Another 939 vs 754 mobo question

[lbeachmike]

Question -

Is a board based on a 939 processor faster than one based upon a 754 processor with the identical clock speed?

Thanks.

Mike

[Peter M]

Depends on the task. The higher RAM bandwidth on S939 doesn't matter until datasets are getting big enough to exceed the processor's cache size.

[lbeachmike]

Okay - so then this really means that upgrading to a 939 board does not buy me any extra performance and the only compelling reason for the upgrade is upgrade path for new processors?

I already have a 754 board w/ processor. Board has developed problems. Want to replace it. Trying to decide to go 939 or 754 on the new board. I've gotten mixed opinions.

Thanks.

Mike

[Midknyte]

generally a 939 chip of the same clockspeed (not PR rating) should be a bit faster due to the dual channel ram.

I would go 939, but you already have the 754 chip, so that makes it a difficult choice. if you have an expensive AGP card, like a 6800GT, then you'll probably want to just replace the motherboard. you would also have to run your memory in matched pairs, aka dual channel, on a 939.

[lbeachmike]

Okay - matched pairs is no probs. I do not have a high-end video card. I have a 9550 AGP which cost me about $140.

I have found one mobo which has both AGP and PCI-express support. Not sure whether or not that's the right way to go. I guess I'd ask the same question of PCI-express - what is the compelling reason to upgrade to PCI-express from AGP?

I currently do have a matched pair of Crucial memory sticks. Thanks for that tidbit of info, which is helpful.

Mike

[Midknyte]

the industry is moving away from AGP more quickly than expected. all of the new high end cards are PCIe only. there is no reason to hold onto AGP unless you put a lot of money into the card.

[lbeachmike]

I do like this board -

ASRock 939Dual-SATA2 Motherboard - also inexpensive at $69 and offers both AGP and PCIe.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_techspecs_full.php/masterid=11576580

I'm just wondering if both AGP and PCIe can be used simultaneously, because I currently have a dual monitor setup, handled nicely by my current card - but I also have a new plasma with a VGA input that I wanted to utilize via an additional card (unless there's one which can feed all three.)

If I go this route, I won't need to immediately replace my AGP card and I can use the saved $$$ on a faster processor or on more memory.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Mike

[Midknyte]

http://www.tomshardware.com/motherboard/20050916/index.html
Furthermore, an AGP graphics card can continue to be used even after the purchase of a PCIe model.

[lbeachmike]

Thanks for the link, though I'm not sure what to conclude after reading the review. It seems that their speed complaint would be more significant for high-demand gamers, but should not be an overall issue ... ? The performance difference seemed nominal to me.

Would it be expected that both AGP and PCIe can be used simultaneously with dual graphics cards for a multi-monitor setup?

Are there a decent number of cards taking advantage of the PCIe 1x slot, or is that going to turn out to just be wasted space?

Thanks.

Mike

[Midknyte]

according to the review you can use the agp and pcie together, but not in SLI.

there is nothing really out there for PCIe 1x yet.

[lbeachmike]

Thanks for all the help :)