Last message on previous page:
Awesome that AMD is making CPUs with the purpose of being overclocked. They remember one of the things that was popular with the old Celerons.

I was looking at upgrading my MB to use this CPU and found that most of the MBs in this review, according to their manuals or by the BIOS listed, do not support changing the multiplier.

Well, I've been waiting patiently for more info with the overclocking, but it seems there is little out there lately. For $100, I simply couldn't resist, lol. I will also be using the Abit board mentioned above, so, I'll give my review in a few weeks as well.

Could you download CPUZ 1.42 leexgx? I would love to see what it list the stepping at. I'm sure that all of the Black Edition 5000's are G2 steppings. I know the number on the box says one thing but the number on the CPU is something else. To many people are claiming to have G1 5000 BE's. I don't believe it for a second. I have yet to see the proof. And would love to see this cleared up. Let's see some screenshots of the latest CPUZ (1.42) from all Black Edition owners.

E2180 > +5000 Oh snap I said it.

But really its nice to see my once formerly preferred maker fight back with something close
Thats right, I traded sides...not only that I even went from ATI to Nvidia!

The E2180 is better only when overclocking is considered. Otherwise, they are fairly equal with the 5000 Black pulling ahead in nearly every test.

When the 5000 Black is running at 3ghz or 3.2ghz (with multiplier changes only), it is more equal to the E6750.

The E2180 should easily surpass this, however, in a mobo that doesn't overclock well, if at all, it wouldn't have a chance.

While the 5000 Black should run way over spec in any motherboard that offers a multiplier setting.

And therein lies the attraction! You don't need a performance mobo to run the 5000 past 3ghz, where with the E2180 you generally will. Considering the multitudes of people that are already on an AM2 mobo and are considering an upgrade to an E2180 or E6750, they can get similar performance without having to buy a new mobo (and possibly PSU). It is easy to see why AMD has released these low cost FX style multiplier unlocked CPUs -- it is to stem the tide of people changing to Intel systems.

For folks that are going to upgrade to an Intel system anyway, I still recommend they pick up an X2-5000 Black for their old system because if they are keeping the old system as a spare or hand-down it is still worth the cost to replace their old CPU which may only be a Sempron or other single core, and if they are selling their old system it will be more attractive to potential buyers with a 5000 Black in it.

For me personally, the 5000 Black is replacing an older and hotter running X2-4200 in my HTPC. The 4200 will go in a BioStar or AssRock mobo and up for sale. My personal computer will still be an Intel system though. This pretty much maxes out my HTPC, and I am very happy with that!

.

OK i have a question. This review compared the o/ced 5000 to a stock 6000. Would the 6000+ o/ced to say 3.2/3.3 (if you can get it that far) totally pwn the 3.3/3.4 5000 black?

I think it's funny you want to compare an overclocked 5000+ BE to a stock 2180. Of course the BE would win. You're also overclocking it.

That would be like saying.. ok, let's have a drag race. We'll both get stock Mustangs but I'll put an 8psi Paxton on mine and see who wins. HMMMM I WONDER.

Seriously.. Then you want to compare an overclocked 5000+ BE to a stock 6750? That's just not even right. Let's compare a 3.2 GHz processor to a 2.66 GHz processor and talk about how the AMD is so much better.

Compare OCs to OCs or stocks to stocks. I don't compare my OC to anything AMD has because it's just not fair. If I want to compare my system I run it at stock.

Nope, no pwning, at least no WTF pwned.

The 6000 would edge ahead in many tests or measurements purely because of the larger cache. Otherwise, they would be the same when at the same clock speeds. They should both top out around the same speed as well, even though they are different cores, they have the same technology inside. The 5000 is a Brisbane and the 6000 is a Windsor. The Windsor has double the cache and hence a whole lot more tranistor count and more heat to go along with it. The Windsor may have a little higher average max speed, due to it being a little more robust like an Opteron -- better silicon etc they say.

It's currently $50-60 more than the 5000, it seems it's dropped since I last looked. Certainly worth $50 if you plan on running stock only or just want the maximum potential available. Especially, considering many spend more than that on the CPU cooler. Otherwise, and at least for me, the unlocked multiplier is much more attractive. I think it's about another $20 on top of the 6000 price to get the 6400 Black and the ultimate chip AMD currently makes... and for a heck of a lot less than the FX-60 or FX-62 ever was.

