Processor Choice (AMD)

[LT4CAMSS]

Hello,

I have been an avid Intel supporter ever since my first computer. I am now looking to purchase a new processor/mobo/ram/gpu setup and feel that AMD is the choice for me (both companies are great but AMD is what works for me right now). My first question is...is it worth spending the money to buy an FX-53 or FX-55 over a 4000+? Going over reviews, I've been getting mixed signals on whether or not the FX-53 is worth it over the 4000+. I'm trying not to spend over $600-650 here on the CPU. I'm not a overclocking fanatic and even if I do overclock, I'm looking at something like a 200 MHz increase or something. Secondly, I'm looking at conventional air cooling...what would be a few of my best choices? Next, what would be the best motherboard to go w/ that cpu (no more than ~$180 here)? Posts on this board have me confused as to what is the most compatible and the best. And as for ram, I'm assuming from most posts that OCZ is probably the best. But the problem is, is it better to do a 2x512MB setup, 2x1024MB setup, or what? And last, how's XP 64 working w/ you guys' Athlon 64 setups so far? I read drivers are a problem right now...does that mean it's just better to stick w/ the normal version? Thanks, and I appreciate any feedback on any of my questions. Peace out...


Don

 

[Sonic587]

Before I give suggestions, what is your total budget for this new PC/upgrade?

Also, what do you plan do with this PC?

 

[MBrown]

If money is not an issue I'd get a dual core to future proof your system. The 4400+ is going to be around 550 which is less than 600. But if thats an issue that you can get a 4000.

 

[LT4CAMSS]

Sonic & MBrown,

Thanks for your replies. I'm aimin for no more than $600-650 on the cpu, no more than $180 on the mobo, and no more than $200 on the ram. As for the gpu, I've decided on a X800 XL...I think that's good. So I'm aimin at around $980 to a max $1030 total not counting the X800 XL. I've already got the other peripherals so I'm good on that...phat monitor, case, psu, drives, keyboard + mouse, software, stuff like that.

I'll mostly be using this setup for gaming (e.g. GTA San Andreas when it comes out, NFS UG2, etc.). I'll also be using it for playin music and sometimes encoding music but that ain't really a big deal...the main focus is being able to play games well.

MBrown-I'm not too informed as to when the dual cores are coming out...do you have any info on those and what boards will work w/ em, when they come out, etc.? A simple article link or somethin will suffice.


Thanks for all your help. Peace...

 

[Shimmishim]

dualcore processors will work with all or most 939 boards with a simple bios upgrade...

 

[sangyup81]

hehe Dual Core Opteron baybee

 

[BitByBit]

If you're only looking for a 200MHz overclock, then you needn't bother with an FX.
The only advantage the FX-53 gives you over the 4000+ is an unlocked multiplier, and the 4000+ should hit 2.6GHz pretty easily.

As for memory, more is always better, and you use the money saved from going the 4000+ route on another GB.
Just make sure you find two 1024MB modules with decent timings.

 

[MBrown]

Anand said the X2 are 100% backwards compatible with current 939 motherboards. The Manufature has to come out with the bios update. The dual core's should be commin in June I believe. Also I would get a 6800gt but thats just me.

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

First, the 4400+ dualcore won't be out for at least 2 months so that isn't really an option for a current build

The 4000+ is the FX-53 with a locked mulitplier. There is no reason to pay that much for a multiplier when you have memory divisors

4000+ is around $485 (same frequency basically just a locked upward multiplier
FX-53 is around $845 (no way for just an unlocked multiplier)

If you want to wait a few weeks then the Venice core 3700+ and 4000+ (with 1024L2 cache) will come out within your cpu budget.

I would get a DFI Nforce 4 Ultra board because of overclocking myself.

The dualcore will be an option down the road on that board.

If you have oodles of money and not into major overclocking I would get the 4000+ (2400) and overclock to FX-55 (2600)level (should be doable on good air overclock) and then upgrade to the X2 4800+ (dualcore 2400's) and overclock those to 2600 (FX-55) level. It would be like have two FX-55's

 

[hippotautamus]

If the big cache is really important to you, then the 4000+ is the best option. However, since the cache makes roughly 1% difference in performance at the best of times...the 3500+ should probably be about as high as you should be looking at this point, in my opinion.

 

[MBrown]

Get a 3000 for the time being and get an X2 when they come out. Or buy a 3500(venice at least) and get a dual core later on when the prices come down on them. I have a 3500 and I'm just going to wait til when Longhorn comes out to get my X2. By then they should be pretty affordable. I have an MSI Neo4. I like the DOT cuz it does it for me. The cpu doesn't need to be overclocked 24/7.

 

[imported_michaelpatrick33]

Originally posted by: hippotautamus
If the big cache is really important to you, then the 4000+ is the best option. However, since the cache makes roughly 1% difference in performance at the best of times...the 3500+ should probably be about as high as you should be looking at this point, in my opinion.

He said his cpu budget is 650. I would get the extra 200mghrtz and 512 cache (especially if I wan't overclocking much, or at all)

 

[hippotautamus]

^True. If you're not OCing, then the 4000+ is definitely your best buy. But really, what self respecting nerd leaves his (or her, they do exist) CPU at stock speeds?

 

[CheesePoofs]

If your main goal is gaming, I'd suggest getting a 3200 or 3500 for the proc and a 6800gt instead of the x800xl for the graphics card. The graphics card is much more important for gaming systems then the proc is.

 

[MBrown]

^Yeah. I'd get a 6800gt instead.

 

[musgrattios]

Yeah- 3500 and 6800gt. Overclocking on AMDs is great- every one is almost guaranteed to get 20%, even on air.

 

[LT4CAMSS]

Hello,

I don't know what sub-forum to post this in so I thought I might as well use this post.

I'm pretty sure I'll either be going w/ a A64 4000+ or an FX-55. I would like to know which RAM is better: 2X1024MB OCZ Dual Channel PC3200 EL Platinum Rev. 2 DDR RAM or 2X1024MB Corsair XMS PC3200 DDR RAM. The OCZ ram runs at 2-3-2-5 stock timings while the Corsair is 2-3-3-6. Corsair seems to be a lil slower. Is the OCZ set definitely better? I'm thinking of doing a 200-300MHz overclock w/ good air cooling and would like to know what's best. Also, I heard DIMM slots 2 and 4 are best in this setup, is that true as well? I appreciate any feedback. Peace...

 

[Sentential]

Originally posted by: hippotautamus
^True. If you're not OCing, then the 4000+ is definitely your best buy. But really, what self respecting nerd leaves his (or her, they do exist) CPU at stock speeds?

I agree as well, however I still feel that he should buy a 3700+ Diego. That is frankly the best bang-for-buck available. ZZF is selling them for $334 retail + free 2nd day shipping