New CPU, but which one?

[thor04e]

Im currently looking into getting a new CPU, im going with a motherboard with a AMD 790X + SB850 Chipset.

Now there are so many processors and im currently confused about what the difference between Athlon II and Phenom II? Im looking for an x3 or x4 model so i can run games and video editing without a problem, so what are the pros and cons of the different types?

Example, pro's/con's of

AMD Athlon II X4 635, 2.90GHz

or,

AMD Phenom II X4 945, 3.00GHz

 

[loneninja]

The only difference is that Athlon II doesn't have L3 cache and Phenom II does, this affects both power consumption and performance. The difference in performance depends on application, but usually falls at less than 10% between the 2 when they have the same clock rate.

 

[jbakerlent]

+1

I think it would be best just to look at some benchmarks.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/122?vs=88

If you're going to get a Phenom though, you should get the 955 BE - partly because it will be easier for you to overclock.

 

[thor04e]

Thanks a lot, im going with the Phenom, and i will get the Black Edition, i just put the 945 down as the specs were closer to the Athlon II x4 as i thought it was a bit more of a fair test.

 

[juicycrapachino]

Get the Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition!