AMD 64 3500+ worth it or should I go with 3200+?

[imported_oneiros]

Is the 3500+ worth the extra $70 or will the 3200+ be fast enough for my needs? I am a pretty hardcore gamer and have been using a Athlon XP 2400+ with a BFG 6800 GT for some time now. Athlon XP just doesn't get the job done anymore and have been looking forward to an upgrade for some time now.

 

[Mean MrMustard]

Get the 3200+ and with the extra $70 get a good HSF. Then overclock.

My 3200+ is running stable at 2520 Mhz w/ a Zalman AlCu.

 

[drpootums]

well, the 3500+ is a very good oc'er too. I've heard of it getting to 2.6 with no voltage adjustments.

 

[BW86]

Like ELP said, get the 3200 and a good HSF.

Im at 2.55 with the stock HSF but its getting a little toasty

 

[KoolDrew]

3200+ and overclock it.

 

[PVD]

3500+. Multiplier at 11 and stcck is faster which means faster overclock. Mine is at 2.5 right now with stock voltage.

 

[rpv]

Second what ELP said..get the 3200 and OC it....I am at 2.55 with XP-90

 

[Sparky19692]

I don't know I struggled with the same thought for about 2 weeks. finaly decided on 3500+ No OCed it's faster. if your into gaming stock doom3 time demo1 16X12 ultra setting 42.7FPS should sound good to you. Plus I can run at 237X11 2607 @1.475VDC stock cooling and Keeping memory at 1T. I have only had this rig for about 2 weeks now so I'm just going to run stock speed for a bit the bump it up once I feel I need to. right now its fun just to play with the changes and keep a spread sheet of the results for future OCing.

 

[BentValve]

I dont want to streal the OPs thread but I am in the same boat, kind of ..but I am running a P4 3.0ghz right now.