Opteron 146 - High end ???

[OVACLKR]

I am looking to build a high end PC for home use. (not just games)

I can't decide on what processor to use as the benchmarks all look good.

Must be 64-bit but also perform well with 32-bit apps and games.

Athlon 64 FX-51
Opteron 146
Athlon XP 3200+

I know there are faster processors out there, but these look like good value for money.


Thanks

 

[Falloutboy]

for the money go with a 3000 last I checked thats the current sweat spot in the a64 line. fx is nice but not worth the $$$ I'd rather put the money I saved not getting the fx on a nice Raptor Raid setup or maybe spring for a 6800 when they hit the shelf

 

[myocardia]

Yeah, unless you're going to be doing quite a bit of video encoding, there's no need to have 1MB of L2 cache. And since the 3000 runs at the same speed as the 3200, you might as well save yourself the ~$60 or so, and get the 3000.

 

[joe2004]

Avoid Opteron 146 at all costs, it is not worth it. Opteron makes sense only in dual/quad setup where it is a powerfull chip, else it is just a waste of money. FX-51 is too expensive as well and performance isn't all that bigger than 754 chips.

 

[jdogg707]

You won't see a huge performance diference between the FX/Opteron Series and the A64 Series at equivalent clock speeds, so don't waste your money with an FX/Opteron unless you are going to be running the system in a server/high capacity/high bandwidth situation where the dual channel memory controller will allow for better performance.

 

[OVACLKR]

Thats interesting, but the 1 series is designed as a single cpu workstation and doesn't have the same architecture as the 2 series for two and four cpu setups. I would really like to see some unbiased benchmarks on these chips to see if the advantage is there. Do you guys know of a cpu shootout test with winXP 64-bit?
The cost isn't too bad at all. It's way cheaper than an FX but more than a 3000. Otherwise the 3000 does look like good value right now.

Originally posted by: joe2004
Avoid Opteron 146 at all costs, it is not worth it. Opteron makes sense only in dual/quad setup where it is a powerfull chip, else it is just a waste of money.

 

[Peter D]

Here's a possibly helpful link

Welcome to AnandTech, BTW

 

[Cerb]

Opteron 148 = Athlon FX-51 w/ multiplier locked.
Athlon64 3200+ = Opteron 146 w/ only a single channel of RAM, and no registered DIMM requirement.
The 3200+ is a much better value--so is the 3400+.

 

[Cerb]

Originally posted by: OVACLKR
Thats interesting, but the 1 series is designed as a single cpu workstation and doesn't have the same architecture as the 2 series for two and four cpu setups. I would really like to see some unbiased benchmarks on these chips to see if the advantage is there. Do you guys know of a cpu shootout test with winXP 64-bit?
The cost isn't too bad at all. It's way cheaper than an FX but more than a 3000. Otherwise the 3000 does look like good value right now.

Originally posted by: joe2004
Avoid Opteron 146 at all costs, it is not worth it. Opteron makes sense only in dual/quad setup where it is a powerfull chip, else it is just a waste of money.

1. No, it has the same archetecture (sp). In fact, it is the same chip! The FX has an unlocked multiplier, but otherwise is the same, and the 3400+ uses a different socket, but otherwise the same.
2. Benchmarks between the Opteron and AthlonFX really would be useless. I'm pretty sure they exist, though. The FX vs. the 3400+ is enough to show that they are the same chips.
3. XP 64-bit? It probably won't even be out this year. Don't count on it. It will be great when it does come, though. And why a shoot-out? You'll end up with the same results. FX-51 = 148, and 3400+ => 148 & FX-51 except where insane memory bandwidth is needed.

3000+: $223 (good value reference)
3200+: $282
3400+: $416
FX-51: $748 (compare to 3400+)
FX-53: $815 (compare to future 3600+/3700+)
Opteron 146: $298 (compare to 3200+)
Opteron 148: $731 (compare to 3400+, FX-51)

146 isn't bad at first, but then +20% or so for registered DIMMs, and $170+ for a mobo vs. $80+ for socket-754 boards.
For large data sets in workstation apps, the Opterons ain't bad...but for 99.99% of desktop use, it will be wasted.

 

[aka1nas]

The Opteron 1xx series is the same as the higher end ones, but has some of the Hypertransport links disabled to prevent it from being used in SMP.

 

[OVACLKR]

3200+ seems like the best value right now.


XP 64-bit beta is downloadable now but is still in early stages.

Originally posted by: CerbXP 64-bit? It probably won't even be out this year. Don't count on it.

 

[hytek369]

Originally posted by: OVACLKR
3200+ seems like the best value right now.





XP 64-bit beta is downloadable now but is still in early stages.

Originally posted by: CerbXP 64-bit? It probably won't even be out this year. Don't count on it.

good choice