X4 Propus 620 2.6GHz vs. X3 425 Rana 2.7GHz

[shroomz]

So I've narrowed down my build to two CPU's and need your input on overclocking.

Originally my thoughts were to go with the x4 because its quad core and only $99 right now. However I read that the 4th core can be unlocked on the X3's, if I go X3 its only $75. Is it worth the extra $25, or can I essentially overclock it just as much as the X4?

RAM - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model -
I also don't know if the ram can be used with both AM2+ and AM3,although I assume it does. Also I'm don't know about the whole DDR2 vs DDR3 for ram. Is one better for overclocking? As I can't spend a lot on ram but would like 4gb.

Motherboard - ASUS M4A78 Plus AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Asus is still a good board for overclocking correct?

-----Choice 1-------
AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core
-----Choice 2------
AMD Athlon II X3 425 Rana 2.7GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor


I appreciate the help, I don't want to regret my decision as there are so many possibilities and options

 

[Thavion Hawk]

Unlocking the 4th core is an option but it's not always stable. I personally picked the 620 for that reason.

Here is a set of timings that will do you well based on your given Mobo, Memory and the 620.

FSB=250Mhz | 25% OC
CPU=13x250=3,250Mhz | Stock Voltage
NB and SB=8x250=2,000Mhz, 9x250Mhz=2,250Mhz | 8x gives Stock but 9x is doable on Stock Voltage
Memory=4x250Mhz=1,000Mhz, 3.33x250Mhz=832.5Mhz | If you can get your PC6400 to run at 1Ghz stable then cool but I'd drop the Multiplier to 3.33x and go with a more reasonable 832.5Mhz OC

That's not bad, but go with a newer motherboard and faster DDR3 memory. The price deference isn't much and the performance gains are more then worth it.

Here's a System alternative using a GIGABYTE Mobo and DDR3. | GIGABYTE boards are easy to OC and well equipped

GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard | $94.99 at Newegg.com
AMD Athlon II X4 620 2.6GHz Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail | $99.00 at Newegg.com
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 | $69.99 at Newegg.com
Or for $24 more you can have 4GB PC12800
A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 | $93.99 at Newegg.com |This is what I've got. 6.66x250Mhz=1,666Ghz at 1.7 Volt.

Total is $263.98 with 2GB of memory or $287.98 with 4GB + shipping

If you have any Questions feel free to ask.

 

[shroomz]

I appreciate your input. Do you think 2gb will be sufficient for Windows 7?

 

[Thavion Hawk]

I appreciate your input. Do you think 2gb will be sufficient for Windows 7?

Windows 7 is perfectly functional on 2GB of memory. I've ran Windows 7 RC-1(Beta) on a Single core Socket939 FX53 CPU and 2GB DDR1 PC3200(That's gear from 2005-2006) with nary a hitch.

Technically an x86 (32bit) OS can't even use 4GB of Memory. The technical limit is about 3.4GB, but that's just a silly number :lol:. By getting 4GB in just 2 sticks, you max out the OS without maxing out the motherboard. If you upgrade to x64 with only 2 sticks in your system, you've got room for 2 more.

2GB will work perfectly, but just like the 3 core vs 4 core CPU the price differonce is only $24 for twice the Memory.