146 Opteron Questions

[Addle]

Im building a new gaming system and have been torn over which processor to use. (I plan on overclocking)

First I was thinking of getting the 3700 SD, though from what I hear the extra cache doesn't make much of a diff on the preformance of AMD chips and the OC potential isn't supposed to be much higher than a 3200 Venice. Then I was thinking of getting a 3200 Venice which looks okay. However, I recently read a thread on here about the new 146 Opteron and it sounded like an intruiging option. What is the estimated average OC on these processors?

Please give me some opinions on which CPU you think I should get for my new system. I'll list the remaining expected specs for my computer below.

DFI LanParty nf4 Ultra-D
2GB (1024x2) DDR400 (thinking some sort of good price/performance OCZ, not sure which yet)
BFG 7800GTXOC OR ATI x1800XT (512mb)
Seagate 7200.9 160GB
Antec P180
Antec Newpower 480W

 

[Mucker]

Well, I chose a 146 Opty from tankguys for $220 shipped (I like the x10 better than x9 of the 144). It should clock as least as well as a San Diego 3700 for $50 less. I've read of clocks from 2.8 to 3.3 GHz. It sounds to me like the newer Venices and 3700's are not clocking quite as well as their predecessors. The Opty's may get worse over time also. As always, nothing is guaranteed above stock, it's more like a lottery...

The wait is killing me, throw me a freakin bone Ben

m

 

[Addle]

Since the 146 has 1mb cache and runs at 2GHz, is it like having a 3200 San Diego? What sets the Opteron apart from normal A64 procs?

Also, do you know what the expected ship date is from TankGuys? If I get some support for the 146 I'll probably place my order today =D

 

[Mucker]

The SD has x11 multiplier and runs at 2.2 GHz, the Opty 146 a x10 multi at 2.0 GHz. Early reports show the Opty's having great OC potential while maintaing good voltages and temps. See discussion here. The Opty core is essentially a SD core that has gone stringent testing to assure optimal performance in a 24/7 server environment. There is no estimate on arrival yet, hopefully they will arrive within a couple of weeks. Contact Ben at Tankguys.biz or find him under username Tankguys here on AT.

 

[Addle]

It looks as though Monarch Computers has the 146's in stock and for almost $40 cheaper than TankGuyz.

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant...roduct_Code=120847&Category_Code=amdop

Am I looking at a different CPU or something? Because this is a pretty huge price difference.

Please let me know, I would like to get my CPU ordered today if possible.

Edit: Just realized that the Monarch CPU is OEM and TankGuyz is Retail. Still, this appears to be the same CPU otherwise, correct?

 

[goobernoodles]

Good god, nice find. I second your question.

 

[Addle]

Just sent an email to Monarch asking which stepping is being sent out on their 146s. I think I already know what the answer is, just want them to confirm. Here's to hoping for a CABNE :roll:

 

[Addle]

*double posted*

 

[goobernoodles]

Yeah, do me a favor and PM me when you find out if its the same CPU or not.

 

[Addle]

Will do.

Can anyone tell us if the Monarch Computer 146 appears to be an OEM version of the TankGuyz Retail 146?

Additionally, what differs from an OEM and a Retail aside from the HSF? Do they both carry the same warranty through AMD?

 

[the Chase]

I'm pretty sure thats a 940 socket opteron at Monarch. I just recently made the same mistake at Ewiz thinking their 146 was 939 when it was a 940 socket. The heading on every e-tailer for these will most likely specify them 939 in the main heading of product. Watch E-wiz closely as they have had the 144 and 146 in stock before already but sold out in a half day.

I have a 146 running at 2.9 with stock volts right now but it doesn't scale well at all with voltage as I can't yet hit 3 Ghz stable even with 1.55 volts! (Might be my memory/mobo limiting this too-0n air cooling-36C under load).

 

[Addle]

Wow, thanks Chase. Looks like your right, the OSA146CEP5AK is a socket 940.

I guess I'll scour eWiz and Tankguyz and just be happy with whatever 146 I get and not worry about the stepping (though I can hope for a NE)

 

[Mucker]

Originally posted by: the Chase
I'm pretty sure thats a 940 socket opteron at Monarch. I just recently made the same mistake at Ewiz thinking their 146 was 939 when it was a 940 socket. The heading on every e-tailer for these will most likely specify them 939 in the main heading of product. Watch E-wiz closely as they have had the 144 and 146 in stock before already but sold out in a half day.

I have a 146 running at 2.9 with stock volts right now but it doesn't scale well at all with voltage as I can't yet hit 3 Ghz stable even with 1.55 volts! (Might be my memory/mobo limiting this too-0n air cooling-36C under load).

2.9 on stock volts....simply incredible! I hope the later weeks don't deteriorate too badly....

m

 

[goobernoodles]

Aw, thats dissapointing. What is the lowest price the actual 939 cpu can be had for? Also: how much is the 144 - and whats the difference?

 

[Fallengod]

The 144 is around $150. 146 is around $210 The difference? One is 1.8ghz with 9x multi and the other is 2.0ghz with 10x multi