Simviation Forums

So I've got an idea for a processor, how about a new motherboard?
Currently its an Asus P5N-MX:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6813131230
But I reckon as it's not PCI-2 compatible, I could probably get more out of my GTS 250 if I get a new motherboard.
Not sure what to get though? And are some not compatible with some types of processors?

http://asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=bLVB6rzf6bPajeg5

Yes it is not PCI-E 2.0 Compatible, I would get a PCI-E 2.0 as it effectively doubles the speed at which the data can transfer

So if I might get an AMD Phenom II, I need one which supports this cpu. Is it worth getting one with DDR3 memory or is DDR2 fine?

Go for PCI-E 2.0.

Phenom II will work in SOME socket AM2+ motherboards, and all socket AM3 motherboards. I doubt there will be a significant performance difference between DDR2 and DDR3, however make sure your motherboard supports your planned memory before purchasing.

Personally I would go with DDR3, because DDR2 is old, and beginning to be discontinued... its prices are rising and may be expensive or hard to purchase in the future.

I don't know how fast memory you should get, because I don't know much about AMD. As always, read reviews on motherboards and memory. I don't know much about the AMD platform, so it may be worthwhile to get a 2nd opinion...

Go for PCI-E 2.0.

Phenom II will work in SOME socket AM2+ motherboards, and all socket AM3 motherboards. I doubt there will be a significant performance difference between DDR2 and DDR3, however make sure your motherboard supports your planned memory before purchasing.

Personally I would go with DDR3, because DDR2 is old, and beginning to be discontinued... its prices are rising and may be expensive or hard to purchase in the future.

I don't know how fast memory you should get, because I don't know much about AMD. As always, read reviews on motherboards and memory. I don't know much about the AMD platform, so it may be worthwhile to get a 2nd opinion...

Thanks for the tips. 
I'll go for this as my processor:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AMD-Phen ... 25W-Retail
and this as my motherboard - maybe: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Asus-M4A ... I-E-20(x16)-DDR3-1333-1600-1800-SATA-3Gb-s-ATX

Will both of those plus my GTS 250 run fine on my power supply. I think this is the PSU: http://www.corsair.com/products/hx/default.aspx
Corsair 520 watt with 40 amps on the 12 volt rail.

I'll go for this as my processor:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/AMD-Phen ... -32GHz-8...

Great.

There are two versions of the Phenom II 955. The C3 revision may overclock more easily than the C2 revision - but the difference is not great. More on this later.

and this as my motherboard - maybe: http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Asus-M4A ... I-E-20(x16)-DDR3...

That motherboard is DDR3 only.

and

The 1.00G PCB version of that motherboard with version 0201 BIOS, will ONLY support the C2 revision of the Phenom II 955 and NOT the C3 revision of the Phenom II 955. If you get a newer version with the 1.01G PCB and version 0605 BIOS, then it will support both the C2 and C3 version of the Phenom II 955.

Look at the CPU support list (and also check the memory support list)...:

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=v ... templete=2


Either get a different motherboard, or email the store about which CPU revision or motherboard revision you are getting. They should be able to tell you as there is usually a sticker on the side of the box that says.

Other than that, very good board.

Will both of those plus my GTS 250 run fine on my power supply. I think this is the PSU: http://www.corsair.com/products/hx/default.aspx
Corsair 520 watt with 40 amps on the 12 volt rail.

Yes.

Good PSU.

That motherboard is DDR3 only.

and

The 1.00G PCB version of that motherboard with version 0201 BIOS, will ONLY support the C2 revision of the Phenom II 955 and NOT the C3 revision of the Phenom II 955. If you get a newer version with the 1.01G PCB and version 0605 BIOS, then it will support both the C2 and C3 version of the Phenom II 955.

Look at the CPU support list (and also check the memory support list)...:

http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=v ... templete=2


Either get a different motherboard, or email the store about which CPU revision or motherboard revision you are getting. They should be able to tell you as there is usually a sticker on the side of the box that says.

Other than that, very good board.

So DDR3 motherboards aren't backward compatible with other types of memory?
I'll search for a 1.01G PCB.

Edit: I'm not too bothered about overclocking, so apart from that there isn't any major difference between C2 and C3 is there?
Another edit: I can't seem to find a motherboard which works with the processor I was looking at above in the CPU support list.
Sorry about all this.

So DDR3 motherboards aren't backward compatible with other types of memory?

Some might be. That motherboard is not.

Edit: I'm not too bothered about overclocking, so apart from that there isn't any major difference between C2 and C3 is there?

Probably not.

However, the C2 processor has a 125 watt rating, the C3 processor has a 95 watt rating. The CPU in your link was 125 watt so it should be the C2 revision and should work with that motherboard.

I think it should work, but you're better off asking the store, or asking someone else because I don't know much about AMD.

Sorry...