Whats best?

Firstly, hello all =)

I'm about to purchase a Socket754 3200(newcastle)

I'm new to the A64 scene, and hope some of you could spare me your time.

Is the 754newcastle multi locked? If so can I unlock it?

@stock does the 754 perform better than my barton @2.4ghz?

Am I missing out on much with only 512kb l2 cache for games?

What's the best motherboard for really cranking them?

I realise the 939s are marginally better than 754s and hold future upgrades etc but this chip was second hand and a bloody steal.

Thanks all.

You're not gonna be be missing an extra 512kb that much. the s754 is still plenty fast for most games. If you can get a great deal then go for it!
Only make sure its an actual newcastle and not some kind of nuetured clawhammer C0 revision before you buy.
It should say something like ADA3200DEP4AX the AX at the end means its a real NewCastle, if its AP its a C0 clawhammer and sould be avoided, if its AR, its a cut down CG clawhammer and is just as good as the NewCastle.
So either AX or AR, avoid the AP.

the best motherboard for 754 without a doubt DFI "LANPARTY UT nF3 250Gb