Dual Core Opterons vs X2s

imported_Seer

Senior member
Jan 4, 2006
309
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I'm kind of confused. From what I've herad, if you're overclocking, it seems almost ridiculously stupid to get an X2 over an opteron. So why would anyone (who overclocks) get an x2? I think the x2s have SSE3 while the optys dont (maybe?), but thats not that big of an advantage. So is it just marketing? are the "X"2s more "X"treme? Or what? I'm just kinf confused, I don't see why the X2 even exists, as it sounds like AMD could just up the clock on the 939 optys and there ya go. So did AMD release the X2's because of marketing advantages of "X2" versus Opteron? would I be getting ripped off if I got an x2 over an opteron?


The main reason Im posting this is because I was originally going to get a 4400+, but it seems like I could just get an opteron and it would overclock better and at lower voltages, but lots of people still go for the x2s, so I thought "why would they do this? there must be some reason AGH!"

Thanks,
Seer
 

MDE

Lifer
Jul 17, 2003
13,199
1
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Clock speed does more for desktop performance than cache. AMD meant for the Opterons to be used in workstation and single socket server configurations, not hobbyists overclocking them. If I'm not mistaken, the X2s are slightly cheaper anyway and coming with a 200MHz higher clock speed, the slightly higher voltage doesn't matter as much.
 
Mar 19, 2003
18,289
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When you could get an Opteron 165 for around $280 (and X2 3800+'s were around $330), that was without a doubt the best buy for a dual-core processor. Prices and supply aren't quite so good now. However if you were going to spend $500+ on an X2 4400+ anyway, if you don't mind overclocking, you could save a bit of money by getting an Opteron 165 or 170 (assuming you can find them for a reasonable price - I haven't kept up with prices since buying mine in November). Clock for clock they'll perform the same as the X2's with 1MB L2 cache per core (4400+ and 4800+).
 

imported_michaelpatrick33

Platinum Member
Jun 19, 2004
2,364
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Originally posted by: lyssword
but 165 opty is only 1.8 and 3800+ are 2.0 ghz

Yes, but the 165 opty has 1024 L2 cache per core, higher grade silicon (being Opterons) and will probably overclock to the same if not better ghz as the 3800+ for less money.
 

mrkun

Platinum Member
Jul 17, 2005
2,177
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My Opteron 165 is running at 2.7 GHz at 1.4 volts. It cost me $270. 'Nuff said. :D
 

grahamh

Junior Member
Dec 9, 2005
24
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mrkun.thats a damn nice chip.
What temp do you get under full load ?
On air cooling I guess ?
 

mrkun

Platinum Member
Jul 17, 2005
2,177
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Originally posted by: grahamh
mrkun.thats a damn nice chip.
What temp do you get under full load ?
On air cooling I guess ?

I'm using an XP-90 with a high-speed Panaflo on a fan controller. It'll hit 50C at full load, but that's with the fan running at about 2/3 so I can always turn it up and keep the CPU below 50. Also, the temp should drop a couple degrees once the AS5 really gets worked in.