4800+ vs 5000+

The model number was bumped up due to the increase in clock frequency. That being said, AMD CPUs don't benefit very much from increasing amounts of cache. The 5000+ would (slightly) outperform the 4800+ in most cases. You won't regret buying the 5000+ if you need a CPU now.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=466&model2=465&chart=188
The CPU charts show that the 5000+ wins by a hair in most of the tests conducted.

Also, are you planning to overclock?

Nothing to do with renaming or clock frequency, it was simple economics. AMD discontinued all their processors with 2 x 1mb L2 cache when core2duo came out. They were probably too expensive to drop their prices to meet the price vs performance of core2duo like they did with all their 2 x 512kb L2 chips.

If you plan to OC, then your best CPU option is an Opteron 170. It's essentially the same Toledo core as the 4400 and 4800 with 1Mb L2 Cache, and statistically is know to reach the highest OC (3.0Ghz) of the Dual Core 939's. I've owned both an X2 Manchester Core, (512Mb L2 Cache), and an Opteron, and found the Opty to be superior.

As it's a server / workstation class processor, it's more stringently fabricated, tested and binned, to be more stable, operate cooler, at a lower voltage per clock, as compared to an X2 desktop processor, and as such, is a better performer. My X2 max'd at 2.7, and the Opty max'd at 3.0. I typically ran the Opty at 2.8, which makes it an inexpensive FX-62 equivalent. If you go for the Opty 170, you can't go wrong.

8O

*looks at lowly core 2 duo's 4mb cache*

Interesting location. I hope you like Becks. Just don't drink my last one.

Thanks for all the replies, I have to admit you E6600 guys are beginning to lose me 8O . The E6400 option is interesting but I am currently slightly past my budget and with motherboard included the E6400 option goes too far. It's also curious to hear that L2 cache is not so critical with AMD CPUs, I wonder if that is a testament to the AMD architecture, where the Intel design needs the extra L2 cache to keep up? Also, the opteron option is interesting, but I think I'll go with the AM2 motherboard, OCing is a little risky to base a purchase on, it's a nice bonus, but you never know, luck of the draw whether the one I get will perform under those conditions.

After it all, I guess I'll take the store's offer and go with the 5000+

Thanks again.

The last time i checked, computergate had the 4800s in stock, here's the link:

http://www.computergate.com/products/item.cfm?prodcd=IP...

You may want to call them to make sure... just in case.

I got a OEM x2 4800 when newegg was blowing them out 2 months ago. I've been operating 100% stable at 2.8 ghz, and although I can hit 2.95 I dare not keep it there until my new Zalman 9700 HSF arrives. And even then I probably won't push it that hard as 2.8 does just fine but does get a bit warm under load (53-55) with my existing HSF

My friend the extra L2 cache makes all the difference in the world, i just went thru the same dilemna as you and decided on the 5200+ and it's larger L2 cache.
The 5200 will run circles around the 5000 since it's basically a rebadged FX/60 w/o the unlocked multipliers, my 5200+ is a wolf in sheeps clothing that replaced my 4200 (which is 4 sale)...
I picked up a open-box OEM chip for $333 a while back and couldn't be happier

I say, go with the 5000+
I too am trying to get the best out of my AMD, But I am still with my 939.
I just got an Opteron 185 for about $370 from Tigerdirect.
I am thinking about OC, how much can I push it?
I am running Asus A8N-SLI and Corsail XMS pro 3200 1 x 2 Gig Zelman 9500 Cooling.
Can it be pushed to 2.8? It should, but is it risky? Do I have to change Volt?
Thanks guys  

you might want to consider the 5200, the last of amd's with large cache sizes until the january or so, at about 400 it is priced better than either fx, so its a pretty good deal

The Opty 185 @ 2.6Ghz is a good choice. You should easily be able to OC beyond the FX-62 @ 2.8Ghz with perhaps a moderate increase in vCore and temps. Remember that these CPU's will typically max around 3.0Ghz, but every CPU is unique, and will behave accordingly when overclocked. Read the OC guides and stickies.

Good luck.

I agree on the opty thing, but the removes upgradeability

I agree with you, but since MaxToons already has a 939 rig, it's a moot point. The Opty was the best move he could make, so all we can do now is help him get the most out of it.