Athlon XP core upgrades?

[Khorlo]

I'm getting ready to build a new system around an Athlon XP 1800 and I've noticed on a number of different websites that you get an option to upgrade to a different core.

For example: At www.bzboyz.com, at check out you can upgrade to the AGKGA, but only if you're buying the OEM chip. You don't get the option if you're buying the retail box. I saw this at at least one other web store.

Now, being the curious type, I wandered over to AMDs site and imagine my surprise when I could find no additional information about core upgrades.

Does anyone know what this is and what the benefit of the upgrade might be? The cost was marginal, another $20.

Khorlo

 

[rommel]

well i just checked out their site...but look at the shipping cost...and those babies...aarrgghhh...screw them dude...i dont think i would buy from them...atleast go check out the cpu price guide anand just put up today...and see if anyone responds to your post about there really being a significant core difference

 

[pcmax]

My retail 1600 I just picked up has the AGKGA core. Also curious what the difference is.

Max

 

[ravanux]

I have been wondering the same thing for a while. From what I know about the thunderbirds is that a lot of times those cpu's are unlocked. They are usually pretty good for overclocking. I know its not exactly what you want but if you look at newegg.com they have a 1.4GHz tbird that is an AYHJA and people have gotten those to over 2.4 GHz (super-cooled obviously). Hope this helps.

 

[Swanny]

A T-bird 1.4Ghz on the AYHJA core stepping ravanux is taking about will only get to 1.6Ghz max with air cooling.

The XPs haven't been out very long, and I don't know if there is another core stepping besides the AGKGA. Anyway, most of them that I've seen are getting to about 1.8Ghz.

If you're not going to overclock then the core stepping won't matter at all.