Well I'm having a tough choice in choosing what AMD processor to go with do I go with AMD 9950 phenom chip or go with AMD 9850 phenom chip... I know there isn't much of a difference,but I want a fast processor with no lag and hang ups... I can spend about 250 max on one and perfer AMD.. also I hear their coming out with a new socket.. am3 or as3 something like that towards end of the year... if I go with either AMD processors,what mobo would be my best option,looking to spend about 175 on a mobo.I appreciate any help and info on these products..

do I go with AMD 9950 phenom chip or go with AMD 9850 phenom chip...

My considerations for that choice would be the available thermal margin in the chassis I had selected (9950 dissipates more heat), the impact on my selected power supply's power budget (9950 uses more power), and cost (9950 costs more). I doubt you will see any consequential performance difference between the two in anything except a benchmark. I'd spend the extra cost of the 9950 on memory or a better heatsink if you're buying a boxed processor.

AMD offers a recommended motherboards and components search tool in the Phenom product section of their web site. Start your quest for stability there. However, that said, I no longer deal with any of the motherboard companies listed for the 9850 due to issues with their boards over the years. Tyan's (http://www.tyan.com) products have yet to rub my fur the wrong way, but their boards are more business-centric and may not suit your intended application, nor show up in the AMD recommended lists.