A64 3200+ or P4 2.8E for CS

[keke]

I'm wondering which one to get.

The system would run at default speeds at first but in about a month when I have more money I'd get watercooling (+ better memory in A64's case) and overclock it.

I'm trying to get as much fps in games but not just any games, mostly in Counter-Strike. I've read a lot of benchmarks and A64 seems to perform very well in newer games but Q3 benchmarks make me think that P4 would be better for older games. Counter-Strike is based on Quake 2 engine so it's pretty old.

Athlon 64 beats P4 for about 10% in Q3 benchmarks at default clocks but how much should I expect 2.8E or A64 3200+ to overclock and which one would be faster CPU then?

For A64 I wouldn't have to buy new memory since I already have a 512 MB DDR400 DIMM which I could use when I got the new mobo. For P4 I'd have to buy better memory straight away to get it running due to the dual-channel architecture and because I have only 1 memory chip, wouldn't I?

 

[Cybercraig]

Yes you would. Now get off of the fence and order that A64. There are a batch of new NF3-250 chipset boards out there around 100 bucks. Soltek and Chaintech to name two. Even MSI has a new Nforce FISR board.

Abit IS7 - 2.8C @ 3.4ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[keke]

Actually I've already ordered the A64 along with an Epox NF3 250GB board a few days ago but a guy in CS said that I should go for P4. He's got 2.8C running at 3.7 and he said that Athlons barely overclock over 100-200 MHz. But after checking out some results from http://www.ocinside.de/index_e.html I'd say that the overclockability is around 15-25% with watercooling and that would make 300-500 MHz.

I could cancel the order and get a P4 if you had some good points why to go for P4. I probably will cancel atleast the order for the CPU as they can't get them until September 2nd and I don't wanna wait that long

 

[Cybercraig]

Well, the only A64 I've clocked up is a 3000+ running at 3.18mhz due to memory limitations. Got a 12% increase in frame-rates in Counter-Strike for the Nephew. I've heard of 3000+'s hitting 2.5ghz with good cooling. I think 2.3ghz is closer to the norm. Just remember, clock for clock the A64 is faster than the P4. An overclocked A64-3400 @ 2.5ghz would give that p4 at 3.7ghz all it could handle. I like both of them, so I'll leave it up to you. I would be more inclined to try a P4 3.0C Northwood at a 250FSB than really stretch a 2.8C (Not every 2.8C can hit 3.7ghz! Mine can't) Good luck!

Abit IS7 - 2.8C @ 3.4ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[mopeygoth]

counter-strike? a P200-MMX, 32mb ram and a voodoo3 should do you great

Abit IS7 - Prescott 3GHZ@3.6ghz - i865PE - 1024mb dual ddr400 - Geforce 2 MX400 64MB - 600W dualfan(front/rear) PowerTek Psu - maxtor 4K080H4 & 6Y120P0 - samsung sm-352b

 

[Cybercraig]

Ha ha. Sure it would. We just run that for frame rate comparison. He's more of a FarCry guy now. WTF are you doing with a Geforce2 card on a clocked up Prescott? No Doom3 HQ for you!

Abit IS7 - 2.8C @ 3.4ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[mopeygoth]

heh FarCry huh?.. great choice... I KNOW! actually I finally got a new mainboard and therefor the ability to clock to 3.6ghz... assembled and ready to boot... but NOOO... my 9700pro was inresponsible; dead, for no real particular reason. I have RMA'ed it and am hoping to get a 9800pro in return so right now i reverted to play Fallout II untill I get my new card back.. kinda the only thing that i can run on a lame gf2mx400, but it's an amazing game with high replay value, so it will be okay until I am again able to play Doom3 (HQ) instead of just stearing at that beautiful box on the shelve

Abit IS7 - Prescott 3GHZ@3.6ghz - i865PE - 1024mb dual ddr400 - Geforce 2 MX400 64MB - 600W dualfan(front/rear) PowerTek Psu - maxtor 4K080H4 & 6Y120P0 - samsung sm-352b

 

[Cybercraig]

Well I hope you do better at Doom3 than me. I can't hold 1154 X 868 HQ at all. :frown:


Abit IS7 - 2.8C @ 3.4ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[mopeygoth]

heh... I find that hard to believe (?!) unless you absolutely want 60fps. You should go with Ati's doom3driver for now, until Omegadrive's next release. What I like about Doom3 is that it just runs slower instead of choppy'er on older configs. it does (or.. DID!) 1152x864HQ at about 30fps.. it's okay so far, but then again I have not yet been in areas with tons of monsters or very big bosses/deamons, since i can't play it

Abit IS7 - Prescott 3GHZ@3.6ghz - i865PE - 1024mb dual ddr400 - Geforce 2 MX400 64MB - 600W dualfan(front/rear) PowerTek Psu - maxtor 4K080H4 & 6Y120P0 - samsung sm-352b

 

[Cybercraig]

It's a heat problem Mopey. I run for an hour and crash at HQ. I've installed a Zalman 80D and I'm waiting for the AS-5 to cure. My CPU log has the CPU used at 100% in some fights! 100%! This game is a killer! I may just opt out for a 9800XT/256mb card and sell this one!


Abit IS7 - 2.8C @ 3.4ghz - Mushkin PC4000 (2 X 512) - Sapphire 9800Pro - TT 420 watt Pure Power
Samsung 120gb ATA-100 - Maxtor 40gb ATA - 100
Sony DRU-510A - Yellowtail Merlot

 

[mopeygoth]

heh... I was always wondering how many 80mm fans I was actually able to fit on a Zalman, just ended up with the vga silencer instead . You could do that, but you could also get a 6th generation graphicscard (x800/6800) for a only a few more 'chips' But if you have second thoughts going nVidia, I see your worry - as the x800pro is quite more prizy than the standard 6800

Abit IS7 - Prescott 3GHZ@3.6ghz - i865PE - 1024mb dual ddr400 - Geforce 2 MX400 64MB - 600W dualfan(front/rear) PowerTek Psu - maxtor 4K080H4 & 6Y120P0 - samsung sm-352b