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Best value on AMD processor?

M

manticore24

Junior Member
I'm upgrading my computer for gaming purposes.
I don't want to upgrade again for at least two years.
I'm not on a strict budget, but I don't want to waste my money.
Motherboard: Epox 8RDA+.

Which processor is the best value?
Athlon XP 1700+ Thoroughbred $41
Athlon XP 2200+ Thoroughbred $60
Athlon XP 2400+ Thoroughbred $80
Athlon XP 2500+ Barton $93
Athlon XP 2600+ Thoroughbred $96

Additional Qs:
1. Is it better to have a bigger cache, or a faster processor for gaming? Basically, Barton or Thoroughbred?

2. 2x256 OR 2x512 Corsair XMS PC 3200 DDR RAM?
2x256=$126
2x512=$224
Is it really worth spending over twice as much on the RAM as the processor?
I don't upgrade often if that makes a difference.

I'd REALLY appreciate it if I could get reasons/explanations. i.e. Why you think "x" processor is the best.
Thx in advance!!! Everyone at the forum has been very helpful!
 
i'll get the Barton if you overclock. it should last you 2 years.
1)imo,i've heard people saying the cache makes the system more responsive
2. i'll get 2x512mb. more future proof imo for games. a few games currently take up 1GB like SimCity 4, BF1942, Planetside
 
For everyday normal applications, you would probably never notice the extra cache on the Barton. For the money, I'd go with the 2600+ 333. As far as the RAM is concerned, go with the 2 512MB sticks. You'll get better performance with the higher MB sticks of RAM.
 
Can't beat the XP1700 for $41... most will overclock to at least 2.2 Ghz.
I'd personally go with the XP2500 though because of the extra cache, and most of those will also overclock to 2.2 Ghz.

*EDIT* As for RAM, get the XMS Low Latency PC3200... 2x512
 
I vote opinion. 98% of the public (the 2% being the nonconventional user that uses apps that would benefit from a larger L2 cache), would never know the difference between a 256K and a 512K L2 cache.
 
Guess I'm Mr 2% then. I run a app no one else uses called Seti@home. Going to the Barton chip over a Tbred, at the same clock speed and all other factors being equal, it cut the time for a result by approximately 1/4.
 
Originally posted by: pspada
Guess I'm Mr 2% then. I run a app no one else uses called Seti@home. Going to the Barton chip over a Tbred, at the same clock speed and all other factors being equal, it cut the time for a result by approximately 1/4.
Click to expand...

I run Seti on 10 boxes. I have a Barton 3200+, and my 2400+ runs almost as fast. I beg to differ, but hey *shrugs* Your opinion is yours, mine is mine. 🙂

And, if you're buying a processor just for Seti, well....I guess I'll just keep my comments to myself 😉
 
...running seti on 10 boxes....and putting a guy down for buying a processor to run it on one system.....hmmmmmmmm
 
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