Since HLP sucks lately in terms of stability, (and also, since I like the atmosphere here, better and feel (hope) I can get a good opinion and some decent answers from you lot, Ive copied this post from HLP here, too, and wish to comapre responses.



Im looking to posibly be building a new MicroATX AM2 rig in the next few months, and I have seen that there is quite a bit of new technology out there. Much more than I had anticipated there being. Now... I've narrowed my selections down quite a bit, but still have a few questions that I am not sure where to find the answers to. Mainly these two:

AM2 Wattage Versus Performance
Current Video Card Options


Ok, so. For the AM2's:
I'm looking to get an Athlon 64 X2 4200+. But, there seems to be two flavors, nm 89w and a 65w. What is the major differences, cons, pros, etc of the two? There is only a $5.00 price difference between them, and Im kinda leaning towards the lower wattage chip, but I dont understand what the difference is.


As fas as video cards go:
Im looking at either the nVidia 7600GS/GT, or the X1800GTO. There's about a 20.00 price difference between the two, and Im interested as to which is the best choice for getting the most out of it?


Any and all suggestions will be most appreciated. I'm set on getting a MicroATX machine, so please dont try to tell me reasons not to for that, just these are the only issues I am uncertain on. Thanks.[/list]

Well, I can't help with the wattage, but I've been using the X1600 for a while, so has Hunter, though he had some problems at first, it seems to be running ok for him now

I've found the X1600 to be a great card, my only real problem has been with RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, which suffers from jerkiness during things like Firework displays and any scene which has lots of lensflares etc, but I don't know if that is a Hardware or DirectX problem.

I use an AGP version, but my brother has a PCI-E version, which is utterly incredible, pushing 109fps whilst docked in Eve

Well, I appreciate the feedback. Havent made a decision yet. Guess when I do build, I'll be forced to use the integrated graphics on the Microatx boards (Since they all seem to have it) until the new generation of cards are out...


Now.. Intel or AMD? Is Intel really that much better this round, or is it negligible?

I've been out of the loop techno wise so don't have much to add sorrys.
Did you try a google search for some of those questions?

@Flip, how is old Yogi?

processor is good but do NOT buy a 7600. it costs more and is *worse* than the 6800. if you really want to splurge, get a 7800, otherwise get a 6800.
even tho the 7600 is next gen, it lacks the power of the 6800. remeber how nividia names their cards. the first number is the generation, the second number is the "power" of the card. so while the 7600 is next gen, its only a 600 so it doesn't have as much power as the 6800.

Grug wrote:
@Flip, how is old Yogi?

He's not too bad thanks, he's actually been using Terakas' lately, since I was going to close the account for a month or two, so my mining skills are being put to use as an alt for Yokoso

Well, I built the rig, and am currently waiting on newer video cards to come out to see what my options are.

The system is a core 2 duo, 1 gig DDr2 800, and so far integrated graphics.

The unit is an intel GMA X3000, which is supposed to be a great card (HTL, even!) but Intel are taking their sweet time making drivers that actually make use of any of the features, and there's almost no OGL support to speak of, for some reason, under Vista.