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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Overclocking > CPUs > [Solved] First time OC'ing: Athlon II X3 Rana 435 or Phenom II X3 720?

[Solved] First time OC'ing: Athlon II X3 Rana 435 or Phenom II X3 720?

Forum Overclocking : CPUs [Solved] First time OC'ing: Athlon II X3 Rana 435 or Phenom II X3 720?

The X3 720 (OEM) is gonna end up costing me $15 more over the X3 435 (Box). Worth the L3 cache?

I'm building a system with crossfire HD4850's, and ideally I'll be able to overclock the CPU enough so that it won't bottleneck my system. I realize that the X3 720 might be able to unlock a 4th core, but it also runs 100Mhz slower clock speed.

Which of these will be more important to me, the clock speed or the 4th core? Both gaming and other daily functionality are important to me. Also, what have your guys' experience been in terms of these CPU's ceilings?

Appreciate the help.

Message edited by pacpud on 03-15-2010 at 10:28:21 AM

Reply to pacpud

Best answer

The 720 not only has L3 cache (which makes a small, but noticeable difference in gaming) but it has an unlocked CPU multiplier, making overclocking a lot more simple. To OC the 435, you would have to use the FSB, and thus, work with making sure all the other parts that run off the FSB (NB/SB/RAM) are set right and not overclocked past stable speeeds.

I would take the 720, if only for the ease of use. You will probably see a higher ceiling on the 720 as well, but that is no gauruntee, as each chip will behave differently.

------------------------------ Awaiting Insurance Claim on powersurge, RIP my sweet Leo
Reply to JofaMang

If you decide to go with the 720 be sure to get a heatsink/fan; OEM versions do not include one.

I agree with JofaMang, the 720 would be easiest for a first-time OCer, but make sure you watch your temps.

Reply to pepperman

One other consideration is the OEM 720 will have no warranty from AMD - only the Newegg warranty (which is very short) !! - AMD does not offer a warranty on thier OEM chips leaving that to the third party OEM supplier and Newegg does not mention that unless asked so be aware of that if you order it !!

That said I have the 720 (bought the boxed version when it was available) - and it is running fine at 3.2Ghz. with the 4th core unlocked - great chip for the price and if you get lucky and have a functional 4th core you wind up with a quad core system for a really good price !!

Message edited by JDFan on 03-15-2010 at 04:48:51 PM

Reply to JDFan

Sounds good. I guess its a consensus that I should go with the 720 as long as i get a good fan to go with it.

I've been hearing good stuff about the CM 212 Plus.

Reply to pacpud

Best answer selected by pacpud.

Reply to pacpud

I just installed my CM 212+ a few hours ago. First time installing a backplate, took a few extra minutes, but not difficult by any measure, but also took the opportunity to pull out my 4870 and get a good cleaning of the heatsinks done. It is performing great so far, 27/48c idle (21c ambient) at 3.8ghz/1.4v.

The 212+ is just a couple mm too tall for my case (el cheapo CM 330 elite mid tower) so I will be modding the side of my case, again. Hotrod time.

I used two 90cfm CM 120mm fans for a push/pull configuration. It looks like the fan is touching the ram sticks heat spreaders, but there is actually about 1/2 inch of room between them:

------------------------------ Awaiting Insurance Claim on powersurge, RIP my sweet Leo
Reply to JofaMang

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