link

I.E. for Asus M2N32-SLI, the list is here

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by SputnikSweethrt Just incase you haven't seen this yet.. the ASUS site lists all the RAM that are tested to be compatible with their motherboards under the 'QVL Download' link I.E. for Asus M2N32-SLI, the list is here

Thanks!!! Didn't even think to look at it.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Just a little side note here. Currently upgrading right now to am2 is a complete waste of money, unless, of course, you like to spend 2x the money for something thats gonna underperform, and have issues, compared to something thats gonna be 10 times better and cheaper. Conroe is currently the way to go, Intel's newest chip is coming out July 23rd and we have already seen the immense performance its gonna bring to the industry thanks to few people with ES chips and some liquid nitrogen . Not only that but even some of the cheapest conroe's are totally demoloshing amd AND intel equivalents 2 or even 3x the price.

Just fyi.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Just a little side note here. Currently upgrading right now to am2 is a complete waste of money, unless, of course, you like to spend 2x the money for something thats gonna underperform, and have issues, compared to something thats gonna be 10 times better and cheaper. Conroe is currently the way to go, Intel's newest chip is coming out July 23rd and we have already seen the immense performance its gonna bring to the industry thanks to few people with ES chips and some liquid nitrogen . Not only that but even some of the cheapest conroe's are totally demoloshing amd AND intel equivalents 2 or even 3x the price. Just fyi.

thats what I was starting to think, but I'm going AMD anyway. MAybe next year I'll go for the AM2.

[SputnikSweethrt]

Originally Posted by Mr.Ferrari Conroe is currently the way to go

"currently" is an overstatement don't you think?
Isn't it going to be atleast another 3 months until it's generally available?

And AM2 is still a valid option for people that are planning ahead for upgrades in the future.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by SputnikSweethrt "currently" is an overstatement don't you think? Isn't it going to be atleast another 3 months until it's generally available? And AM2 is still a valid option for people that are planning ahead for upgrades in the future.

Thats why I didn't understand his arguement.

[Kareeser]

Radical (and unsubstantiated) opinions are the worst enemy when it comes down to choosing which processor to go with.

Both Intel and AMD are good, and while the Conroe is poised to lead, keep in mind that it is because it is newer. Just as if AMD released a new processor, it would be the fastest.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by Kareeser Radical (and unsubstantiated) opinions are the worst enemy when it comes down to choosing which processor to go with. Both Intel and AMD are good, and while the Conroe is poised to lead, keep in mind that it is because it is newer. Just as if AMD released a new processor, it would be the fastest.

But might it have problems like the new AM2? your saying that I should get a conroe thats brand new, but I shoudnt get a new AM2 because its new and may have problems.

[Mr.Ferrari]

No I what I meant was in about a month, as they are going to be released on July 23rd. But yes if you need to build a computer right NOW then just pick something right now thatll suit your needs. I was just saying that if you could wait, you can get something of much better performance for a much cheaper price. But am2 is going to amd's socket for a long while, so you dont have to worry about it being outdated anytime soon, so just pick whatever you like. And am2 shouldnt have too many problems aside from a few memory controller issues if any, the processors themselves are just fine. Conroe has been being used and tested for the past 1 to 2ish months, and even the early motherboards are looking rock solid and great
stability wise. Other then a new proc, intel isnt upgrading anything else that drastic such as new memory.

[glc]

We don't know for a fact that AM2 will be around for a long time or not. If I were building an AMD system in your budget range right now, I'd stick with 939. It's going to be a very viable computer for quite a while, when it becomes too slow, there will be vastly different and newer technology then anyway.

I'm still on Socket 478 and Northwood here - and it still performs very well.