[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.

[Rate_Determining_Step]

Yeah, will do. I'm thinking Fry's chip/mobo combo might be the best. I'm not settled to any specific setup. Since I only use the machine for development, anything will be better than the 1.5 Ghz Celeron I've got now. It could with be the new Pentium D or the Althon series.

I've heard that the Pentium D ran hot. Wonder if this is still the case. Plus, I don't know how to set up the dual folding thing on a dual core processor. I'd rather not have to become an expert on this - although it's usually unavoidable.

[Mount Athos]

There is really is nothing wrong with socket 754. They actually perform just as well as 939 -- the 1 or 2 percent gain from "dual channel" memory is already factored into the CPU's speed ratings.

The only consideration is that 754 upgrades will be more limited, since dual core CPUs are only offered in 939 (and a new socket coming out in a few months).

If the price difference is major and you just want single core CPU anyway, then I'd do 754. Plus they have some low power consumption CPUs for 754 only (turion), would be nice to save a little power and cut down on noise.