Gameing cpu

[The_D_Rock]

The THG site is the best
i am going to make a gameing pc and i woz looking for a cpu a AMD FX or A P4 i need help plz.

 

[scottchen]

Gaming go for the latest Athlon64 FX53 on socket939(i think it's out already) with a pair of ram that can do 2-2-2-5 timings.

<A HREF="http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/myrig.php?do=view&id=17301" target="_new">My PC</A>

 

[trooper11]

well first of all, whats your budget? an ahtlon fx chip will run you about 750-800. if you arent wanting to spend that much, just get an ahtlon 64 3200 or 3400+ and youll still be ahead of any p4 for gaming.

as far as ram, if oyu do go for the fx-53 and s939 board, your only choice at the moment is the asus A8v deluxe wifi board, id suggest you get a pair of corsair twinx-3200XL pro sticks

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by trooper11 on 06/10/04 03:05 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[o1die]

You might look at the asrock k8s8x mobo with athlon 64 3200 retail boxed.(at newegg.com) Socket 939 is out, but will cost you at least twice as much, and offer only a 10-15% performance gain at best. With the suggested setup, you'll have money leftover for a decent video card.

 

[TheRod]

with a pair of ram that can do 2-2-2-5 timings.

Actually 2-2-2-10 timing is faster on AMD64 platforms.

--
What's the <b><font color=green>AMD Mobile Athlon 64</font color=green></b> overclocking potential? <b>It's huge!</b> Humm... Maybe not that huge...

 

[scottchen]

That's only on Nvidia right?

but the 2-2-2 's most important, I don't think there's such a thing as a 2-2-2-7 ram, they're all 2-2-2-5.

<A HREF="http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/myrig.php?do=view&id=17301" target="_new">My PC</A>

 

[TheRod]

I don't think it's only for nForce3 platform, since the memory controller is embedded in the CPU.

And based on the following tests :
<A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=2057&p=12" target="_new">http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=2057&p=12</A>
<A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=2057&p=14" target="_new">http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=2057&p=14</A>

It seems that A64 are less dependant on LOW memory timing to achieve high results. they tested at 2.5-3-2-10 (FSB200) and 3-2-3-10 (FSB250). And even with a CAS of 3 the AMD64 is faster with these timings.

So I would not be afraid to buy DDR433 rated at 2.5-3-3-7 to run an AMD64 system.

--
What's the <b><font color=green>AMD Mobile Athlon 64</font color=green></b> overclocking potential? <b>It's huge!</b> Humm... Maybe not that huge...<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by TheRod on 06/10/04 03:44 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[Cybercraig]

OCZ PC3500 Performance! That's what's going in this one! We'll see what happens. 2.5,3,3,7


"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. Now, let's eat!

 

[DonnieDarko]

"I am going to make a gameing pc and i woz looking for a cpu a AMD FX or A P4 i need help plz."

Do you ever recall this? "Sorry son, you failed the spelling bee........."
just messing with you.
But seriously, I second Oldie, The price difference between the amd64 series and fx series is pretty huge. It'd probably be better to go with the socket 939 mobo and amd64 3500+. It all depends, If you want the very best and have the money then you can go with the fx series, if you want good performance but don't want to spend the extra 300$ then go with the amd64.

 

[scottchen]

The 3800+ and Athlon64 FX53 has minimal price difference, they go at same speed while the FX53 has 2x the cache.

<A HREF="http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/myrig.php?do=view&id=17301" target="_new">My PC</A>

 

[Zeekfu]

