Athlon & Thunderbird--what's the difference??

[Crash7]

I'm running an Athlon 600 on an Asus K7M mobo. I thought I might go with one of the 900Mhz CPUs but I really don't know what is the difference between the Athlon, Duron and Thunderbird CPUs. I'm inclined to go with the Thunderbird since I can get the best price on that. Anyone care to offer their thoughts?

Since Asus's site is down can anyone tell me if I'll encounter problems using the Thunderbird w/ the K7 board?

Thanks.

 

[Windogg]

Athlon (similar to P3 Katmai) - 512K of 1/2, 2/5, or 1/3 off-die L2 cache
Thunderbird (similar to P3 Coppermine) - 256K of full speed on L2 die cache
Duron (similar to Celeron) - 64K of full speed on die L2 cache.

I use the word similar because they are the closest match to what Intel offers. The entire AMD K7 line seems to offer equal or better perfomance across the board a lower cost to the consumer. The K7M can handle the Thunderbird. The newer T-Birds and Duron are in Socket A format as opposed to Slot A. Slotket might be released soon but the chipset might not be able to take the newer CPUs.

Windogg

 

[Crash7]

Thanks for the quick info. You mention the "newer T-Birds and Durons are in Socket A form as opposed to Slot A". I know the K7M is a Slot A so how do I ensure I get a Slot A T-Bird? Is there a code or brand on the CPU?

Thanks again for your input.

 

[Windogg]

Slot A T-bird are harder to come by and I think you have to check with your retailer for what's available.

Windogg

 

[Howard]

A Slot-A processor is long, and relatively thin. Black plastic casing.

A Socket-A processor is squarish, flat, and has coppery pins sticking out of the bottom.

 

[Crash7]

OK. Now I know where to start. Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help.