AMD Athlon 64 - which core is better and what are the differences?

[rartech]

I want to purchase an AMD Athlon 64 but I'm not sure which one is the best one. What are the differences and if they are all around the same price which one should I get? I was looking at the 3200+ cause it was around $190.

 

[Markfw]

Get the 3200+ winchester. They run cooler and OC better (If you do that)

 

[Jeff7181]

Clawhammer = 1 MB L2 cache, 130nm process
Newcastle = 512 KB L2 cache, 130nm process
Winchester = 512 KB L2 cache, 90nm process

The Clawhammer has the advantage of the extra L2 cache. The Winchester and Newcastle are very similar, but the Winchester is a 90nm chip which uses less power and runs cooler and tends to overclock higher. It's memory controller may also be more compatible with more types of RAM.

If you're planning to overclock, get the Winchester. If you just want a fast processor and want to keep your warranty in tact, the Newcastle would be the best choice because a 3200+ Newcastle runs at 2.2 GHz, and the 3200+ Clawhammer and Winchester run at 2.0 GHz. The extra cache of the Clawhammer doesn't really make up for the 200 less MHz.

 

[Wicked2010]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
If you're planning to overclock, get the Winchester. If you just want a fast processor and want to keep your warranty in tact, the Newcastle would be the best choice because a 3200+ Newcastle runs at 2.2 GHz, and the 3200+ Clawhammer and Winchester run at 2.0 GHz. The extra cache of the Clawhammer doesn't really make up for the 200 less MHz.

All of this is correct except when you say get the NewCastle because it runs at 2.2 GHZ while the Winchester runs at 2.0 GHZ. While this is true... the Winchester 3200+ is still a "faster" and better chip than the NewCastle. Please stop spreading this ignorant rumour that MHZ is all that is needed to determine what chip is better. In the Intel world, MHZ will pretty much tell you what is what... but in the AMD world, it isn't the same. Although they are probably very close in performance, the Winnie is much better since it can produce 3200+ speeds at only a 2.0 GHZ clock. What does this mean? You can overclock it *EASILY*.

 

[rartech]

Thanks for the great posts. So, if I am going to buy a retail version and I don' t overclock it sounds like the Newcastle might be my best choice, right?

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: Wicked2010

Originally posted by: Jeff7181
If you're planning to overclock, get the Winchester. If you just want a fast processor and want to keep your warranty in tact, the Newcastle would be the best choice because a 3200+ Newcastle runs at 2.2 GHz, and the 3200+ Clawhammer and Winchester run at 2.0 GHz. The extra cache of the Clawhammer doesn't really make up for the 200 less MHz.

All of this is correct except when you say get the NewCastle because it runs at 2.2 GHZ while the Winchester runs at 2.0 GHZ. While this is true... the Winchester 3200+ is still a "faster" and better chip than the NewCastle. Please stop spreading this ignorant rumour that MHZ is all that is needed to determine what chip is better. In the Intel world, MHZ will pretty much tell you what is what... but in the AMD world, it isn't the same. Although they are probably very close in performance, the Winnie is much better since it can produce 3200+ speeds at only a 2.0 GHZ clock. What does this mean? You can overclock it *EASILY*.

Show me a 2.0 GHz 512k cache A64 that performs better than a 2.2 GHz 512k cache A64. Do it. Seriously.

*EDIT* Overclocking also voids your warranty. If he wants his warranty in tact, the Newcastle is a better choice.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: rartech
Thanks for the great posts. So, if I am going to buy a retail version and I don' t overclock it sounds like the Newcastle might be my best choice, right?

Yes. No matter what improvements there are with the Winchester, a 2.2 GHz Newcastle will be faster than a 2.0 GHz Winchester.

*EDIT* Newcastles can be overclocked too... they just require a little better cooling and on average don't reach the same speed that a Winchester can.