AMD Opteron 165 vs x2 3800

[HoldenMan]

Just looking into a processor for a new system.....photoshop, some gaming, and the usual sorta stuff.

if I'm not mistaken, the Opteron 165 has a higher cache...is that correct?

So would the Opteron 165 be a better CPU? How come I rarely hear it mentioned, people always recommend the x2 3800 (the 165 IS dual core, isn't it?)

 

[pctwo]

Opteron has 2x the cache but is 200mhz slower. It's supposed to be better for OCing. If you plan to OC, and can get the Opteron for about the same price as the X2 or a little more, then get the Opteron. Otherwise get the X2.

 

[atybimf]

There's a search function for a reason. Please use it. BTW, welcome to the forums

The Opteron has more cache, but is 1.8ghz. The X2 3800 has less cache, but is 2.0ghz. Opteron's were designed for use in harsh environments, and supposedly were made with higher grade silicon. Therefore, they overclock much better than the X2 does and can achieve higher speeds.

 

[HoldenMan]

lol, point taken, but thanks,

Well, I've never overclocked before, but I plan on looking into it.....I'm probably getting an Asus A8n-SLi Premium mobo, which I understand isn't too bad for overclocking.
the Opteron 165 seems to be going for about 20-25% more than the x2 3800 at the moment...hmm.....

Gonna have to do a search on what the cache in a CPU really means methinks ;-)

 

[kyparrish]

Go with the 3800+, I had a 165 that clocked higher, but ended up selling it because I didn't like the voltage it took to go really high. Plus, it ran hotter than my X2 3800+.

This is just my opinion, but you sound like you're not an insane overclocker who doesn't mind jet-engine levels of fan noise from your rig to cool the beast off.

 

[kyparrish]

My idiot-proof 3800+ overclock:

10x multiplier
4x htt multiplier
240 fsb
166 mem divider
1.4 volts in bios

= 2.4ghz with ram running perfectly @ 200mhz. :thumbsup:

 

[HoldenMan]

didn't realise that, cheers.

Yeah, it's in my bedroom, and I'll leave it on at night to download, so I do want something quiet.

I guess on that note alone I'll be going with the x2 3800

 

[kyparrish]

Originally posted by: HoldenMan
didn't realise that, cheers.

Yeah, it's in my bedroom, and I'll leave it on at night to download, so I do want something quiet.

I guess on that note alone I'll be going with the x2 3800

I mean, that was just my experience, but I've had both and preferred my particular 3800+ for the idiot proof overclock I listed above and the lower temps. With an XP-90 cooler and a panaflo fan I idle between 22 and 24C depending on room temps.

I'm sure other particular Opteron 165's might not be as hot, but I think the extra cache actually adds to the heat factor somehow. Plus, starting 200mhz behind the x2 with a lower multiplier can be a hassle when aiming for a quick and dirty overclock.

Plus, it's kind of a sin to get a 165 and not want to go balls-out with it.

 

[TrevorRC]

The newer X2s are doing substantially better than the newer 165s.

My current X2 is doing 2.55 @ 1.31v w/ the sock cooler; and 2.7 with 1.43v, again with the stock cooler.

My Opty couldn't get past 2.55 with 1.4v
--Trevor

Edit:
Also, the lower cache = lower temps, which is always nice

 

[imported_Seer]

Did you say your x2 is doing 2.55 with lower than stock voltage??

 

[F1shF4t]

Originally its was expected for opterons to be better for oveclocking due to it being a server cpu and better quility, tested more etc.
While there was a chance to get a dud for a 3800+ X2, cause the chip might not have passed higher speeds so they were bined for 3800+.

I think now its more up to luck, as the yelds are improoving and the chance of getting a dud should be less. Like my 3200+ maxes at 2.5ghz on 1.425 volts, while my X2 makes 2.6ghz at 1.31v (1.35v bios) and 2.7ghz at 1.34v (1.375v bios)

 

[robertk2012]

Please read This

 

[robertk2012]

Originally posted by: TrevorRC
The newer X2s are doing substantially better than the newer 165s.

My current X2 is doing 2.55 @ 1.31v w/ the sock cooler; and 2.7 with 1.43v, again with the stock cooler.

My Opty couldn't get past 2.55 with 1.4v
--Trevor

Edit:
Also, the lower cache = lower temps, which is always nice

hmm thats one chip. Plenty of people well over 3 with the opty 165

im running 1.4v now