Barton 2500+ or 2600+ or 2800+ ????

[klaatuboradonickto]

Greetings:

Am building a Linux server, which I will also use for some gaming, but mostly storage for my home's LAN (1+ terabyte worth). Have gotten Abit NF7-S Mobo.

Now am wanting to put in a Barton chip.

Which should it be and why (other than price): (I currently have 4 systems all running unlockable 2500+'s)

2500+ Barton @ $90
2600+ Barton @ $104
2800+ Barton @ $144

I am leaning towards the 2600+ to get a little more performance out of the processor than the 2500+, since they are all now locked.

What are everyone's thoughts.

NOTE: Am using 1G Corsair XMS 3200 CAS 2 memory (2 sticks f 512 for dual channel support)

Thanks in advance.

Klaatu

 

[Corporate Thug]

2500+ is still the best value IMO, just stick to FSB OCing

 

[BlueWeasel]

I asked this question a few weeks ago, as I was considering getting a 2800+ over the 2500+.

Do you plan on overclocking, either now or ever? If yes, then go with the 2500+. The majority of the 2500+'s are able to hit 3200+ speeds, if you've got the able equipment. In your case, with the NF7-S MB and the PC3200 RAM, you are pretty much ready to go.

Granted, not all 2500+ chips are going to make it to 3200+, but mine is currently running at 11x182 FSB = 2010mhz. The clock speed is slightly lower than a 2800+ at default speeds (2080mhz), but I am also using a higher FSB. Note that my MB appears to be holding me back from the magical 200 FSB, and not my CPU.

Now if you don't EVER plan on OC'ing and price is not an issue, then I'd go with the 2800+.

 

[loafbred]

You might want to consider trying a mobile Barton, as it will work in nForce2 boards. They are unlocked, and capable of running at lower voltage than normal.

ONE PROBLEM: I'm using a 2400-m (it's a Barton), and its performance drops off when using certain multipliers and certain fsb speeds. Benchmarks are normal with 11 multiplier and with fsb at or below 211. My memory is only stable to about 215, and I wonder if it's somehow causing the performance drop-offs at higher speeds. It's Prime95 stalbe at 11.5*208, but performance drops drastically on my Abit NF7. At 11*211, CPUmark99 scores 217. At 11.5*208, it scores 175. 3DMark 2001 drops about 3500 points. I've also tried lower fsb with higher multipliers at 2.3 to 2.4 GHz, but it only seems to perform up to spec with multiplier 11 at those speeds.

On the positive side, it's Prime95 stable at 11*200 with 1.65v and 11*211 with 1.75v. NewEgg sells it for $86 (OEM), and you can purchase the one-year warranty for $5 more.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: loafbred
You might want to consider trying a mobile Barton, as it will work in nForce2 boards. They are unlocked, and capable of running at lower voltage than normal.

ONE PROBLEM: I'm using a 2400-m (it's a Barton), and its performance drops off when using certain multipliers and certain fsb speeds. Benchmarks are normal with 11 multiplier and with fsb at or below 211. My memory is only stable to about 215, and I wonder if it's somehow causing the performance drop-offs at higher speeds. It's Prime95 stalbe at 11.5*208, but performance drops drastically on my Abit NF7. At 11*211, CPUmark99 scores 217. At 11.5*208, it scores 175. 3DMark 2001 drops about 3500 points. I've also tried lower fsb with higher multipliers at 2.3 to 2.4 GHz, but it only seems to perform up to spec with multiplier 11 at those speeds.

On the positive side, it's Prime95 stable at 11*200 with 1.65v and 11*211 with 1.75v. NewEgg sells it for $86 (OEM), and you can purchase the one-year warranty for $5 more.

No offense man, but what you just said here is actually a recommendation for him to buy an XP2500!

 

[VIAN]

why not just get the 3000 for 198 w/400Mhz fsb, or if the cache is that important, then get the 3200 for 219. Since it is a server, high fsb's count. I would just get the 3200 since its not far off of the 3000, and cache also helps as much as fsb.

 

[loafbred]

Originally posted by: myocardia

No offense man, but what you just said here is actually a recommendation for him to buy an XP2500!

I'd say that he'll have a much better chance of getting 11*200 @ 1.65v with a 2400-m than with a 2500+, which is good *IF* he'd be happy with that, or a little higher fsb, like mine. Maybe he's feeling adventurous and wants to find out what causes the performance drop at some settings.