the_woof

Distinguished
Jan 22, 2007
10
0
18,510
I have an A8N-SLI motherboard, currently running an Athlon 64 3200+ (the older 2GHz model). I want to upgrade, and have about $200 to spend. On newegg.com, the X2 4600+ and the Opteron 170 (both for socket 939) are $190-something. I use the machine mostly for gaming, but also do a little video editing. So the question is, which is better for my use? The 4600+ runs at 2.4GHz but has two 512kb caches, while the 170 runs at 2GHz and has two 1mb caches. A third option is the Opty 152, which is single core, running at 2.6ghz with a 1mb cache. I think a dual-core will be better, though, and I hesitate to buy already-outdated technology (a single core processor) for my somewhat outdated platform (socket 939/ddr 400).

Thanks.
 

ajfink

Distinguished
Dec 3, 2006
1,150
0
19,280
If you overclock, the Opteron. If you don't, the 4600+. That Opty can hit 2.8 on decent air, so can the 4600+, but with less cache.
 

muffin

Distinguished
Mar 5, 2005
152
0
18,680
I agree with the others - my Opteron 170 has been at 2.6 for over a year @ stock voltage, and lately @ 2.7 on stock voltage with one of the big Zalman HSF. Very impressed with it so far, and it's a reasonably old one. Put a new one in a friend's machine and it runs a little cooler, could possibly go higher with it (shoulda swapped 'em while he wasn't looking, but I'm a nice guy). I haven't had any experience with the 4600, but I think most of the AMD's hit a wall around 2.8 on air.
 

misry

Distinguished
Aug 11, 2006
864
1
19,010
I've been running the AM2 version of the 170 for about a month. As with all overclocks, it's a work in progress. I'm currently at 2.5G on stock air. I'm juggling memory performance as well as the CPU and my motherboard is not in the OC hall of fame but it was cheap. :wink: I can get to 2.8 but them I have to go to 4-4-4-12 *2T* on the RAM, 3.0 @ 5-5-5-17. My temps are currently 32c idle/47c load

Anybody got an Arctic Freezer for a brother in need? :twisted:
 

SuperFly03

Distinguished
Dec 2, 2004
2,514
0
20,790
I've been running the AM2 version of the 170 for about a month. As with all overclocks, it's a work in progress. I'm currently at 2.5G on stock air. I'm juggling memory performance as well as the CPU and my motherboard is not in the OC hall of fame but it was cheap. :wink: I can get to 2.8 but them I have to go to 4-4-4-12 *2T* on the RAM, 3.0 @ 5-5-5-17. My temps are currently 32c idle/47c load

Anybody got an Arctic Freezer for a brother in need? :twisted:

Damn your temps are alot lower than mine. My 165 needs 1.4v @ 2700 and idles at 38/load at 70. It's weird. I am about to drop a swiftech water block on the bastard and crank it up to 3.0GHz+.

Anyone put a TT big Typhoon on a 165? Trying to figure out if I need to reseat mine, or lap it.

Edit: Upon reflection and research... it looks like I need to reseat mine with more AS5.... damn it, such effort.
 

the_woof

Distinguished
Jan 22, 2007
10
0
18,510
So, the opty sounds good. Let's say, though, that I don't plan to overclock (don't have the stomach for it, if that means anything to you. and I think I fried one of my mobos by pushing the fsb too high.) Do any of your opinions change if I'm not going to overclock, or will the opty still give better stock performance despite the slower clock speed?
 

akahuddy

Distinguished
Oct 23, 2006
241
0
18,680
If you overclock, the Opteron. If you don't, the 4600+. That Opty can hit 2.8 on decent air, so can the 4600+, but with less cache.

My statement still stands.

Agreed. 170 if you plan to OC, 4600+ if you are going to run at stock.