ComputerBB

I'm buying part to build another gaming machine. But, me being me.. I am killin myself over what to buy.

My options are:

Machine 1
Asus A7N8X-E http://usa.asus.com/prog/spec.asp?m=A7N ... e&langs=09
AMD Athlon XP 3200+ http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 343&depa=1

Total cost $328.99

Machine 2
Asus KV8-retailhttp://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... WSE&depa=1
AMD Athlon 64 3000+http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... 343&depa=1

Total cost $352.99

Both machines will be outfitted with the Swiftech heatsink and a 92mm Vantec Tornado fan http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDe ... WSE&depa=1

Is the difference of $24 worth it to me as a gamer? I mean, that's pretty much all I do when I am on the computer. I play Dark Age of Camelot, UT2003 and UT2004, America's Army, Call of Duty.. and maybe a few more in that genre.

I don't plan on buying Windows XP 64 when it's released, so no real gain on the OS.

Another major factor that scares the bejesus outta me is.. compatabilty issuses. Is all my shizz gonna work still?

Any thoughts you have toward my dilema would be greatly appreciated



p.s. Can someone tell me how you add the url into a word (click the colored/highlighted word and url opens)

there isnt much difference between those two machines, just make sure the mobo supports dual ddr and get some high quality ddr and you should be find

Go Athlon 64.
The scales for the numbers are different between the K7s and K8s.
When compared against the Pentium 4 3.2GHz EE, the Athlon 64 3000 won.
Also, if you could spend a little extra money on the 3200, you could say your CPU beats the Pentium 4 3.4GHz EE. For the extra cache 2 comes in handy.

Of course you have nice upgrade options with the 3000.

But, if possible, I would wait for the socket 939s (March 29th).
Since the 754s will go XP.
64s will go 939.
Opteron will go 940.

It would help in upgrading.

Also for RAM:
754 - Single Channel
939 - Dual Channel
940 - Dual Channel Registered

As far as Ram goes I always buy Cosair XMS


So I should not run into any compatabilty issues with my current software(s) and or games eh?

No.
Athlon 64s are not just 64-Bit CPUs.
They have 64-Bit extensions from their 32-Bit environment.
They are the best CPUs for the 32-Bit world.
We will have to see about the 64-Bit world.
But still, wait for the Socket 939s.
Not only do you not have to get Registered RAM with them, but you can also have dual channel.