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..

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 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.