Just throwing my $.02 in here about the memory timings (actually more of a question really). This came from the corsair newsletter:
----------------------
THE RAM GUY'S TECH NOTES
Maximizing the new XL Series: The RAM Guy Practices Extreme Overclocking
My favorite feature of the new XL series is the trademarked Plug-and-Frag technology which makes these modules boot up at aggressive 2-2-2-5 latencies. And those latencies are supported at PC3200, making XL modules perfect for AMD based systems where low latency is king. If your system uses an Athlon™ 64 CPU, we’ve done the tweaking for you. Our benchmark testing indicates that Intel P4 systems deliver optimum performance at very high clock speeds. Moreover, random sample testing in our labs shows these sticks will typically run with 2.5-3-3-7 latencies at PC4000 (DDR500) speed. With that much overclocking headroom, the XL modules are also perfect for your Intel based system. So regardless which camp you’re in, AMD or Intel, these new XL modules have something to offer!
-----------------------------------
*this about the very expensive ($385 2x512 modules)
The question I have is this seems to contradict the common consensus that I have seen posted re: timings on intel vs. amd 64 platforms such as <A HREF="http://www.tomshardware.com/motherboard/20040119/index-12.html" target="_new">Tom's memory timings: conclusion</A>

The anandtech reviews, for example, seem to have all the memory compared at its fastest runs so it is hard for me to figure out which is best at stock speeds (and will also give good potential to overclock well if the mood strikes).

To further confuse things the ocz memory "eb" technology seems to "trump" the lower cas latency settings when compared side by side with memory of slightly lower cas latency (2.5 on eb vs. 2.0 on some other modules) at higher bandwidths. This seems to add another "wild card" in the mix when people compare these particular modules to others.
*** <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=2019&p=13" target="_new">anandtech conclusion re: ocz 3500 eb</A>
*** I also noted that anandtech's standard test rig is an intel p4 2.4/asus p4c800-e.
* I wonder if the results would be simular or totally different on an athlon 64 system?
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by zeekfu on 06/11/04 03:32 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[baldurga]

<b>First</b>: read reviews, articles, diferent websites, etc. DO your homework.
<b>Second</b>: as someone said, be a little more specific. What about budget? Do you have to build ALL your computer? At least you need mobo and CPU. Any RAM of your old machine? And GPU?
<b>Third</b>: you can start reading <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com" target="_new">Anandtech's</A> articles about 4 diferent configs they review regularly


Still looking for a <b>good online retailer</b> in Spain :frown:

 

[TheRod]

Basically there is 2 point with memory : how much you want to spend and how fast will you run your module.

The "how much" question depends on everyone's budget, but the "how fast" is more tricky!

Of course, if you buy XL @ 2-2-2-5 would be surely faster than 3-4-4-8 memory module. But, what we have to know is that on AMD64 platform 2-2-2-10 is actually faster than 2-2-2-5.

What I really like about the OCZ EB series is that they figured out a way to improved memory bandwidth by tweaking the timing. So, their 2.5-3-2-8 SPD timing might not look very impressive compare to 2-2-2-5, but these timing are FAST.

Have you read all the AnandTech article about the OCZ EB modules? They conclude that P4 best perf. are achieved with 2.5-3-2-5 timing and 2.5-3-2-10 on AMD64 platform. And they do not only test these module at overclocked speed. There is a lof of graph at default speed. And the OCZ 3500EB modules are the top performer at DDR400, DDR433, DDR466 and DDR500 speed. It's very impressive.

This mean that these DDR433 rated modules outperforms DDR500 modules. Their only weakness is their highest speed, about DDR510, other modules achieve DDR550 and more.

But, DDR500 is more than enough for AMD64 overclocking. With all these facts gathered I have OCZ 3500EB modules on my wish list for my next system upgrade.

--
What's the <b><font color=green>AMD Mobile Athlon 64</font color=green></b> overclocking potential? <b>It's huge!</b> Humm... Maybe not that huge...

 

[Cybercraig]

Rod is right on about this! The higher the burst the quicker the stick!


"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds. Now, let's eat!

 

[addiarmadar]

That Socket 939 chip AMD just release look very impressive for your gamming pleasure. The FX 53 is good but that price is way too damn high. The 64 3500 would be great choice.

