Currently have a Opteron 146

[Compuzen]

I got the Opteron 146 just before Christmas. I OC'd it to 2.9Ghz on a Zalman 9500 and its been rock solid to this day. I didnt' get a dual core because of time issues (had to complete it before xmas).

*edit* the stepping on my 146 is CABYE 0540

I'd like to buy a dual core Opteron or X2, but would like to stay under $600. I'm looking at the Opteron 165 or 175, or the X2 4400. I don't think twice the price for the X2 4800 and only getting 200Mhz more is worth it. I'm sure I can OC almost any X2 4400 chip 200Mhz.

I play a good bit of games and DVD backups. I've heard that DVD shrink is multithreaded and newer games are supposed to be multithreaded.

My main concern is, am I going to be able to tell a difference between the dual core and my OC'd Opteron? Will it enable me to play a game and archive a dvd at the same time without problems. I'm going to sell the 146 after I get a new processor so that will lessen the dent in my tax return funds.

I remember a site that had the breakdown on steppings and which ones were producing good overclocks when I bought my Opty, but I can't seem to find it now. Anyone know of a site like that with OC results? Steppings will play a big part in my purchase.

My system specs are in my sig.

Any suggestions are appericiated.(with the exception of "get the FX 60" lol)

Thank you.

 

[aka1nas]

It's very unlikely you will get a dual core opteron to that speed, so games will be a wash. DVD Shrink is multithreaded so you may get some benefit from that. Still, I wouldn't upgrade that setup. Even SMP-aware apps don't usually double in performance from a second core and you will most likely have to run it at a lower clock than your current chip.

 

[Absolute0]

The main advantage is multi tasking.

Running a game while doing something intense like burning a DVD. Running dual instances of something (like Rosetta). I liked my X2 when i had it but frankly i think dual cores are overpriced for what you actually get.

 

[Tweakin]

Since you are at 2.9 right now, and the fact that the vast majority of DC's are in the 2.5~2.6 range without extreme voltage and cooling, I think you will be taking a step backwards.

 

[Compuzen]

Thanks for the input guys. Thats what I was afraid of. Spending the xtra money and not seeing a decent performance boost. I might step up to water cooling and see if I can cross 3Ghz stable and get the second Videocard I need for SLI.

 

[Unkno]

do you really need water cooling, what is your current temps and at what voltage

 

[Compuzen]

I'm about 5 minutes into S&M at 90% CPU load and my CPU temp is 51c with the Vcore at 1.45. If I push the Vcore up higher and try 3Ghz I don't get more than a few minutes or Prime95. Its just hurdle I want to get over,lol.

 

[Compuzen]

Finished S&M with no errors and didn't go over 53c. I up'd the CPU load to 100% also.

 

[biatche]

can i buy the opt 146 off you then?

 

[Bobthelost]

Dual core kicks arse for shrink, but i don't think it's worth the extra money for you to upgrade, there would be an improvement but it's not worth the cash.

 

[JustStarting]

how often are you going to be playing games while doing other tasks?