Phenom 2 spec check

NightmareXX · 8 Jan 2009 at 11:22

Time to upgrade my system to something a little more powerful. Currently using a socket 939 X2 4200, 3GB RAM and a 512MB X1900.

Upgrading to....

Anything wrong/could change?

harris1986 · 8 Jan 2009 at 11:25

looks fine although I'm sure you could get a 1gb 4870 for that price, I presume your going to keep your case/dvd drive and psu?

NightmareXX · 8 Jan 2009 at 11:28

Yea I've got the rest of the system right here just waiting to be used (Antec 1200, 750W FSP PSU, 2x 500GB and 1TB HDD's). The chepest 1GB is £212 and from what I've read, it's only really useful when gaming above 1920x1200 (which I won't be).

Tetras · 8 Jan 2009 at 11:38

Is the shipping BIOS alright?

NightmareXX · 8 Jan 2009 at 11:41

Based on the official asus website, I'd say yes as Phenom 2 is AM3.

http://support.asus.com/cpusupport/cpusupport.aspx?model=M3A79-T Deluxe also confirms support for Phenom 2 with the BIOS being dated 11/12 (Not sure which -.- )

redeye_uk · 8 Jan 2009 at 12:37

Don't forget you qualify for free shipping

orderoftheflame · 8 Jan 2009 at 12:39

redeye_uk said:
Don't forget you qualify for free shipping

Don't think you can apply free shipping til the checkout.

NightmareXX · 8 Jan 2009 at 12:47

Oh I know about the shipping, just don't login until I want to buy something. I've swapped the Asus board for the DFI one (this one here) as it's cheaper and I want the system under £650. Comments?

alien.46.uk · 8 Jan 2009 at 13:47

The current releases of PhenII will work on AM2+ Boards so all is ok in that area. There are some AM3 releases due, but I think they're aimed for February. Probably with a little premium for it being a new socket type, plus a premium on the boards I'd imagine.

My only worry is AM2+ PhenII will be limited compared to AM3, but I really dont know about that.

I'm planning on a near identical build as above, but using the Dominator Ram and Fan set-up (planning on clocking everything) ... Possibly

I'm not sure about the DFI swap, the Asus is a damn good board, not heard much on the DFI

alien.46.uk · 8 Jan 2009 at 13:49

Also, forgot to add ...

As to the GFX, you can get 1Gb models for little more, so may be worth it for just the small premium. Can do nothing but help possible future situations ... ?

NightmareXX · 8 Jan 2009 at 13:58

I can't really see 1920x1200 becoming something everyone will have in 2-3 years myself, I imagine a lot of people will find it too imposing so as far as a 1GB card goes, I'm going to give it a miss. Reviews and such don't give a benefit of a 1GB over 512MB at 24" res so I'll save the cash.

In regards to the DFI board, the anandtech site uses the DFI board on their Phenom review so it must be worth using.

alien.46.uk · 8 Jan 2009 at 14:30

Hmm ... Personally never sure with Anandtech, but that's just my thoughts, stick with it, see what it's like is all I can say.

And fair enough to the card, but I know what I'd do for an extra tenner

.

Good luck.