Chipsets for AMD

[Steve]

Hi folks,

I need to put together a computer using an AMD processor. The guy wants a mid-range computer. Being an Intel kind of guy, I'm really AMD challenged. I'm figuring the 2500+ probably fills the bill. Yes? No?

What I really want to know is if you AMD guys can give me a little run down on chipsets for AMD or give me a link or two? I'm doing research and I know you guys can steer me in the right direction. :)

What should I be looking for? What should I be staying away from?

I'd really appreciate any imput...

TIA..:)

[saphalline]

Yep, AthlonXP "Barton" 2500+ would be my choice. As for a chipset, that's easy! There's really only one you should be looking for: NVidia's NForce2 Ultra 400. The absolute best performing chipset for the AthlonXP family, and it's just as cheap as the other chipsets. Hence the popularity. ;)

Single- or dual-channel DDR400 (DDR333 is enough for the 2500+) up to 3GB, 200MHz DDR FSB (166 for the 2500+), 6 USB 2.0, ATA/133, AGP 8x, etc. Look it up yourself, and others if you like, but you're not likely to find a better AthlonXP chipset.

[Steve]

Thanks saphalline, that's some good advice. I'm looking for a motherboard with onboard video. Not many have a NVidia chipset. VIA seems to be fairly popular. What do you think of chipsets such as the VIA KM400?

[pentachris]

I agree with saphalline - stick with the NForce chipset (even though the recently released VIA KT880 chipset puts up a good fight, the edge belongs to NVidia).

At $70 with free shipping (and a free NewEgg t-shirt :)), the MSI K7N2 Delta-L (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-419&depa=0) is a solid board that's hard to beat in terms of value.

Oops, just saw that you were looking for on-board video - the K7N2 doesn't have that...

[Steve]

Thanks Chris. Two votes for NVidia's NForce2. This computer is going to be a business machine. No gameing. Price is important. That's why I was thinking of onboard video. But if the NForce2 chipset is the way to go, maybe I'll start looking for a cheap to middle of the road video card.

Any more votes or info?

[saphalline]

Oh, bummer, a business machine. Ok, for onboard video? Yes, VIA's KM400 would be the way to go. In retrospect, you really need to say "business" instead of "mid-range" if that's the new PC's intention. Otherwise, being power users around here :D, we immediately think "value gaming machine".

[gwallen4]

I just built a system for a friend using a Biostar M7NCG400 nForce2 motherboard (with on board video (gforce4-mx440) $68 at ZipZoomFly with free delivery:

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=246410

I combined this with the Barton 2500+ Retail ($80 at NewEgg) and one stick of 256MB PNY PC2700 333 MHz memory which I got at BestBuy for $30.

I couldn't believe how fast this simple system ran and how cool (40 C. with the included heatsink/fan/thermal pad).

The only problem was that the included drivers wouldn't all work with Win98 and downloaded drivers from Biostar didn't support Win98 either.

I finally installed WinXP with absolutely no problem, but you can use Win98SE, WinME or Win2K, also.

[Steve]

How about a "mid-range business machine"? :p

Thanks for all the imput. I have a couple of more days before I have to order the parts. I tried to sell him on a Celeron or low end P4 but he has heard the old "best bang for the buck" slogan and wants to stick with it.

I'll compare the NVidia chipset with a middle of the road video card against a VIA chipset with onboard video and see which looks the best.

Thanks again...:)

[Beta Geek]

Go here (http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactory.asp?catalog=22&DEPA=1) and chose from the left hand options:

CPU socket type: Socket A (Socket 462)
Onboard Video: Yes

That will give you a fairly good idea of what’s available.

[Steve]

Hehe...I was searching through NewEgg but was ignoring the search function. Sure does make it easier. :D

[maurices5000]

guys i see what appears to be the same or similar MSI board for just $45. However, i've been afraid of buying one without the CPU with it. Is this an unnessary fear? I guess all i need is to find a processor such as Athlon XP to go with it? Is there any thing i need to know about he processors?

[saphalline]

However, i've been afraid of buying one without the CPU with it.:confused: What's wrong with that? I always buy my parts separately. That way, you can get just what you want! :D

What do you want to know about the processors?

[maurices5000]

Fears. it seems the safest way to go. I guess all i need to do is buy one that matches my bus speed and it is supported by the motherboard. I just know that if it is bundled it is compatible and i don't have to worry about that part. Can you tell me what i need to know to match a processor to a motherboard?

Why do they sell bundles if this is an easy task?

thanks very much. I'm just afraid of burning up stuff.:D

[saphalline]

Why do they sell bundles if this is an easy task?I guess it's not an easy task if you don't know all the ins & outs of CPU's and chipsets. I've always been a bit safer myself. The reason I know as much as I do is because I never bought a single piece of my first computer until I knew exactly what to do with it and why I picked it. This means it took me about 2 years before I touched a mobo :p but when I did finally get my hands on one, I knew everything about it.

Granted not everyone wants to go to these lengths, tho! The one thing I do recommend is that the choice of chipset should always be the third decision in any rig (the first two being CPU & RAM type). DDR is pretty much a given these days since it's so cheap, and it seems you want to go with an AthlonXP, so the next logical choice for a higher-end rig would be NVidia's NForce2 Ultra 400 chipset, right? ;)

This chipset supports the latest 400 FSB and Barton cores, as well as all previous SocketA CPU's, so literally any AMD SocketA processor will work (going back to the Duron 600!). All you have to do is decide on DDR333 or DDR400. If you can afford it, I would go with DDR400 because it gives you more breathing room for the future.

As for the CPU, the AthlonXP Barton 2500+ (333 FSB) has been a good deal since it came out, but you can move up to a 2600+, 2800+, 3000+ (two versions), or the 3200+ (depending on your budget). One of the 3000+ versions and the 3200+ use the 400 FSB, but even the 333 FSB is enough for the AthlonXP. Your choice...