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Is there a real difference between processor models of same family?

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  • AMD
  • Processors
  • Overclocking
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March 20, 2011 9:52:17 AM

Is there a difference between AMD processors of the same family and same revision with regard to clock speed rated by AMD, specifically the Phenom II family (C3 stepping, series 500 [Callisto] or 900 [Deneb])?

For example, does a 550 really differ from a 565 except for being sold at 3.1 GHz vs. 3.4 GHz? Or a 955 from a 975, except for the 0.4 GHz advertised difference? Or the BE chips from the non-BE, other than not locking the multiplier?

Does AMD actually do something to discriminate between which chips are rated as which regarding clock speed, or is it an arbitrary marketing tool to exploit different price points with what appears to be the same product? I'm aware that cores are often locked due to flaws and the 555BE chip I have proves it, only being able to unlock to three stable cores.

More about : real difference processor models family

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a b K Overclocking
March 20, 2011 12:28:06 PM

C2 chips use more power than C3 ones which generally means they cannot overclock as high. 550BE is C2 565BE is C3 550 not black edition is C3 otherwise the only difference is the stock multiplier. Same goes for 955 vs 975 (some 955s are C2 but not often now). Some people think that the 975 is made of better silicon or passes higher standards than the 955 but from what I have read people seem to be able to overclock the 955 just as high as the 975. My opinion is the only difference is the stock multiplier and chips will vary in overclocking head room regardless of the stock multiplier but I could be wrong.
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March 20, 2011 11:39:05 PM

simon12 said:
C2 chips use more power than C3 ones which generally means they cannot overclock as high. 550BE is C2 565BE is C3 550 not black edition is C3 otherwise the only difference is the stock multiplier. Same goes for 955 vs 975 (some 955s are C2 but not often now). Some people think that the 975 is made of better silicon or passes higher standards than the 955 but from what I have read people seem to be able to overclock the 955 just as high as the 975. My opinion is the only difference is the stock multiplier and chips will vary in overclocking head room regardless of the stock multiplier but I could be wrong.


Thanks, that's what I was getting at - a selection process, architecture or physical composition/construction difference that justifies a clock speed rating/marketing designation. I'm now just wondering if anyone out there has actually seen something concrete that shows this - an article or blog they may have read that gives credence for or against an actual difference.
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March 21, 2011 4:51:44 AM

i have read close to the same about AMD that the better the chip the better the silicone if the chip is poor then amd will disable one or more cores and change the speed and voltage in order to make it stable and that is one reason for the low price i my self have a 965 BE and it is my third one and each have been able to reach a different overclock speed the one i have is able to run cool and stable at 4.0 ghz but all of the 965's i have had take different settings this is the first i have been able to get past 4.0Ghz clean and stable they have been trying for years to get the quad core right so why not make them all quad cores and dumb down the one that are poor quality not sure if it is tru but love amd's stuff and i hope the am3+ holds something great......
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March 21, 2011 9:58:30 PM

Since the BE chips are rated to OC, one would assume the silicon is good and that the additional cores must be disabled for a lithography flaw or the like.
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a b À AMD
a b K Overclocking
March 21, 2011 9:59:47 PM

You can only really guess and I don't think theres better silicon in BE but I could be wrong
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