CPU Dilema

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

Hey, this is my first post here at anandtech. I have a quick question about a couple CPU's.

I will be building my new computer soon, and I was wondering about a few CPUs, I dont know if I want to get the AMD 4000+, FX-55 (San Diego), or FX-55 (ClawHammer). I want to overclock them and they will be Air Cooled with an XP-120. Any Suggestions?

I am fairly new to overclocking, never done it on an A64, only on an older P4 3.0Ghz Chip, all I did was raise the FSB, nothing much. So any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[BitByBit]

Both the FX-55s you mention are 2.6GHz chips, but the San Diego will generally clock higher. The 4000+ is a 2.4GHz chip which also comes in both Clawhammer/San Diego form, with SD clocking higher again.
If it were me, I'd get the 4000+ San Diego, and spend what I saved from not going the FX-55 route on a better GPU.

If you're wondering about ease of overclocking, the FX-55 does come with a fully unlocked multiplier, but overclocking the non-FX line isn't much more difficult - it simply requires that you watch your memory and HTT speeds.
The FX-55 will probably reach a higher OC than the 4000+, but not sufficiently higher to justify the additional cost, in my opinion.

 

[Aenslead]

I agree. The price on the FX-55 is way to much for me. A 4000+ would be a much better deal.

 

[Vegitto]

Hey, if money is not an issue here, get the FX-55 San Diego for it's unlocked multiplier. If it is an issue, get the 4000+ San Diego, mmkay?

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

See I can get an FX55 (ClawHammer) for about $90 more then the 4000+ Sandy

I can afford both easily with my Setup

I have been saving up for a while

 

[BitByBit]

If this is a gaming system you're building, then that extra $90 would go alot further on a better graphics card.

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

I am getting X850 XT PCI-E so yeah.

 

[The Green Bean]

Originally posted by: Vegitto
Hey, if money is not an issue here, get the FX-55 San Diego for it's unlocked multiplier. If it is an issue, get the 4000+ San Diego, mmkay?

I heard all san deigos were multo unlocked.

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

They are? Hmm, if that is true, I will definately go with the 4000+

 

[BitByBit]

I seriously doubt that.
If that were the case, the FX line would suddenly have become obsolete, since the only advantage it has over the non-FX line is an unlocked multiplier.

 

[CheesePoofs]

All Athlon 64's (not FX's) have the multiplier unlocked downwards, so if the multy is 10, 1-10 are the available multy's. All FX chips have the multiplier unlocked up and down, so every multi is unlocked.

I would get the 4000+ SD chip. Even though its stock speed is lower than the FX-55 Clawhammer, it should clock higher, because it is built on a 90nm process.

 

[Chode Messiah]

I got the 4000 and it is an easy overclocker. They have the 90nm fx55 san diego out now, and that should be very easy to overclock. 4000+ has more bang for the buck though and is near the fx in performance. What are the specs for ur machine?

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

I will be building it.

CPU to be decided
Abit Fatal1ty AN8 SLi
1GB DDR625 OCZ RAM
2x 250GB Mator 16MB Cache HDs
eVGA 6800GT (As a place holder until R520 or G70)
Thermalright XP-120
Thermaltake Tsunami Case

Thats about it. Before, I made a mistake, I didn't mean X850 XT, I mean 6800GT, I was writing in two forums, forgot which one I was in lol

 

[Chode Messiah]

I'd get a 4000+ or a dual-core when it comes out. Btw, the fatal1ty looks very cool.

 

[sangyup81]

get the DFI not the ABIT

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

I was going to but I was concerned that it would be ugly in my case. I mean c'mon, bright yellow and orange doesn't relaly go well with a black and blue case/

 

[Chode Messiah]

I have the dfi, but I like the abit. It has an active ram cooler

 

[MDE]

Why get an SLI motherboard with an ATI video card (assuming CrossFire doesn't work with anything but an ATI chipset)? Regardless save your money and get a San Diego 4000+.

 

[Syn7aX ErrOr]

Hey Chode, please message me on AIM if you have the chance. My AIM s/n is: Turpin2988