Are all amd 945's created equal?

[guggas]

I just bought this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103696
cpu but I noticed that there are other Phenom II 945 3.0ghz cpu's on newegg with seemingly the same specs but slightly different model #'s Does anyone know why?? I went with the one about even though it was slightly more expensive because its model # was listed as supported on my mobo's webpage.

Also will this cpu overclock much?

 

[saaiello]

They are the same but different I know LOL.

1st one
AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 ((((125W)))) Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103675
This one is a 125 watt model

2nd
AMD Phenom II X4 945 Deneb 3.0GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 ((((95W)))) Quad-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809
This one is 95 watt

Now I know with Intel they come out with an S model of there best selling processors after they been on the market for a little bit. The S model is a lower power processor to save energy not sure if this is what AMD does too. It could also be just that AMD did a revision and found a way to lower the power eithier way the lower power one is better it will run cooler and overclock better.

 

[mattidallama]

also you you should be able to get 3.6 stable on either of those with little to no problem

 

[saaiello]

Lower power + less heat = better overclock

 

[guggas]

thanks guys, since im using it with ddr2 ram, and an am2+ mobo(biostar TA780G M2+) is that going to hold it back significantly?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

 

[saaiello]

No the increase in performance between DDR3 and DDR2 isnt that big of a deal you will be fine with that setup.

 

[mattidallama]

ya just depends on the quality of the ram you are getting when it comes to ocing as saaiello mentioned in another post

 

[loneninja]

The difference between those processor is the stepping, Phenom II originally launched with C2 stepping, and AMD recently began shipping C3 stepping. C3 is currently only found in certain processor models, and started with the 965 and has been moving it's way down to lower models. C3 was designed to reduce voltage and power consumption, is more likely to reach a 4.0ghz overclock, and has a better memory controller. To distinguish C2 from C3 by model number is like this.

HDX945FBGIBOX = C2, you'll notice it ends in I
HDX945WFGMBOX = C3, you'll notice it ends in M

That very last letter, although not the only one that varies between these 2 945's, is the key to knowing if it's C2 or C3. This holds true to other processor models as well.

 

[guggas]

So, darn, I bought the C2, do you think its worth sending it back to get the C3 ? The C3 is actually $17 cheaper. So by the time I pay the shipping costs both ways I would come out even. Assuming they don't charge me a restocking fee. But is it worth the hassle? I probably will overclock some but not too much, I think I would be happy with 3.4ghz. what is your opinions..

 

[loneninja]

I don't think it's going to matter much, 4.0Ghz would be really hard to achieve without an unlocked multiplier. Besides, you said you got it because it's listed as compatible with your motherboard, it's possible C3 won't be compatible. Clock for clock the performance is the same, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[guggas]

Best answer selected by guggas.