Another which CPU for me thread...

[dman918]

I have a socket 939 board and want to put a decent chip in it. I play some games, and burn cds/dvds, browse the web, etc.
I want to get something that will last me a little while. I have an absolute max budget of $300, but idealy would like to be a bit lower than that, if possible. I was kinda thinking dual core would be worth it, but I would like to hear all of your thoughts.
I have a XP-90 HS with panaflo fan at 5v, and would plan on doing some overclocking with it. I am not very good at overclocking though, so I don't know how much of one I will get.
Thanks for your help; I am ordering something today, so I would really appreciate all thoughts.
Mike

 

[RallyMaster]

Hmm...3800+ X2 would do well. If you're not planning on OCing much, Opteron 165 would be a waste (and I think it costs more than the 3800+). 3800+ also OC pretty well from what I'm seeing.

 

[dman918]

Well, I am definitely willing to OC with my XP90 and stuff. I am just not great at it. I have my 3200+ running at 2.5ghz, so that isn't bad.
I guess there is the opteron line - 144, 146, 165, or athlon 3700+, or 3800+ x2... I guess I just don't know where the best value is. I also am not sure on the different names for these chips, so is there a certain version I want to get (like the 3700+ is a San Diego, correct?).
Also, I have no issue with OEM since I have a fan already...

 

[Bateluer]

You have a A62 3200 running at 2.5Ghz? Why not stick with that for a while, at least until Conroe chips are plentiful.

 

[tbike06]

Unless you are multitasking alot and want a dual core, i would just stick with your 3200 for now. It seems like you have a good OC already.

 

[dman918]

I am building a new system, and I would like it to be at least a little better than the current one...

 

[dman918]

So which chip is the best value? Is dual core worthwhile overall, especially for future games? From what I have read, it SEEMS that the 3700+ is the best bet around $200, and the Opteron 165 is the best bet around $300. Would you say this is a good assessment? Then the question is: is it worth $100 to get dual core for any future apps, games, etc...
I will not upgrade this board and memory any time soon BTW...

 

[dman918]

Also, what would be the deal with a refurb cpu from mwave? Probably not worth the $40 difference from new retail?

 

[BassBomb]

dont bother with single core now , especially since u wont get very far from 3200+ to a 3700+ .. you can hit around 2.6 with a 3700+ so do you really need an extra 100 mhz?

get a dual core now if u really want to upgrade

 

[dman918]

I think I am leaning toward an opteron 165. Mwave is a little unclear. Is this a refurb or just oem: http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA22087
I think its a refurb, but then it says oem and new with 30 day warranty...

 

[dman918]

Just a FYI. I called MWave and the link above is a new OEM processor. Hmmm... I bought retail, but is it worth spending $33 more for it? I don't need the fan and I will OC, so warranty probably doesn't mean much.
Any thoughts?

 

[swtethan]

do you really need it?


save up for a little for the future


but if you really need one now, then sure?

 

[dman918]

I need to get something now. Waiting is not an option, and I also already have all the other components for the new system. Therefore, socket 939 solutions are the ONLY choice for me.