Mobile Barton 2500+ @ 2420mhz 11x220 1.7v
Asus A7N8X Dlx 440 FSB
1gb Geil GD pc3500 Dual Channel (2-3-3-6)
Segata 80gb SATA 8.5ms seek
ATI Radeon 9800 Pro to XT(420/730)

 

[Zeekfu]

I wonder how long it will be before the 939 boards are tested, the bugs are worked out and better ones hit the market though? There are only one or two out atm, right? Tom's tested two of them pre-release but they looked pretty buggy in beta version. What do you guys think, like 6 months or more before there is some variety, some advancements and some good test results to check out? Has anyone on here bought that asus board (or any other 939 that may be out, if any) and checked it out, yet?
I got $600 worth of components I have accumulated sitting on the floor atm-meanwhile I am typing this on a 700 duron. When does it end, lol. Naw, screw 939 this time around. When/if I build another comp in 5 years or so I am sure, just like now, I'll get what is "one tiny step back" instead of spending twice as much to get 2% better performance.

*still I gotta admit dual channel sounds cool*

 

[Zeekfu]

Hey, where is the best place to check out prices on that ocz 3500 and 3700 eb? I thought new egg had it in stock when I posted that link above now it is out of stock. Did people rush and and zerge new egg to get it, lol?

Anyone dealt with any reputable companies that carry ocz and other good memory? Zipzoomfly apparently doesn't carry ocz for some reason. Mwave has the 3200 but I don't see the 3500 and 3700--Tom's bizrate search isn't helping much either on this item. Google yields tons of reviews which mostly link to the one above for some reason. Anyone know anything about a company named atacom.com?

According to the anandtech article referenced above, at least how I understand it, the ocz 3500 eb are competative (but not the fastest) at ddr 400 but get start overtaking other memory with lower latencies/higher speed ratings as they are all overclocked side by side. It will not clock as high as some higher rated mems but clocks pretty high and looks good in its range all around. It seems a good choice for someone like me who would like the option to oc later on but just wants good stock performance starting out. I want to get my comp up an runnin' before I start tweakin' on it.
If I can't find it from a company with good reviews or recommendations I think that corsair xmx 3200 c2 plat for $258 is the way I am going to go though. I really wanted to buy my memory from zipzoomfly when I buy my cpu and mobo anyway.

 

[trooper11]

actaully the asus a8v deluxe for s939 thats out now has gotten great reviews from amny sites, very stable platform, so you dont have to wait if you dont want to, and have the money now. Remember you need to read other sites then just Tom's lol.

Anyway, check out <A HREF="http://www.pricewatch.com" target="_new">http://www.pricewatch.com</A> for part pricing and reputable stores

 

[Zeekfu]

Once again trooper good advice. I did a google search and looked at another review site. It looks good, I'll admit, but is still largly "untested by time" in my book.
And yea, as you say again, price. Athlon 64 3500+ $499 and asus a8v-deluxe $169====> $668 ==== wow, no thanks, he he. :>) My system is already going to be $200-400 over the intended budget. Those high end chips just aren't worth it.

 

[trooper11]

they are more expensive yes, but look at them compared to the other processors, the prices arent outrageous for where they are right now.

 

[Zeekfu]

$500 for a two inch by two inch by 1/8 piece of silicon and wire? I paid $500 for the first car I bought I believe, he he :>)

 

[Zeekfu]

Now if I were a professional in the field like yourself, and a few seconds here and there added up to a few hours a week...*then* it might be worth it. As they say time is money. Still it would depend on what task the user does at work and the ultimate savings in time. I imagine most people in most situations even in a professional setting would not benefit all that much. But for a home rig to play vids on..no way. It's just vanity.

*but that is just my opinion. Sorry I got off topic. :>)
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Zeekfu on 06/12/04 01:18 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[DonnieDarko]

If it's way over your budget then get a amd64 3200+ and a socket 754/nforce3 250 mobo. You'll still get great proformance. Maybe not as good but you'll still save alot of money and maybe only 5-10% less the proformance.

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by donniedarko on 06/12/04 10:26 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[trooper11]

i didnt say it was worht it for everyone, or that it was somehting everyone could buy. im just saying its not an outrageous price. its right in line with the other processors, its just higher end, therefore it commands a higher price, that is how it works in business. there are still plenty of choices for those that dont want to spend that much.