Simviation Forums

Hi guys,

I'm looking into buying an AMD 64 processor along with a motherboard and ram to replace the rubbish I have now.  A few computer people I know told me that AMD processors had quite a quick burnout.  Does anyone know roughly how long they last?  I know that they last a shorter time than intel.

And, could someone give me advice on the different processors and which motherboards and ram would go well, with average costing?

I have been looking at motherboards already, what does ATX and nforce3 stand for?

Thanks,
Greg

AMD processors last as long as Intel ones.  It is a myth that AMD processors burn out and don't last long.  It is likely without o/c'ing it will last many many years, it will last as long as any Intel one.  If you are worried about it over heating and burning out if the cooler fails you are ok, Intel have an on board system that de-clocks the chip to keep it cool, AMD don't use this method but use the bios on the motherboard that cuts the power to the processor if the cooler fails. So no need to worry about it not lasting long or burning out.  I would expect a typical processor age would be no less than 30 years.

As for processors, there is two varieties of AMD 64-bit processors, typically the AMD 64 and the AMD fx.  The fx is the very high performance range, where as the AMD 64 is the more cost-affective alternative.  If money is no object then fx is your processor.

For AMD 64:
AMD Athlon 64 2800 (Socket 754) - Retail (CP-084-AM)      

Also the new AMD64's run a lot cooler than the previous AMD cpu's.  

I can guarantee it will last longer than you will want to use it for with the way things are progressing these days!!

Thanks a lot guys, that was all very useful.

But I can only go for the cost-affective ones!  My parents earn Zimbabwe dollars which are absolutely worthless so the FX are out of the question!!!!!!  Considering that it would cost Zim$4,499,000.00!!!!!!  You could buy an OK system for that here!  Besides I want a good graphics card, rather than good system and ave card!  Don't forget a descent amount of ram!

Thanks again,
Greg

There is nothing wrong with the cheaper 32 bit systems if you are on a budget.

nForce3 is a 64bit chipset, you could go with an nForce2 - Ultra 400 chipset and a 32 bit AMD XP2500+ to XP2800+ CPU for a big saving in "Z" dollars.

It will still be quite fast.

Thanks,
Greg

keep it cool and it'll be happy.