AMD FX-57

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: DasFox
Oh well on a note for the FX, I've scrubbed that, I'm not buying any FX CPUS, it's a waste.

I'm looking at the 3700+ Retail which is $98, I think that is one tough deal to beat, and I'm thinking at this point to go cheap and single core, and just hang onto money when something else comes around after the AM2 and move next into this system. I had a X2 3800 it seemed pretty good, but I'm not sure for gaming if the dual cores was really needed.

ALOHA

I have a X2 3800+ at 2.6Ghz with a 7800GT OC that runs games very well. No issues at all.

 

[CP5670]

As far as instability in games goes, the only widely-reported problems were with X2s and Opterons, but those problems can be fixed easily with the right driver and hotfix. It's not an issue.

Not really, a number of people have problems even with both of those things installed. I get issues in pretty much anything based on the Unreal engines and haven't found any third party program that fixes it reliably. The only thing that always works is to set the affinity in the task manager, but that has to be done every time you start the game and requires you to alt-tab the game, which some older games don't respond well to.

Actually, has anyone had these kinds of problems on a Core 2? If they have fixed this stuff completely, that might be just as compelling a reason to upgrade as the performance increase.

 

[Makaveli]

Good question, I would like to know that answer aswell.

 

[DasFox]

Anyone know where to get a good deal on a 4000+ E6, OEM or Retail?

THANKS

 

[Ava1anche]

Originally posted by: CP5670

As far as instability in games goes, the only widely-reported problems were with X2s and Opterons, but those problems can be fixed easily with the right driver and hotfix. It's not an issue.

Not really, a number of people have problems even with both of those things installed. I get issues in pretty much anything based on the Unreal engines and haven't found any third party program that fixes it reliably. The only thing that always works is to set the affinity in the task manager, but that has to be done every time you start the game and requires you to alt-tab the game, which some older games don't respond well to.

Actually, has anyone had these kinds of problems on a Core 2? If they have fixed this stuff completely, that might be just as compelling a reason to upgrade as the performance increase.

Funny I have never had a problem running games and I have not yet install any patches for the X2... What "old games" are you talking about... I have ran the old GTA2 with no problems... Honestly Dual Core is a much better gamer CPU... Never have to worry about the virus scanner turning on or updates coming in... I can download big files like Vista 64Bit and still play games with no slow downs/ change in the games I play...

 

[DasFox]

All I'm trying to say is I'll game and that is all on the PC. For this box I really don't see a need to run dual core. Nothing is going to be running updates, or running in the background, excpet a AV, and one little AV app running in the backlground isn't enough to justify needing dual core, because if it is, we're all in trouble.

I don't run other apps, or windows when I game, and there is only a handful of games that actually support dual core, if even that, so if a person is only going to game, and do nothing more, I really don't see the point in dual core.

ALOHA

 

[DasFox]

What's wrong with this picture?

Pricegrabber:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_attr..._id=42&vendors%5B%5D=AM2&lo_p=0&hi_p=0

NewEgg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103527

Talk about a PRICE difference! I mean all I can tell is the Pricegrabber ones are E6 and NewEgg's are E4, but I doubt that since the Pricegrabber list covers quite a few vendors selling them. They all look the same.

ALOHA

 

[FelixDeCat]

Dont invest in the past. Invest in the future.

 

[Vegitto]

Invest in whatever's best for you. If you don't need dual-core, don't buy it.

 

[DasFox]

Originally posted by: FelixDeKat
Dont invest in the past. Invest in the future.

Well good thought IF you needed it, and the future was around the corner, but for gaming it's still a ways off, and I still don't see any need in spending twice as much for something you don't use, now that's just a waste.

From what I gather either a Athlon 3700 or Opteron 146 overclocked would be the ticket, and just about for anyone for that matter looking for a good gaming CPU at this point in time.

I mean hey $100 for now, and then when ever the future arrives, you're only out a $100, and I don't consider that much of a loss and if you buy retail you can probably sell it off for half and still get a penny back too.

