amd 64 x2 4600vs4800

[Tucmox]

Ok, here is what I'm looking at:
AMD 64 X2 4600 Windsor vs. AMD 64 X2 4800 Windsor .
I know both of these are also offered in the Toledo version but, I think the Windsor will support DDR2 800 where the Toledo only supports DDR 400 (am I right?). I've looked at benchmarks on Tom's site and the two are really close in performance.
Since my rig is only 6 months old (AMD 64 3500 socket 939 Asus A8N SLI Mobo, 2x 7800GT in SLI) I just want to be able to run vista when it comes out and these 2 cpu's are dirt cheap rite now. I am an avid gamer (I know all about the FX's) as well.
At this point, I'm leaning towards the 4600. Any suggestions?
Also, If the cpu supports DDR2 is it backward compatible w/DDR400?

 

[Ridesy]

Tuc,

1. You should be able to "run" Vista on a 3500 anyway!

2. If you go with the Windsor Core you will need an AM2 socket motherboard as well as the new CPU and new DDR2 RAM!!!

3. Yes you are right Windor is the AM2 core version of these CPU's and runs with DDR2 RAM.

4. No if you go AM2 as above you will need new MB and new RAM as well and none is "backward compatible".

Ridesy

 

[Tucmox]

 

[Tucmox]

Ok, now I think I have some direction. The Toledo is the older X2 and the Windsor is the AM2.......fer sur don't want to get into all that switch out crap.
I guess my next question is: Do you think I'll see a substantial diff in performance w/either the 4600 or 4800 over my current 3500? This is an upgrade I can do for about $250 w/o having to upgrade the mobo, Ram, etc. I am currently running 2gig DDR 400 Corsair Ram now so, that should suffice.I would think it would carry me over for a least a couple of years at which point I'm gonna want a whole new toy anyway......lol!
Thanx Ridesy!!!

 

[stevty2889]

While DDR2 has higher clock speeds, it also has slower timings, so some applications may be slightly faster, and some may not be, X2's are far from bandwidth starved, I would just get a socket 939 X2, and keep your current motherboard and ram. DDR2 won't make a huge differance, and you'll have to replace your CPU motherboard and RAM, where you can just upgrade to a socket 939 dual core, and get the same performance. As Ridesy pointed out though, Vista will run fine on your current CPU.

 

[Tucmox]

Ok, one last question.
I just saw the 4600 in a "Manchester" version.....Zip Zoom Fly has it for $235.....I thought Windsor and Toledo were the only ones!
Just when I thought it was safe to make a choice........anyone know what the diff is w/Manchester?

 

[Fuzija]

Only difference is in cache, 4600 has 1 MB cache, 512 kb per core, while toledo and windsor have 2 mb cache, 1 mb per core (at least that was my understanding, someone correct me in I am wrong)

 

[myocardia]

Fujiza is almost right. Manchester cores have 2x512KB of L2 cache, Toledo cores have 2x1MB L2 cache, and Windsor has 2x512KB of L2.

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: Tucmox
Ok, now I think I have some direction. The Toledo is the older X2 and the Windsor is the AM2.......fer sur don't want to get into all that switch out crap.
I guess my next question is: Do you think I'll see a substantial diff in performance w/either the 4600 or 4800 over my current 3500? This is an upgrade I can do for about $250 w/o having to upgrade the mobo, Ram, etc. I am currently running 2gig DDR 400 Corsair Ram now so, that should suffice.I would think it would carry me over for a least a couple of years at which point I'm gonna want a whole new toy anyway......lol!
Thanx Ridesy!!!

I have upgrade last week from single core 3500+ (Venice) to X2 4800+ (Toledo) I don't see any performance gain I wish I should have kept 3500+ but I gave it to my friend.