A64 San Diego @ 3.2 GHz - worth upgrading to C2D ?

[gene57]

Guys, I'm asking for your suggestion: it make sense to update my current AMD rig (A64 3700+ San Diego s939 - 1MB L2 cache - running at 3.2 GHz, 290x11, mobo Abit KN8 Ultra, PNY 7900GS @ 575/1400MHz, 2x512MB Ballistix DDR500 @ 290MHz - 2.5-4-4-8-1T)?
I'm considering like everybody else to move on a E6300/E6400 rig, very expensive move, I will be better sell my whole stuff and build a new computer from scratch.

But I will do it, if the difference in performances (mostly for gaming) is remarkable. Otherwise I could be simply upgrade only my video card to a 8800GTS and be happy for one year or so - I hope.

How much faster in your opinion a C2D will be, compared to my (I believe still very respectable) A64 @ 3.2 GHz?

Regards,
gene57

 

[Shimmishim]

what resolution will you be running your games at?

 

[Mallet]

Consider an upgrade to 2GB, before the 8800gts.

 

[Pohemi]

At this time, not a lot of PC games make use of both cores on a DC proccesor. You've got a nice OC on that 3700, personally I'd stick with it a little longer.

 

[Avalon]

3.2Ghz on...water?
You have to figure how far you'd get with a C2D on a similar cooling solution. If on air, the C2D will hit around the 3.2-3.5 ballpark, which doesnt seem worth the effort of an overhaul, unless you're in need of a dual core processor. Most games won't take any advantage of an extra core, though, with the notable exception being Quake 4. You'll also have to figure in the games coming out next year.

Either way, your best option by FAR is to just get an 8800GTS, with a close second getting 2GB of RAM.

 

[harpoon84]

On any current game besides Oblivion and Flight Simulator X, you will see very little benefit from upgrading from your current CPU. A 3.2GHz A64 is nothing to be sneezed at.

More games are becoming multithreaded though, so you may find yourself missing that extra core in the not so distant future. Of course, you can always upgrade to an X2 on your current setup (as long as S939 X2s still exist...)

 

[Furen]

Wait for Nehalem

Seriously, though, I doubt you'll get much out of a new CPU. Higher framerates, yes, but most games should be playable on your CPU well into 2008. At the very least, I'd wait on the 45nm parts just for the hell of it (unless you're really itching for dual-core, in which case I'd either upgrade to an X2/Opteron or go for C2D).

 

[OcHungry]

Originally posted by: harpoon84
On any current game besides Oblivion and Flight Simulator X, you will see very little benefit from upgrading from your current CPU. A 3.2GHz A64 is nothing to be sneezed at.

More games are becoming multithreaded though, so you may find yourself missing that extra core in the not so distant future. Of course, you can always upgrade to an X2 on your current setup (as long as S939 X2s still exist...)

I see that you are more objective in your recommendation.
To OP, stay where you are for now and wait till mid 2007 if can. AMD's 65nm (sAM2) is showing promising outlook and K8L will be even better. By mid 2007 Intel's C2D platform will improve and most probably cheaper (memory, motherboard, and CPU) because K8L will be a though competitor. You will have better idea by then which platform to upgrade to. Don?t spend money on ram either because DDR may not be your choice (if change platform) and DDR2's have been overpriced since C2D release.

 

[Duvie]

Where have you seen promising results of AM2 65nm parts??? Link please

 

[harpoon84]

Originally posted by: OcHungry
I see that you are more objective in your recommendation.

Yeah dude, Intel owes me my last paycheck so until they pay up I will remain 'objective'. Then I will start saying C2D is better than X2 again. LOL

 

[gene57]

Thanks for all your inputs!

Some requested info on my current cpu o/c: I use serious air cooling (Thermalright XP-120, TT 120mm adj fan running at 1500rpm - dead silent).
The cpu is a socket 939 San Diego 3700+, 1MB L2 cache, lucky buy from NewEgg.
I've got a KACAE 0605APAW stepping, running 2860MHz (260x11) at stock voltage (1.35V), 25C idle.
Currently I'm running 3.2GHz (290x11) at 1.45V, 28C idle.
I'm sure there is still a lot of room, but I'm scared to kill or damage a so nice cpu. Suggestions are very welcome: how much would you push my 3700+, and how? Thanks...

I also forgot to mention a very important detail: I've recently installed (gift) a beautiful Dell 3007 30" widescreen LCD, so my native resolution is now 2560x1600.
This is in fact putting a lot of stress on the video card...

Regarding my CPU/memory/mobo update, after reading your well taken points, I'm now inclined to wait and see for at least 6 months.
Maybe some current platform will be cheaper (C2D-DDR2) or maybe AMD will resurrect I would love it though.

Instead I do believe I need some serious boost in the video department. An 8800GTS now would be a good buy? Or I better wait for prices calming down?
Honestly my PNY 7900GS 256MB is very recent buy, and also another good overclocker: is doing 575/1400MHz on stock voltage, stock cooling, and all at less than 60C under heavy load (stock 7900GS is 450/1320). Anyone making offers?

Again, thanks to everyone, and regards,
gene57

 

[Shimmishim]

At the resolution you will be gaming at, you will be gpu limited.

The 8800GTS is the best option for you.

