333FSB on Athlons

[loic2003]

Hello, I'm planning on buying an Abit NF7-S motherboard and I need an athlon to slap into it. Having a look around I've noticed two different sorts of athlon available; the normal ones and those with a 333MHz FSB. Is the 333 FSB any good and will it work in my motherboard? I plan to use some crucial PC3200 RAM in the machine in case this matters.

Thanks for your time!

-Loïc

 

[pelikan]

I'd go for the 2500+ Barton.
Either type of cpu will run as high FSB as your memory and mb. Except if you want over 220FSB or so, a 266MHz processor may need the 3rd L12 bridge modified (since you will have the NF7).

 

[clicknext]

Yes, 333 fsb is any good, and yes it will run in your motherboard.

 

[Jeff7181]

Your motherboard will come with a manual that tells you what CPU's it's compatible with, so does the manufacturer's website.

 

[loic2003]

I would rather order the processor as I order the MOBO so I don't have to wait to get the thing going...

Ok, so here's the choice I am offered, which shall I go for?

Athlon XP 2500+ 512Kb SoA

Athlon XP 2600+ 2.08Ghz SoA - 333FSB

so.... the 2500 has twice the cache of the 2600, but the 2600 has the 333 FSB... which will give more 'bang' for the cash? (they're roughly the same price). I'm thinking the one with more L2 cache, but I'm unsure...

Thanks again!

 

[Corporate Thug]

2500+

 

[skrjones]

The 2500+ is the one with the "Barton" core which also runs at 333Mhz.

It has a slower multiplier though and it will overclock with the best of them.

Thats the AMD chip to get for most bang for buck.

 

[kage69]

Agreed. The 2500+ is the way to go. Gotta love synchronous fsb and mem speeds.