Socket 754 vs. 939

[oarsome]

I'm confused with regards to the newcastle.

What are the key differences between these two sockets.

the L2 cache of a 754 is 1mb vs 512kb for the 939(isn't larger better?)

is it true that some of the newer socket 754 processors will support dual channel memory, or is that only a function of 939 newcastle?

I've heard that the 754 doesn't support more that 2 dimms of RAM on a motherboard, why is that and will it be corrected in future releases or is that also a feature of the 939 newcastle?

I'm confused as to the pro's of the 939?

If you where a gamer looking for a new system would you get a 754 or hold out a few more months for 939?

 

[P4Man]

>the L2 cache of a 754 is 1mb vs 512kb for the 939(isn't
>larger better?)

Correct, though K8 doesnt seem to need all that much cache. Compare a A64 3200+ and a 3000+ (same clockspeed, 1 MB versus 512kb, nearly identical performance).

>is it true that some of the newer socket 754 processors
>will support dual channel memory,

No. S939 A64 will be half the cache but dual channel instead of single channel. It will also sport 1 GHz HT, instead of 800 MHz. Everything combined, I'm expecting only a minor speed increase over S754, but the biggest upside is the better upgradepath.

>If you where a gamer looking for a new system would you get
>a 754 or hold out a few more months for 939?

Depends how much I'd want a new system. If my current one was obsolete and frustrating me, I'd get a s754 today in a heartbeat. In my case, I have a 2500+ and GF4 Ti, and it still serves me, even though I'm looking to upgrade. I'll probably wait for nForce3 250 S939 PCI-E boards

= The views stated herein are my personal views, and not necessarily the views of my wife. =

 

[TheRod]

If you where a gamer looking for a new system would you get a 754 or hold out a few more months for 939?

If you are the kind of guy who upgrade every year. The socket 754 is not a bad choice at alle right now. Because, we will find Video Cards with AGP for at least 1 or 2 year on the market and because the 754 platform will get at least a 3700+ rated CPU. Not that bad!

On the other hand, if you plan to keep your platform for at least 2-3 years. You might want to wait for socket 939. You will get more upgrade option with these board. If you wait and buy a PCI-EXPRESS + socket 939 board. You will have DUAL-CHANNEL memory support, PCI-EXPRESS for future video cards and the chance to upgrade to Athlon 64 4000+ (or higher) or to Athlon FX-55 (or higher).

Socket 939 is a better choice for the long term. Socket 754 is not bad at all, it's just that we already know that this platform will "die" by the end of 2004.

--
Would you buy a potato powered chipset?

 

[Mr_Nuke]

If you where a gamer looking for a new system would you get a 754 or hold out a few more months for 939?

I'd wait for the S939 and PCI Express, I can't upgrade or change my PC more often then 2 or 3 years. But if you just want a transition PC, wich you'll change very fast, buy the S754, though I suggest waiting.