Sounds like WISE gaming if you ask me. 😉

ALOHA

 

[DasFox]

So for me it's either a Athlon 3700+ E6 or Opteron 146 E6, if they make a E6 Opteron that is.

ALOHA

 

[Munky]

If you're not going to OC at all, go with the 3700. If you may OC, get the Opteron, as they usually OC very well. And dont go for the dual core hype, because I've seen absolutely no improvement in games since I upgraded to dual cores, but I did have issues that required patches and setting affinity. By the time dual cores really make a difference in games, you'll probably be building a whole new rig anyway.

 

[HomeyFoos]

I bought an Opteron 165 with the intention of OC'ing it and I've just never gotten around to it. I didn't want to be without my system long enough to test it for those days I would need. As a matter of fact, I was considering building a Conroe system just so I could OC this one (supposedly, I was shipped an above-average stepping but who knows).

Anyway, the Opteron has been really nice. I have experienced some of the dual-core issues and I don't love alt-tabbing out of Madden to set the core affinity, but when I do that, it guarantees me flawless play. It's an XP limitation from what I've heard. Only Server 2k3 optimizes the dual-cores properly (realize at this point I'm talking out of my ass and regurgetating something I read here by someone who sounded much smarter than me but it made sense and nobody disagreed with him). I have found myself mentioning Vista quite a bit recently but I seriously hope it addresses these issues.

The hardware has been out forever. I recall having to decide between the newly released A64's or the 3.0 s478 Prescott. Went P4 and didn't really regret it since 64bit still isn't really supported (again, Vista - though did I take a beating in performance...that P4 was outrageously inefficient). So for now, you are right about Dual-Core. There is no NEED, but soon there will be perks. Regardless, the thing about the Opterons that I have not heard as much about from the Athlon's is that you get alot of free MHz. Most get you to 2.4-2.6 on air with no increase in voltage. Bang for buck, this is a monster. If I'm not mistaken, at one point, they were hard to come by because of their reputation (David Grahm was having a hard time getting his hands on them - though again this could just be me mincing words). I say Opteron 146 and OC it as far as air will take you. The theory behind the Opty's is that since they are server/workstation chips, they are made from better 'stuff' (I sure hope I remember this stuff correctly so I don't get hammered) or cut from a better portion of the 'sheet', so to speak. Thus, they respond well to OC'ing. It was an OC'ers dream working with them from what I've read. A respected OC'er said something to the effect of 'Thank you, AMD, for the s939 Opterons. The greatest and most rewarding over-clocking experience of my life!'

Kinda makes you wonder if AMD could find a niche in the wake of Conroe based on 'free mhz'. Anyway, sorry to be long-winded but since you hadn't heard much about Opterons, I thought I would give you some perspective (that I hope I didn't get wrong).

Good luck and keep us notified on what you decide!

 

[DasFox]

Yeah I'm thinking I'll get a Opteron 146. Saw this one over at Mwave:
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=BA22047&CartID=done&nextloc=

But are they only E4?

THANKS

 

[Makaveli]

yes haven't seen E6 Opterons for S939

 

[StrangerGuy]

Originally posted by: munky
If you're not going to OC at all, go with the 3700. If you may OC, get the Opteron, as they usually OC very well. And dont go for the dual core hype, because I've seen absolutely no improvement in games since I upgraded to dual cores, but I did have issues that required patches and setting affinity. By the time dual cores really make a difference in games, you'll probably be building a whole new rig anyway.

Don't know about your case but I have zero problems with my C2D in games.

BTW why did you upgrade to a dual-core for games? It is common knowledge back then when dual-cores debuted that they do not provide any significant gaming performance increase over single cores. Except in a few multithreaded ones.

 

[DasFox]

StrangerGuy you might have zero problems, and I didn't really have any either, just the fact that two cores for gaming at this point aren't used, but in a few games, so just a waste of extra core, and extra $$$$ is all for now. 😉

I upgraded on misinformation at the time thinking it would be on the way soon, so 9 months later there has been no soon. 🙁

Anyhow I sold the X2 3800 thinking I should just do single core for now.

ALOHA