As for pushing the chip, 3.2 is awesome for 1.45 volts. you could proaby squeeze out another 100 mhz with a .1 to .15 volt increase (just a guess) but you'll need to watch your temps.

 

[OcHungry]

Originally posted by: Duvie
Where have you seen promising results of AM2 65nm parts??? Link please

What?s to you? You?ve got more than you can handle already. Or is it just another new toy hitting the market and like a spoiled adolescent have to have it?
Oh excuse me, I made that up, call up for my banning, I am spamming this time.

At Harpoon,
Did you really have to be sarcastic?
For a moment I thought you grew up and behave maturely. But then again, your past tells a lot about you.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=490531

 

[zsdersw]

Of all the people here, OcHungry, you're the last who should be pointing fingers at the past of others.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim
At the resolution you will be gaming at, you will be gpu limited.

The 8800GTS is the best option for you.

That seems like the most prudent choice for now. Besides, if you do change your mind and switch to a newer platform (whichever that will be) the video card can make the switch with you just fine, unlike DDR RAM or a dual core socket 939.

 

[harpoon84]

Originally posted by: OcHungry
At Harpoon,
Did you really have to be sarcastic?

Hell yeah I did! I don't appreciate your smartass line "I see that you are more objective in your recommendation" as if I'm some kind of fanboy whose come good or something.

Or did you already forget you accused me (and others) of being 'paid by Intel'.

 

[OcHungry]

Originally posted by: harpoon84

Originally posted by: OcHungry
At Harpoon,
Did you really have to be sarcastic?

Hell yeah I did! I don't appreciate your smartass line "I see that you are more objective in your recommendation" as if I'm some kind of fanboy whose come good or something.

Or did you already forget you accused me (and others) of being 'paid by Intel'.

I remember you used to use phrases like "Intel whipping AMD, why would anyone want to buy AMD, etc, etc" If I have accused you of Intel paid marketer, was because you sounded like one. Maybe you have changed, maybe you were proven wrong, or maybe ?Intel owes you a paycheck" I don?t know. But I am glad that you are more sensible person and can be fair minded and objective. And I did not mean to come on you as "smartass" If I did, I apologies.

 

[foges]

Another bump for video card upgrade, esp because of the screen.

I just purchased this processor, so out of interest, i am wondering what exact settings you used to get this clock? was it only a change of: 290x11 at 1.45V or did you alter other settings as well?

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: OcHungry
Or is it just another new toy hitting the market and like a spoiled adolescent have to have it?
Oh excuse me, I made that up, call up for my banning, I am spamming this time.

Get out.

 

[nyker96]

I think an upgrade to 8800xxx will be bigger improvements than the C2D route for games. Going C2D considering you coming from DDR will be expensive and doubt that money can buy as much boost as 8800xxx. If you running everything at highest resolution and setting, your g-card will be the bottleneck and an upgrade to 8800 will probably double your pleasure quickly and without the extra cost.

 

[Noubourne]

3.2Ghz on air?

I'd like to see some 10+hr Prime 95 screens to prove that.

In any case, as mentioned, you'll get a lot more mileage out of an 8800. That's the one thing you'd be able to keep and slap in your future upgrade. The other option of course is a full-on upgrade today, but I really think you'll get a bigger leap waiting till summer.

 

[BassBomb]

Not worth the upgrade. Get 2GB and a new video card.

You can always run lower res with black bars (for nVidia especially) if your video card is overly stressed.

 

[Shimmishim]

Another thing.

Be sure you have a big enough PSU to support the power draw from these beasts.

I'm not sure about the GTS but I know the GTX requires 2 of the pci-e adapters from the PSU.

these things are power hungry!

 

[gene57]

My San Diego 3700+ was really a big surprise for me...
Honestly I didn't expect to reach that speed on air cooling, and also with no serious overvoltage applied. I'm not using any particular setting in BIOS, actually I started o/c keeping the CPU multiplier at stock (x11) and pumping up the HTTclock (my RAM are DDR500). The only voltage I'm changing from default is the CPUvoltage (from 1.35V to 1.45V), and also HT multiplier is x3.
Temps under load are absolutely low (checked in BIOS and using AbitEQ tool), something like 37C after 1 hour memtest/superPI. Logically all depends from the very low voltage applied, and also the XP-120 is still a very good heatsink. Remember that the CPU is stable up to 2860MHz at stock 1.35V... I believe I was very lucky with my San Diego.

Back to my original question, I'll definitely go for a 8800GTS card, and maybe an upgrade to 2GB DDR if I'll find some nice trading deal.

My last question: I'm using at the moment an Antec TrueControl 550W PSU, old generation ATX12V, the one with 20-pin ATX connector. My Abit KN8 Ultra is one of the few motherboards not asking mandatorily for a 24-pin PSU, and my system is rock-stable in the current configuration. But... how things will be with a 8800GTS? I would say still good (my PSU is an old style single +12V rail, but still rated for a whopping - for the time - 30A on +12V). Opinions?

Thanks for all the useful comments and have a nice day!
gene57

 

[Shimmishim]

I think with an upgrade in mind, upgrading your psu to something heftier would be a good investment.

I still use my ocz powerstream 520 and have been using it for over 2 years but I will be upgrading it soon knowing that if i upgrade to an 8800, i'm gonna need more power.