Athlon 64 3500+ Or Athlon 64 X2 4200+

TylerDark

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Jul 7, 2006
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hey peeps, Im looking to buy a new system..which CPU shall I buy.The X2 4200+ with 1gb ram and 250gb harddrive, the 3500+ comes with 512ram and 200gb harddrive...and the 4200 cost about just under $200 more.
I heard that the X2 4200+ is like having two 3500+ CPUs in one..running at same 2.2 ghz processing speed,but most software doesnt fully utilize a dual processor just yet..so it seems like a waste.So I would imagine if I were playing games on it..there wouldnt be much of a different from 3500 to 4200.If I get the 3500+ I can spend the money I save on a good GPU and run games better..plus I can add DDR I already have to it.
I mostly just use my pc for internet..and minor gaming. Im on a sempron
2400+ /1.25 gb ram/GF FX 5200 gpu now.
Another question I have is if I upgrade to either of those sys. will it make my internet speed any faster..Im on low speed cable.. Inputs appcreciated
Thanks! :roll:
 

NaDa

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Mar 30, 2004
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You probably wont notice any improvment while surfing the internet, maybe the Windows will be a bit more responsive (depends on what you do).
Yes 4200 has two cores that means two 3500 sticked together in laimen terms. Most software and games cant use the other core today, but future software and games will use the second core.
So all depends on your budget. Keep in mind that most benefit you'll see in games is from your video card.
You probably wont notice any diference if you buy Athlon 3000, 3200, 3500 or even the 4000 (single core) because most games are bottlenecked by the video card. You most certanly wont see any difference with today games if you go with two cores (x2 3800, 4200...) and by the time you really need those you will probably have to replace your video card aswell.
Those 3000 or 3200 overclock very well and can easily reach the 4000 clocks.

Definatly go with 1 gig of ram you can even go 2 gigs. If you plan to install Windows Vista you will need 2 gigs.

I would suggest to you to wait just a month and buy because AMD will drop their prices about 50% for dual cores so you can buy one or go Conroe.
 

yakyb

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Jun 14, 2006
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i agree with abbyss go with the 3500 and maybe a 7600 or 6600 depending on budget the 5200 is (im sorry) a peice of crap doesnt sound as tho you are a enthusiast as you would know that the internet isnt determined by processor speed (i still use a celeron 466 for internet when my main rig is otherwise engaged and it runs a 2 meg connection no probs) oh and i doubt you will see much improovement when using a 3500 with your 5200 so i would look at buying the 6600 card first and seeing what difference there is there and wether that is enough for you
 

TylerDark

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Jul 7, 2006
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Yeah I just read that AMD prices will drop at about the 24th..but Im not sure about getting a Conroe.So most likely I'll wait and see till then..since I waited this long already.Another option I'm considering is getting a 3200+ or 3500+ CPU&MOBO combo and a middle of the line XFX GF 6800 Xtreme (wonder whats the life span of that)..that would cost around $200 altogether.However advantages I like about getting either of the fore mentioned systems is that it comes with a much bigger harddrive along with windows media center 05' ,tv tuner with remote,and tech support/warranty. And yeah..Im not a enthusist..gaming wise anyway,never said I was..but i know my way around hardware.
thanks for your posts..been helpful especially from nada