AMD Sempron 64 3200+ vs 3400+?

[Montek]

How runs AMD Sempron 64 3200+ AM2 comparing to AMD Sempron 64 3400+ AM2, which is actually same processor but with 256KB cache instead of 128KB, someone have any idea or link to review comparison?

 

[kotrtim]

one for $37 and the other for $42, is it significant to you? If the money is insignificant (after currency conversion) then its better to get a 256kb, but the most important thing is RAM, get at least 667, 800 is even better, it will make quite a difference since AMD performance relies on the RAM due to low L2 cache sizes, of course the difference is less than 5%. for web browsing and word processing, either processor will do

 

[Montek]

Originally posted by: kotrtim
one for $37 and the other for $42, is it significant to you?

Yeah because it affects total cost of PC i could get one for 32$ which was 3000+ 256KB cache, though disabled cool-n-quiet on it and i had to switch to 3200+ which is 128KB to have it, and if i want more cache i have to pay 10 bucks more than i need to, because its simple internet pc, which may run many applications (not games) and i going with DDR533.

I concerned about pure benchmarks of processors now would like to know difference between this two cpu's while for running multiple applications.

 

[DrMrLordX]

As a general rule of thumb, you're looking at a 5%-10% performance difference between the 3200+ and 3400+ due to the smaller l2 cache on the 3200+. As far as multitasking does, neither processor will be a stellar multitasker, though I would think the weaker cache subsystem on the 3200+ would make things worse.

If you're concerned about multitasking, you might want a cheap dual core processor, though it will cost a hair more than the Semprons you're pricing. An X2-3600+ will set you back around $60.

 

[Montek]

I do multitasking fine on Pentium (northwood) 4 2.4GHz @ 2.7, though it has 512KB L2 cache, i curious if sampron 3200+ will be same or actually half of my curent cpu potential?

 

[DrMrLordX]

Does that Northwood have Hyperthreading?

 

[covert24]

i have the same cpu (P4 northwood 2.4ghz) in one of rigs. and yes it has HT enabled.

 

[DrMrLordX]

If that P4 has hyperthreading, then it's probably going to have an edge over a Sempron in multitasking. There is a reason why you "do multitasking fine" on that P4, Montek.

I know you're looking to control costs, but if you're serious about a cheap AM2 multitasking box for general apps, I'd look at the X2-3600+. That will multitask better than your P4 or either of the Semprons you mentioned.

 

[Montek]

Nah my CPU does not have hyperthreading on my Northwood 2.4Ghz, because its FSB 533 one that has is FSB 800.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Ah, okay.

Well in any case, if you must go with a Sempron, I recommend the 3400+ which will give you more l2 that should help shore up your memory subsystem a bit, which will be a factor in multitasking.

If you can stomach the cost, I'd recommend the X2-3600+ Brisbane. Prices on that may come down July 9th if you're interested but don't like the price today.

 

[f4phantom2500]

kotrtim is, frankly, wrong about the memory speeds. for your needs it won't make a bit of a difference. now, as for the processors, any of the suggestions here should outdo your p4. up until a few weeks ago i was using a 939 rig with a 1.8ghz sempron that had 128k l2 cache (sempron 3000; basically the same as the 3200 you're looking at) for general tasks with 1gb of ram and it ran pretty smoothly...you just need 1gb or more of ram for that. however, i would strongly suggest you spend the few extra bucks for the extra cache, it would really help things out since anything less than 512k l2 cache really holds back the k8 architecture. also, i had the same pentium 4 you have in a previous rig. for general purposes they were pretty close i think. but you really should try to get an x2 or at least an athlon, it will really just make things so much smoother.

so, here's the order that i'd suggest them:

1. athlon 64 x2 3600 (brisbane)
2. athlon 64 (3200/3000)
3. sempron 64 3400
4. sempron 64 3200

those semprons are basically an athlon 64 3000 with less cache; the athlon has 512kb, and, as i said earlier, anything less really does hold back the architecture, which is also the reason why, if you go with the x2, you should get the brisbane, as the windsor has 256kb l2 cache per core; the brisbane has 512kb per core, and it more than makes up for the 100mhz lower clock speed.


EDIT: also you may want to check the fs/ft forum, you can usually pick up decent processors (lower end athlons, etc) for dirt cheap there.

 

[Montek]

I am not from US man, thanks for advice, i go with Sempron 64 3400+ AM2, about FS its Firing Squad and what is FT?

 

[BlueWeasel]

FS/FT = Anandtech For Sale/For Trade forum(s)

 

[f4phantom2500]

Originally posted by: Montek
I am not from US man, thanks for advice, i go with Sempron 64 3400+ AM2, about FS its Firing Squad and what is FT?

yeah, for sale/for trade. hm, since you're not from the us though that makes it kinda hard i guess...do you get good computer part supplies and all that where you live? what are the prices like for you?

depending on the prices of course, my order of recommendations still stands.

 

[dguy6789]

AMD64s of the same clock with different cache. This is how they perform.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...ay/sempron-2600_5.html