Is the PII 940 BE still worth buying? Which motherboard?

[Sgt_Strider]

I'm currently using an E8400 as my main computer, but I'm looking to move to a quad core computer for encoding movies. I would like to reuse my DDR2 RAM so that's why I want to get a AM2+ mobo and the 940 BE. Is this still worth purchasing? Or I should look at the AM3 mobos and AM3 processors?

I've looked through a bit of websites and it seems like AM2+ motherboards are becoming rarer and rarer. Which boards from this site would give me the best chances of overclocking the 940BE? Which batch should I be looking for with the 940BE? My DDR2 RAM are the G.Skill F2 8000.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...minorcatid=134

[Hell Hound]

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...nufacture=ASUS As for stepping find out which one's whoever you buy from have and research them.

[BeepBeep2]

I'd look for an AM3 processor and AM2+ mobo...the 955BE C3 is a good choice. (I doubt the 940BE will able to OC very good)

The board in my sig is quite good if you can locate one...if not go for a non-ASUS 790GX board, they seem more common. I say that because ASUS'es AMD boards (non DDR3 ones) seem to lack a ton of features.


EDIT:

LOL Hell Hound Differing opinions I see.

[charged3800z24]

I am with Beep, get an Am2+ like either mentioned and the 955BE rev C3 (HDZ955FBGMBOX). Notice the M in the model, this is the C3 rev. if this was an I it would be the C2. Both are good chips, but the C3 offers better OC head room etc.

[Raiderman]

I had my 940 at 3.75ghz NB 2600 24/7. It was on an Asus M3A79T Deluxe

[5ILVgearX]

NCIX still has lots of AM2+ boards like the asus 790GX and gigabyte 790X in the $110 price range

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?m...minorcatid=134

make sure you use that price match

[Sgt_Strider]

NCIX still has lots of AM2+ boards like the asus 790GX and gigabyte 790X in the $110 price range

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?m...minorcatid=134

make sure you use that price match

Dude, the 790GX and 790X uses DDR3 RAM. I'm trying to reuse my DDR2 RAM if possible. If I stick with my G.Skill DDR2 RAM, all I need is just a new mobo and CPU.

[LinusTech]

Is there a reason you don't just want to add a quad core CPU to your current rig?

[Chrono Detector]

You should move to AM3, or if you want to reuse your DDR2, better to buy a Phenom II 955/965 C3 version instead, they overclock better. Forget the 940.

Oh, and I suggest the GA-MA790X-UD4P, it supports DDR2 and AM3 processors and it is a rock solid board, I love it, one of the best AMD boards I've ever owned.

[Serpentarius]

use AM3 .... the upcoming 6-core Thuban uses AM3 socket as well ....

[DosDuoNo]

use AM3 .... the upcoming 6-core Thuban uses AM3 socket as well ....

did you even read the OP's post and further reply to the use of his DDr2 ram?



you are totaly correct, get a 940BE and a AM2+ board,

some of the AM2+ boards can be had for cheap now, and the no garenteed overclock extra of a C3 965, does not justify the price differance.

the 940's are great chips, most peeps hit 3.5 gig easy, with 2400 mhz NB

some peeps get more, like 3.8 gig stable.

dont be fooled by the new revision C3 silicon, it gave no major advantages other than a couple of hundred Mhz'z

but is noted to have major problems hitting high NB's frequencys, which is of course needed to get the most from that g skill ddr2 you got

[SocketMan]

Dude, the 790GX and 790X uses DDR3 RAM. I'm trying to reuse my DDR2 RAM if possible. If I stick with my G.Skill DDR2 RAM, all I need is just a new mobo and CPU.

I am using a DFI 790gx M2RS (SB750+790gx) which is DDR2.
Why not just build another PC,keeping your existing one - I'v got 5 just at home and that's way below XS WCG/FAH standards

I'd go with an Athlon 2 X4 620 and the new DX11 IGP chipset (890xx) based motherboard that's supposed to come out very soon, plus some DDR3 (whichever NCIX got on Sale) a low wattage (300-400w) Antec PS and a harddrive - should be around 300 CDN altogether.
I only get staff there (at NCIX) that's on weekly sale,always something interesting.


If you must use your DDR2 - go with an AM3 cpu,it can be used later in a different socket,it is a big bonus in fact.

[gOtVoltage]

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...cture=Gigabyte

If you need to run Xfire...




If ya dont then get a nice Single card and this....
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...cture=Gigabyte

Both have great Bioses and will run any Chip...

Skip the 940 and get a 955/965/ or Unlock somthing like a PHII 550 or ...hehee,im hoocked on unlocking stuff..

The Best ATM..
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=AMD

955 over 940 any day...Its almost the Same price for newer Silicon.
( It will be better than 940 because of the IMC).
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=AMD

Me ,,I like to play with BudgetChips;
If it dont unlock you can always try another
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...anufacture=AMD

All CPU's are very well proven ,including the 940BE..
955(C2)/965(C3)/550(C2) all have C2 or better slicon and IMC's compared to 940's older stock'

940 on average clocks 3.5/3.6 with good air/water where as any of the other CHiips will most likely do better Overclocking...

Mature Bios are out for the Two Mobos..
Mobos are a key thing when tweaking you well spent money.
Both Have Hybrid option as well as ACC...Great Budget /Gaming Platform..

DX11 has now kicked off and as drivers mature .5750xfire/5770xfire or single5850/5870 if you want same performance with single card.

My Opinion ,,
what ive seen and Clocked ,, Go with a 955 (C2)or C3..it will use slightly less volts(Even When Oced) for the same Clocks that the 940 may or may not get. Its almost the same price too.

Im waiting for 555 until i get a C3 ....

