ATHLON XP 2600+

[lm3]

If you don't overclock, which processor gives you more bang for the buck, Barton or Thoroughbred?

 

[BlueWeasel]

If you don't overclock....

Those are the key words right there. Given that, it's the Barton hands down because of the 512k L2 cache (vs. 256k on the Tbred) and the 166 FSB (vs. the 133 FSB of the Tbred).

Even with overclocking, most 2500+ Bartons are hitting 3200+ speeds (2.2ghz) with good boards and RAM. If you are absolutely not planning to OC, then I'd consider spending a little more and go for the 2600+ or 2800+ Bartons (at least).

 

[lm3]

Why does the Thoroughbred seem to have a faster speed than the Barton? 2.133Ghz vs. 1.9 ghz

 

[BlueWeasel]

Because it uses a higher multiplier. Remember, clock speed is not the only factor in determining how fast the system overall. I'd take a 1.9ghz running at 166 FSB over a Tbred 2.13ghz running at 133 FSB anyday.

 

[pspada]

Because of the slower fsb speed, and half the amount of cache, the T-birds had to run at a faster actual clockspeed to reach the same performance.

 

[hytek369]

Originally posted by: pspada
Because of the slower fsb speed, and half the amount of cache, the T-birds had to run at a faster actual clockspeed to reach the same performance.