I'm currently doing a bit of research into upgrading to a 64 bit processor. I'm looking at either a 3200 or 3500 MHz processor, socket 939. There is a 64 dollar price difference between then two. Is it worth the extra cash?

I think it is worth an extra 64 of your dollars.

That fastest CPU AMD has is 2.6 GHz. The model nubmers are 3200+ and 3500+, but that doens't mean they run at 3.2 and 3.5ghz

The CPU that clocks 2.6 is the FX-55. FX-53 clocks 2.4ghz.

As for the 3500+, it out-performs the intel 3.5ghz cpu's, but it is only clocked at 2.something The thing with AMD, is that their CPUs can accomplish more tasks per clock cycle. So, they are more effieicent.

And, yes it is worth the extra cash for the faster CPU. Get the fastest one you can afford.

Note: Socket 939 is better than 754. And better than 940 if you aren't running a server.

also try and pick up the 90nm version.

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Well, i've been doing a bit more research on the whole thing and I am a bit freaked out now. In the past I have had nothing but good things to say about MSI motherboards, but after reading the Anandtech forums, it seems that there are either a lot of novices attempting to setup these systems or there are some serious problems with the K8N Neo2 Platnum boards. Does anyone have first hand experience with this board and could shed some light on the subject?

Yes, I have used this board for about two months now. Runs great.

Best motherboard I've ever used, however, there is one minor problem. STAY AWAY FROM BIOS VERSION 1.3!!!! Flawed very badly. As long as you use bios version 1.2 or the beta 1.4, then you should be okay.

I think the major problem that people are having with bios v1.3 is the compatibility between the mobo and xtra low latency RAM.

Let me know if you have any more questions about this board, and I'd be glad to help.

What type of ps are you using, what hsf and also what speed of RAM? What I'd put into mine was a 420 W Vantec Stealth ps and 2x512MB Corsair 3200 Twinx memory. I'm looking at the Zalman HSF 7000 series. Let me know if you have any thoughts. From what I've read though, the newer winchester core processors will only be recognized under BIOS revision 1.3?

Well i would never use an MSI board but then again i overclock so ...

Processer: AMD FX-53 (939)
Mobo: MSI Neo2 Platinum
Memory: 1GB PC3200 Xtra Low Latency
Hard Drive: 360 GB 7200 rpm
Video: ATI Radeon x800 XT Platinum 256MB
PSU: 480watt ThermalTake
Other: Windows XP PRO, 4.1 Sound
Cooling: Retail CPU-HeatSink/Fan that came with the fx53

I see no need to overclock a system like this

The specs you listed should run smoothly together.

GoldFiles what drug are you selling to get that kind of cash?

The FX and ATI card are way overpriced for the performance you get.

Why would you not want to overclock??? What are your scores in 3dmark01, 03, 05 and AM3?

So, would you not want a dodge viper if you could get one?

Well, sure I would but a Viper costs as much as a small house. It'd probably be better to get a Corvette that's almost as fast and have a nice chunk of change left over. I mean, nobody's going to call yoru 'vette slow and you still save a bunch of money.