AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+

What do you think about this cheap version of the X2? It is set to 2GHz but only 256k L2 per core. Would that deliver any good performance? It's like two Semprons in one package... Would it be a good overclocker?

I agree, but additional cache certainly doesn't hurt. If the X2 3800 will drop to around $168 or so, then this chip better be alot cheaper if people would consider purchasing it. Then again, with the lower cache, it may be able to overclock alot more due to less heat. I have a 3200 939 chip. I was looking to upgrade to an opteron 165 or other 1MB cache dual core 939 chip once prices drop, but it looks like that day will never come

That processor is cr*p, dont even think of it =)

i think it will be a lot better than the now famous pentium D 805 at stock, dunno about overclock. As you pointed, it is a "dual core sempron", which are good overclockers.
I think i'll buy one

as AMD yells help 4x4, we need you....we can't compete against Intel with 1 Processor.

Sounds great, especially in what I use my PC for: renderig, cache is useles but WHAT SOCKET IS IT???
it seems it will be AM2

hoped I could upgrade my 939; don't believe the 3800+ x2 will drop to $160-170 this year an even if it does, the 3600+ is a cheaper & better option for me. However, if they port the 5000+ and FX 62 to 939 hope they will also take the 3600+, would be great: don't have enouh money to upgrade board & RAM!

Should'nt it be called the 3700?

Should'nt it be called the 3700?

Maybe, but at the end, counts what it performa like and I think it will have a great price/performance, I only pray the CPU Gods it is aldo released for 939!

Ycon, having a preference is one thing, but being a blind fanboy for Intel is another. Hell, even I have a preference for Intel, but I'm not a fanboy for either. This x2 3600 in all likelihood will be within 5-7% of the x2 3800 in terms of performance. As has been pointed out, L2 cache doesn't make a whole lot of difference on the K8 core, and 256kb per core is still enough to be very effective. 2.4 GHz should be common for overclocks. It will be a very formidable cpu for the price. The only thing is that it's not scheduled for release until the end of 2006, where by then it may be too late to matter.

As for the AM2/socket 939 question, I've heard rumor that there are already some OEM socket 939 x2 3600s floating around Asia. They may suffer the same fate as the socket 939 Semprons though: OEM only, and in small supply. AM2 is where the should be in supply, for sale Q4 of this year.

However, would be nice if they don't end up like 939 semprons and if there are 939 3600s I believe they won't; The semprons were too near in performance to the Athlon64s (having the dual channes controller etc) but a 3600+ can be well accomodated in price between the 3800+ and 4000+ and in performance at the bottom of the dual cores. furthermore, it's just a processor, not a whole series.