939 upgrade dilemma

[mcnbns]

I know everything is going PCI-e, but I don't have the money for it and I've already got a decent AGP card (9800 Pro->XT).

Having said that, would you call me crazy if I were to purchase a Gigabyte K8NS-Ultra 939 and Winchester 3000+ (after E0 stepping CPUs are available, of course)?

Seeing as how I'd like not to replace my current sticks of EB with TCCD or something, I'm limited to basically two s939 mobos: the Epox 9NDA3+/9NDA3J or the Gigabyte K8NS Ultra 939.

The K8NS Ultra is about $40 CAD cheaper for me than the 9NDA3J, so is that the preferred choice, then? Is there a difference in overclocking capability between those two motherboards?

I know I hate replying to threads like these, so I would definitely appreciate any feedback from people. Thanks for caring.

[sandman]

I like my socket 754 K8NS PRO pretty well. Has a few quirks, but then all boards nowadays seem to.

[mcnbns]

Thanks for your repsonse, Sandman.

Is there anyone else with any input?

[D_o_S]

Wouldn't it be possible for you to sell your 9800 and buy a 6600GT, along with a DFI nF4 mobo?

[retrospooty]

your not crazy, that system will last you a long time.

DDR2, PCI-e, are not really big leaps ( If they are even leaps at all) and not worth spending cash on (yet).

[mcnbns]

Retrospooty: that's exactly what I'm thinking.

D_o_S: the reason I wouldn't do that is because I doubt I'll be able to break even selling my 9800 Pro -> XT and buying a 6600 GT. It just isn't going to happen. Even though it's vmodded and if I include the SLK-700 on it, I doubt very much anyone would give me $300 CAD for it.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

[mattbr]

when will the EO stepping be available?

[Korpse]

your not crazy, that system will last you a long time.

DDR2, PCI-e, are not really big leaps ( If they are even leaps at all) and not worth spending cash on (yet).

my views exactly

[BeSaiD]

i would try to buy a 6600GT, because PCI-e is the future (you "won't be able" to change that graphic card unless you change your mobo [you 'll be able to change it for a 6800GT or something like that, but not for a new one...])

And when the E0 arrives (is it Venice, right?) DFI nF4 board will be for sale.


Just my 2 cents :P

[DazzXP]

I agree ATi are not bothering with AGP anymore for their high end cards, nVidia is looking to drop them ASAP also.

[okra]

If you have a high-end AGP card, you're set for at least the next year in games.

my 2.3 ghz Tbred B & 6800Gt still rip right through CS:S, HL2, Doom3 @ 1280x960, 4xAA & 8xAF.

[BeSaiD]

yes, but he has a 9800@XT. It's a good card, but it's not the best or high-end anymore...

[retrospooty]

The dood says he is OK with his AGP 9800xt card... Yes, the future is PCI-e , but the systems he is considering now will still be good for quite a while. And to switch now, requires too much upgrade all at once. What about DDr2 ? He'll need a new mobo when AMD switches next year anyhow.

[charlie]

Make a careful analysis of what you need a rig for, is it a benchracing ONLY rig, or is it your 24/7? For gaming and whatever, is there really much 'dif between an nf4 with 1 x 6600gt and nf3/9800xt? Maybe a bit.... but how important is the 3.2%? We as enthusiasts always have to weigh out these things before we pull the trigger.
Me personally, I'd NEVER have a "cutting edge" 24/7 rig... it's too much $$$ to sit under your desk.
My 24/7 is A64 2800+ @ 2350 with tccd and a x800xtpe (9600xt when I'm using the PE in my benching rig)

So I'd say go with the K8NS Ultra and the new 3000+

[J-Pak]

I sold my socket A setup and decided on Socket 754. I only need something to last a year and a half or less till dual core A64 becomes available when I'll do a complete system overhaul.

I've got a good AGP card right now as well and going to stick with it until I make the huge upgrade.

[mcnbns]

Thanks for the advice, charlie. I only have one rig right now and it's my everyday/gamer machine.

As I told my cousin, I think the most fiscally responsible option would be an E0 3000+ and the K8NS Ultra. I don't really need anything more than that.

[perry_78]

Make a careful analysis of what you need a rig for, is it a benchracing ONLY rig, or is it your 24/7? For gaming and whatever, is there really much 'dif between an nf4 with 1 x 6600gt and nf3/9800xt? Maybe a bit.... but how important is the 3.2%? We as enthusiasts always have to weigh out these things before we pull the trigger.
Me personally, I'd NEVER have a "cutting edge" 24/7 rig... it's too much $$$ to sit under your desk.
My 24/7 is A64 2800+ @ 2350 with tccd and a x800xtpe (9600xt when I'm using the PE in my benching rig)

So I'd say go with the K8NS Ultra and the new 3000+

Yeah nice thinking. Unfortunately i can't afford 2 pc's at one time, so i sold my 6800GT and went PCIE. I would be doing this upgrade sooner or later so why not now.

If i could i would get a Dual XEON 1.6 D for my 24/7 rig, and a A64 as my benchmarking rig. Anyways i decided for the setup currently in my signature apart from the fact that i've got a Gainward 6600GT G/S GLH coming in instead of the hunk-a-junk MSI card.

I'm still at school doing a $300 a month job, with insane danish/nordic prices and parents who tolerate my hobby as long as i don't blow all my money into it. I doubt i am the only one who cannot afford 2 rigs running.

I am a gamer and farmer for a good cause, so i need performance in my 24/7 rig. I think it's a complete waste to have that FX-55 on the table and not running it. What's the point of spending 3 months of paychecks which every now and then makes you feel good when your good-old AXP is running those cutting edge games for you?

Just remember that you're going to upgrade to PCIE sooner or later, so you're going to be faced with a similair decision anyway at some point of time.


To say the truth, i would keep the Athlon XP setup if it runs at 2,7ghz for you. There won't be any major jump really. Otherwise I would get a 6600GT and DFI board, as that way you won't be investing into practically dead technology, and at least it will be future proof. If you go AGP it's just a small jump from the AGP, and in my opinion not enough to justify a €200 upgrade.