AMD X3 720BE or X4 945?

honkon

Distinguished
Aug 1, 2009
3
0
18,520
I am currently building my pc, and I am deciding whether to get the AMD 720BE or 945 95W version. The 945 would cost me about $40 more. Since 945 isn't a BE, I don't know if it worths for the $40 upgrade. I mostly use it for networking and some gaming. Any help?

Thanks! :p
 

Malcolmk

Distinguished
May 31, 2007
181
0
18,680
It doesn't really matter which one you go for. They both overclock very well regardless of the locked or unlocked multiplyer. With the 945 your just paying $40 for the security of knowing you have a quad core compared to buying the 720 and hoping that the fourth core works.
 
I've been testing a 720BE lately. The 4th core doesn't seem to want to unlock, but it has run everything I have well enough. I've been comparing it to my Q9450, and in regular use, there isn't much difference.
I don't play any current shooters though, or crunch huge spreadsheets, or anything else where I think I WOULD notice a big difference, but unless you have no better use for the $40, the 720BE ought to be a good choice.