I recently won an ATI Radeon X1900XTX video card, and as my current computer does not have a PCIe slot, I have decided to build a new machine. I have decided on the AMD 64 X2 CPU line. My first question: I am basically down to these 2 CPUs: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...&Tab=2&NoMapp=0 or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...N82E16819103739 The main difference, as I see it is 400 MHZ faster speed on 1, and double the L2 cache on the other, with almost a 200$ price difference. So, for gaming, which is more worthwhile? The Bigger L2 cache or the 400 MHZ.
Second question: Crossfire is a big thing lately, but is it worth it? For now, I am only going to use this 1 video card, but in the future for upgrades, would it be worthwhile to purchase an identical card, much cheaper (and older), instead of buying a newer/faster card with new technology on it? Basically, which is better, the power of 1 new card, or 2 old ones? Though, I think I read that crossfire, unlike SLI, allows you to pair 2 different cards, so if I had a crossfire MB, I could buy that newer card and still use it with my current X1900XTX, which by then would be older, confirm?
Another thing, MBs are such a pain to choose. Brand wise, I know MSI and Asus are popular, and I have read good things about the DFI LAN party crossfire board. Any recommendations for a board that meets these requirements would be awesome. Serial ATA, Crossfire, LAN, DDR2, socket AM2, at least 4GB max RAM, 2 or more PCI slots.
Also the debate of AM2+DDR2 vs. 939+DDR, from my research, price wise the only real difference is the cost of the CPUs, performance is largely the same, atm, but AM2 has more future upgrade potential, which AM3(?) CPUs planning to be compatible with AM2 boards (Not sure). Thoughts/comments?
AND! I want a really over the top, insane heatsink for the CPU http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/cooler/combo/cl-p0024/cl-p0024.asp I was going to go with this one, but apprently it doesnt support the AM2 socket
Links to any articles/reviews on the topics I listed would be great.
Thanks for helping a nubbie like me! ^_^
Second question: Crossfire is a big thing lately, but is it worth it? For now, I am only going to use this 1 video card, but in the future for upgrades, would it be worthwhile to purchase an identical card, much cheaper (and older), instead of buying a newer/faster card with new technology on it? Basically, which is better, the power of 1 new card, or 2 old ones? Though, I think I read that crossfire, unlike SLI, allows you to pair 2 different cards, so if I had a crossfire MB, I could buy that newer card and still use it with my current X1900XTX, which by then would be older, confirm?
Another thing, MBs are such a pain to choose. Brand wise, I know MSI and Asus are popular, and I have read good things about the DFI LAN party crossfire board. Any recommendations for a board that meets these requirements would be awesome. Serial ATA, Crossfire, LAN, DDR2, socket AM2, at least 4GB max RAM, 2 or more PCI slots.
Also the debate of AM2+DDR2 vs. 939+DDR, from my research, price wise the only real difference is the cost of the CPUs, performance is largely the same, atm, but AM2 has more future upgrade potential, which AM3(?) CPUs planning to be compatible with AM2 boards (Not sure). Thoughts/comments?
AND! I want a really over the top, insane heatsink for the CPU http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/product/cooler/combo/cl-p0024/cl-p0024.asp I was going to go with this one, but apprently it doesnt support the AM2 socket
Links to any articles/reviews on the topics I listed would be great.
Thanks for helping a nubbie like me! ^_^