The only way to pwn the 5000 Black is to use an Intel.

.

You are refering to me, I take it?

I am merely using examples of commonly used parts to illustrate the relative performance of the two chips : E2180 and X2-5000. I was replying to the bildo who feels the E2180 is more better than the X2-5000. It is not. They are in fact very equal, at STOCK speed. The X2-5000 pull ahead very marginally in most of the tests I run. However, when overclocking is factored in, the E2180 will clock much faster than the X2-5000 and WTF PWN it so bad that AMD will slash it's prices again and start giving out free T-Shirts with every CPU!

So I don't know where you got the idea that I was comparing an overclocked X2-5000 to a stock speed E2180.

Comparing an X2-5000 Black clocked to 3.2ghz to a stock speed E6750 is again purely for conveying the relative performance of the X2-5000 when it is at or near it's maximum speed. This way other readers have clear and contrasting idea of how powerful the chip will be whether they overclock it or run it at stock. They can say, "Gee, for $130 I can have an AMD system (or CPU upgrade) that will get me running like a stock speed $200+ E6750!" or "Gee, I better shell out the extra coin now for an E6750, because once I start overclocking it, I'll be WTF PWNing that unlocked-black-wanker!"

/shrug

I seriously don't see where you get the idea I am promoting one over the other. I like them both, I own multiples of both, and prefer Intel for my upgrade-in-progress because anything AMD has right now can't come close to Intel's lineup. Clock for clock, Intel has at least 1/3 better performance, and maximum speeds attainable are far higher. That's just my system, I'm a gamer and overclocker so my system for this generation is going to be Intel. My home server, HTPC, current personal system and both my two daughters systems are all AMD, baby.

Regardless of Intel's current superiority, many AMD parts still have a solid place in many contemporary mainstream systems. Their price point to performance is still excellent in the lower and mid range. Many people coming here after reading the review are looking for just such a package, info and comparrisons.

.

Mostly from that line right there, but I re-read it now that it's not 2 AM my time and it's a little more clear.

The only thing I see wrong now is I can get an E2160 for $83 and a Biostar Tforce P35 for $100 and beat the pants off that AM2 rig with a 5000+ BE.

Now that, I can't argue with.

But I will add, once again, that you will have to overclock the 2160 to beat the 5000. At stock speeds, the 5000 is superior. Yet once the FSB is let loose, the 2160 will win even if only clocked to a mild 2.7 to 3ghz and assuming the 5000 tops out at 3.2ghz.

You also don't get an unlocked multi to play with.

X2-5000 BE upgrade cost with existing mobo: $130
E2160 upgrade cost with new mobo: $183

It'll cost roughly $50 more to move into an E2160. You would need to reinstall Windows -- not a big deal for most, but certainly a PITA for many!

Either are very good options, and I suspect many folks would have a tough time deciding.

The decision for me was simple as I can have both. With my HTPC, I have been watching for a deal on an FX-62 (new or used), for months. When the 5000 Black hit the market, I instantly dropped the fantasy of an FX-62 at $300-500, for the reality of a $130 unlocked 5000 that should easily match or pass the top attainable speed of an FX-62.

So far I have not been let down and am very happy with the end result. The max speed I can get with the Abit mATX board is 3.2ghz using the multiplier only. I do plan to eventually pull the chip and lend it to a fellow who has an Asus M2N32SLI Deluxe and some exotic water cooling, to see where exactly she really tops out. But for now I am finding it difficult to force myself to tear the system down. I've also got a BioStar TF550 that I wanted to test the chip in, and again can't seem to find the time (or motivation) I'd need to properly test it. For now, I'll le6t Christmas pass and save it all for a rainy weekend next year.


.

I'm building a new system. First one in four years. I wanted to go with the AMD 5000+ because a friend recommended it. But then I got talked into the E2160 because it would OC better and be faster in general than the 5000+BE. I don't know if I want the hassle of OCing the intel chip. Seems like the AMD 5000+ is easier to work with.

Great reviews. Great support and information throughout this post. Now I still don't know what to do.

Do what you want. I've made my suggestions and I stick by them. At the same time if you never get an E2160 you won't ever know what you are missing.

I can build a 2160 rig with a copy of XP and everything for under $700 (with an HD3850 for graphics). If that isn't a budget rig I don't know what is.

You'll be happy either way, just quit being indecisive and pick one.