[Rate_Determining_Step]

Hey, I'm thinking of upgrading my motherboard/chip. I don't play games on my computers, so I never really considered any type of high-power hardware.

However, with this folding taking so long on my machine, I'm thinking I should get something with a little more zots.

I was thinking of a AMD Althon X2 3800+ 2.0 Ghz combined with a Asus motherboard. I'm not going to overclock - just don't have time of an extra hobby. But, any recommendations on bang-for-the-buck cpu/mobo upgrades?

Anybody know what F@H compares best to with classic benchmarks; CPU Whetstone, CPU Drystone, Sandra-integer or floating? As found on www.tomshardware.com.

Thanks,

[dfwddr]

I've been researching the same thing, except I'm not going duel core. I've been looking at the Athalon64 3700 2.2GHz w/either an Asus or an Epox board (leaning toward the Asus), but still undecided between the 754 or the 939 pin. The 754 supposedly runs at 2.4GHz w/800MHz FSB, while the 939 runs at 2.2GHz w/1GHz FSB. I'm not into the PCI-E, so the 939 is not a necessity. I'm still not sure what is more important to folding, pure proc speed, or a boost in the FSB. Either way I go, I want the nVidia 3 250 or nVidia 4 Ultra chipset. I've heard a lot of good things about both.

There's an interesting deal here on ebay, but you can buy the components separately just as cheap on ZipZoomFly or NewEgg(IF you don't have to pay tax!!). Also, try Pricewatch.

Good luck, and FReepmail me if you run into any unbelievable deals. I do the same to you.

[mouser]

What helped my computer a amd 3400+ athlon more than anything was going from 512 to 1 gig of memory changed in middle of fold and went from about 4-5 min a fold to the 3-3.5 min per fold. also i am on dial up out here in the sticks and it works just fine just hit 9000.

[Malsua]

I was thinking of a AMD Althon X2 3800+ 2.0 Ghz combined with a Asus motherboard. I'm not going to overclock - just don't have time of an extra hobby. But, any recommendations on bang-for-the-buck cpu/mobo upgrades?

Well, just from my perspective as a gamer, I'm going to dispense this now, take it for what it's worth.

Abit outstrips ASUS these days in performance. I run 2 Abit AN8 Ultra boards. Home and work. You definately need to make sure your box supplies good voltage. You will definately need a good cooler, I find the Zalman 7700 copper to be the best air cooling you can get. I tried others, this is it until you go to water cooling.

You need a recent power supply just to supply these boards, not sure what it's called but it's an extra connector that goes on the boards. Frankly, if your case is more than 2 years old, consider getting an Antec Sonata II. It comes with a 450 watt supply that gets the job done.