could someone explain this to me..

[computerABUSER]

Hey All
Ok, I have been recently going through a "crash-course" in todays cpu/mobo lingo

I have built many computers but mostly AGP with Athlon cpus so I now am about to upgrade my computer with the 939-socket mobo along with the AMD64 cpu, however, could someone tell me what the numbers represent along side the cpu.

Heres what I mean, for instance, what does the 3800 mean on the AMD64 3800+ cpu? the same Q. for the AMD64 4000+

Does it represent the speed that it is equal to against the Intel line of cpu's. The cpus are basically the same to me since they are both at 2.4Ghz

Also is the 4000 a better cpu then the 3800 even though they are running at the same speed? or is the 4000 a better cpu due to the larger L2 Cache?

Thanks

Regards,
CA

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: computerABUSER
Hey All
Ok, I have been recently going through a "crash-course" in todays cpu/mobo lingo

I have built many computers but mostly AGP with Athlon cpus so I now am about to upgrade my computer with the 939-socket mobo along with the AMD64 cpu, however, could someone tell me what the numbers represent along side the cpu.

Heres what I mean, for instance, what does the 3800 mean on the AMD64 3800+ cpu? the same Q. for the AMD64 4000+

Does it represent the speed that it is equal to against the Intel line of cpu's. The cpus are basically the same to me since they are both at 2.4Ghz

Also is the 4000 a better cpu then the 3800 even though they are running at the same speed? or is the 4000 a better cpu due to the larger L2 Cache?

Thanks

Regards,
CA

well, counting out the X2's and the FX's..........
yes, the numbers basically mean that this chip (lets say the 3800) can compete with a 3.8GHz Intel



the 4000 would be slightly better due to the larger L2 cache, but not that much better

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Well, first of all, there are several flavors of the 3800+.

Athlon 64 3800+ "Newcastle" (2.4GHz, 512KB L2, 1.5v, no SSE3, 130nm, D0 stepping)
Athlon 64 3800+ "Venice" (2.4GHz, 512KB L2, 1.4v, SSE3, 90nm, E3 stepping)
Athlon 64 3800+ "Venice" (2.4GHz, 512KB L2, 1.4v, SSE3, 90nm, E6 stepping)
Athlon 64 X2 3800+ "Toledo" (2.0GHz/core, 512KB L2/core, 1.4v, SSE3, 90nm, E4 stepping)

There are two flavors of the 4000+.

Athlon 64 4000+ "Clawhammer" (2.4GHz, 1MB L2, 1.5v, no SSE3, 130nm, CG stepping)
Athlon 64 4000+ "San Diego" (2.4GHz, 1MB L2, 1.4v, SSE3, 90nm, E4 stepping)

As you can see, there are a few differences between all these processors. Clock speed is the most important difference performance-wise, but L2 cache size also makes a difference. Less important features include the voltage, SSE3 support and process technology (90/130nm). Stepping isn't that important for stock speed performance, but it can make a huge difference for overclocking--which deals with clock speed, the most important consideration of all.

The model numbers themselves (3800+, 4000+, etc.) do not refer to equivalent Intel speeds, as some believe. They are only relevant when talking about other AMD CPUs of the same class. For example, an Athlon 64 4000+ is somewhat better than an Athlon 64 3800+. However, an Athlon 64 3800+ is *not* comparable to an Athlon 64 X2 3800+. Despite having the same model number, they are from two different series of processors (Athlon 64 & Athlon 64 X2).

Hope that helps.

 

[computerABUSER]

Hey, thanks for the great replies guys. So between the two 4000 CPUs world the "Clawhammer" be the better gamer CPU?

Thanks again,
Regards,
CA

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Definitely not. The "San Diego" has E4 stepping, which improves performance and heightens the overclocking ceiling. Thanks to its smaller process design and lower voltage, it consumes less power. Also, it supports SSE3, where the "Clawhammer" does not.

However, they're both very close in performance at stock speeds. The biggest difference is their overclocking potential.

 

[computerABUSER]

Thanks hurtstotalktoyou really good info yo gave me, greatly appreciated.

So it looks like I'll be getting the "San Diego" then all I have to do now then is pick out a good SLI mobo and I'll be set, although I get my upgrade cash at the end of this month
and to be exact, I'll get my cash on the 23rd of Nov.

and when I do, BAM, upgrade time baby

Regards,
CA

 

[computerABUSER]

Hey hurtstotalktoyou
I just now realized that the AMD64's that you have listed are still called "Athlons", interesting as I didn't know that.

Regards,
CA