AMD Sempron 3000+ and MSI K8NGM-V

[The_YongGrand]

Yes, here's my second review, this time I bought the set of AMD Sempron processor and a MSI K8NGM-V to replace my Celeron rig. The price? Now most of the computer shops in my place are selling away these 754s to make new space for the new stock, which is Socket AM2 processors.

And best of all, they have discounts - the combination is only around $100 - no more and no less than that.

Here's my review:

AMD Sempron 3000+ Palermo E6

This processor is similar to the other Socket 754 Semprons (E6 cores) in terms of number of instructions - MMX(+), 3DNOW(+), SSE1, SSE2, SSE3, x86-64

However the cache size is only 128K and the speed is 1.8GHz. On top of that it has a special feature - Cool and Quiet. Only Semprons 3000+ and above this function is present.

Pros:
1.) Complete set of instructions, and the 64-bit function is really useful for newer operating systems and even Linux systems.
2.) Runs in very low temperature. (36-48 degrees celcius)
3.) Cool and Quiet function - good for those who have their comps turned on for 24/7 without frying the processor (like in the office) and also makes an ideal HTPC (Home theatre PC?)

Cons:
1.) The retention clip looks too simple, thin and flimsy. I thought it'll break when I try to move it.
2.) Very paltry amount of cache (128K) actually scares off power-users, but the cache amount is very unsignificant when running most applications (unless one wants to run cache-intensive programs).
3.) For the Cool and Quiet to function, you must install the drivers first prior to installing any other motherboard drivers. The function will disturb the performance of games and you must turn it off if you are playing games or doing video-editing.

Rating for AMD Sempron 3000+ : 9/10 ( minus one for the low size of cache! )

MSI K8NGM-V motherboard

This motherboard is packed with lotsa features, like the built-in Geforce 6100 and two PCI-E slots (one is the short one and another is the x16 one). If you don't really like the onboard video you can choose to install a PCI-E video card into the system. You must have a 24-pin ATX connector for your PSU before installing the motherboard!

Pros:
1.) Onboard video is very good - very sufficient for playing DVD and some less performance-demanding games like Grand Theft Auto series. Makes a good budget PC without spending too much.
2.) Cheap and simple. Good nVidia chipset.
3.) Drivers set and package of connectors (IDE, SATA, floppy) are very complete.
4.) There's no more Reset CMOS jumper - just only the button. You press it once, it resets immediately.
5.) CMOS battery life indicator. That's so bizzare right?

Cons:
1.) BIOS boot-up screen is going too fast - sometimes I couldn't get to see it at all.
2.) Onboard video performance is lacking - you might need a seperate PCI-E gfx card if you want to play better games.
3.) The first installation of nVidia chipset drivers makes installation of AMD64 processor drivers to become haywire - it is advised to install the Cool n' Quiet drivers first (or AMD processor drivers) before installing the nVidia chipset drivers. Or else the C n' Q function refused to work.
4.) Overclocking function severely lacking.

Rating for MSI K8NGM-V motherboard: 8.5/10

Overall rating: 8.8/10 - Good for HTPC configuration, ideal office PC, great normal home use PC for everyone!

[Powertrip]

I'd be interested in seeing how it does on PCMark2004 Benchmark with that board and how much ram? Then we can compare it to Socket 478 Cerlon Jobies with onboard video as well.

[The_YongGrand]

I'll do some very rough comparisons - A Celeron D 2.66 is roughly equivalent to a Barton 2500+, and also maybe my Sempron 3000+ is just something like a Barton 3000+ or a 2800+.

Btw, I equipped the comp with 1GB RAM and a 7300GT videocard - works quite nice. But don't expect this combination with the processor to multitask though - try doing simple one instead.