[charged3800z24]

did you even read the OP's post and further reply to the use of his DDr2 ram?



you are totaly correct, get a 940BE and a AM2+ board,

some of the AM2+ boards can be had for cheap now, and the no garenteed overclock extra of a C3 965, does not justify the price differance.

the 940's are great chips, most peeps hit 3.5 gig easy, with 2400 mhz NB

some peeps get more, like 3.8 gig stable.

dont be fooled by the new revision C3 silicon, it gave no major advantages other than a couple of hundred Mhz'z

but is noted to have major problems hitting high NB's frequencys, which is of course needed to get the most from that g skill ddr2 you got

Not trying to be rude here, but I don't think anything higher then 2400mhz (that you clearly pointed out the 940 uses can get) will be any benefit for ddr2 ram. So a C3 Rev 955 or 965 would be adiquate. 2400mhz NB is a breeze on C3. And the price difference is not huge between the 955 C3 and the 940. If he decides to go DDR3 later he will have the chance that way, without having to get another board. That said, the 940 is still not a bad chip, so if the price makes a point then it will do you just fine.

[5ILVgearX]

Dude, the 790GX and 790X uses DDR3 RAM. I'm trying to reuse my DDR2 RAM if possible. If I stick with my G.Skill DDR2 RAM, all I need is just a new mobo and CPU.

dude, look carefully.

http://ncix.com/products/index.php?s...nufacture=ASUS

and "gotvoltage" also have a good combo listed for you.

and another one from another Canadian e-tailer

http://pccyber.com/?v=Product&i=MB-GA-MA790X-UD4P

[Darxide]

If you gonna go for an AM2+ board to reuse your DDR2, then the 940BE will do fine, if you can get one at a good price. It's still a Deneb core just without the DDR3 controller, which you won't be using anyway. (And you still get that important unlocked multi )

As Beep said, the Gigabyte is a good choice, and if you can't find a 940, or can't get one for a good price, then get the 955. But don't rule out the 940 on performance grounds. On a level playing field, ie both using DDR2, the 940 is more than capable of keeping up with the new kids. ( I run mine @ 3.6Ghz with a small Vcore bump to 1.40v )

[BeepBeep2]

Not trying to be rude here, but I don't think anything higher then 2400mhz (that you clearly pointed out the 940 uses can get) will be any benefit for ddr2 ram. So a C3 Rev 955 or 965 would be adiquate. 2400mhz NB is a breeze on C3. And the price difference is not huge between the 955 C3 and the 940. If he decides to go DDR3 later he will have the chance that way, without having to get another board. That said, the 940 is still not a bad chip, so if the price makes a point then it will do you just fine.

Faster L3 Cache speed...

Dude, the 790GX and 790X uses DDR3 RAM. I'm trying to reuse my DDR2 RAM if possible. If I stick with my G.Skill DDR2 RAM, all I need is just a new mobo and CPU.

Dude, the 790GX and 790X are just chipsets. You can reuse your DDR2 nomatter what chipset. If you stick with your G.Skill DDR2 RAM, all you need is just an AM3 CPU and 790X/GX mobo with physical DDR2 slots.


(Sorry, I was soo tempted XD)

[gOtVoltage]

OP ,,
THE 955 CPU with DDr2 scales better over 940 , especially when overclocked and will be more tolerant to Overclocking(It has a better IMC DDR2/DDR3)

This will give the benifit of DDR3 down the road with another Mobo if you choose too..

Going with a newer 955 or better will get the Best Bang for Buck and still leave you a good upgrade path in the future along with what you want to do ATM..

Pro's
A DECENT bUDGET ddr2 mOBO and 955(C2 or C3) and is very reasonable FOR nOW ,,
Down the road a DDR3/Mobo Ram will even be cheaper , when that time comes...



Con's
It cost $10 dollars more for 955

[SnipingWaste]

I would go with a AM3 CPU like a 955/965. You can later get a AM3 motherboard and use the AM3 CPU. If you go with a 940 you cant use it on a AM3 motherboard. Its better going with a AM3 CPU for this reason. As for the mother board a AM2+ is the way to go if your using DDR2 you have now. Gigabyte make a good 790FX AM2+ motherboard and I think they have a 790X one too. If you want to go with the new 6 core CPUs later then the AM2+ motherboards should be able to uses them too with a BIOS update.
http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Moth...ProductID=3031

[Hell Hound]

I think chew has some cheap cpu's for you !!!

[zoogma]

Not to hijack this thread or anything, but is the 925 PII not worth getting then? I read that my AM2 gigabyte mobo recently got a bios update that supports AM3, so I was going to go from my current 7750 dual core to a 925, which will be using a thermalright true 120. Is it really worth the extra ~$36 for the 955BE c3 over the 925?

[BeepBeep2]

The 955BE C3 has an unlocked Multiplier, stronger CPU-NB/Memory Controller, and will probably reach 300-400 Mhz higher on it's overclock than the 925 with a TRUE 120.

It's definately worth it.

[demonkevy666]

I'm still on a 940 ddr2 790FX with two 3870's XD talk about long in the tooth ^_^

[gOtVoltage]

Demon,,You know your itching to Up the Anti soon


C3 .....prices are pretty justified now.

Especially if you like to unlock and Overclock things.

[demonkevy666]

Demon,,You know your itching to Up the Anti soon


C3 .....prices are pretty justified now.

Especially if you like to unlock and Overclock things.

I've been waiting for 890FX for a while, some good tight DDR3, & a some 5,000 series card I just hope hybrid crossfire dosen't come as a fast as my crossfire 3870's or I'll be in low end segment soon haha.
At least there should be a six core Thuban in there with that upgrade massive over hall now :/. I wonder if Thuban will hit 4.0ghz on air lol taking much too long now for one thought that may be asking a bit much too.