- Mar 24, 2005
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So, it seems the entry-level market has once again turned over into a new phase. With the release of the E2140, you can now get an Allendale CPU for under $100. But, there's a problem....
Entry-level is typically associated with integrated graphics (dedicated cards add $40 or more to the formula), but I can't find any reasonably-priced integrated boards which can even begin to tap into the overclocking potential of the E2140. The best I can find is the Gigabyte GA-945GZM-S2, which Newegg users have reported taking no higher than FSB278. So that means I shouldn't expect much more that 2.23 GHz (278x8) from the E2140.
For the same price as the GA-945GZM-S2 and E2140 ($142 shipped), however, one can purchase a Brisbane 3600+ and Biostar TForce TF7025-M2. The latter has been reported to overclock extremely well, with two of thirteen NewEgg reviewers reporting taking their 3600+s to 2.8-2.9 GHz.
So this sort of throws a wrench into the equation. Sure, the E2140 is faster when taken to its 2.8-3.2 GHz potential, but to do that you'd need to buy at least a GA-945P-S3 and dedicated video card--pushing the price up to $199, which is an entirely different price point.
Which, then, is faster: a Brisbane 3600+ @ 2.8-2.9 GHz, or an Allendale E2140 @ 2.2-2.3 GHz?
Entry-level is typically associated with integrated graphics (dedicated cards add $40 or more to the formula), but I can't find any reasonably-priced integrated boards which can even begin to tap into the overclocking potential of the E2140. The best I can find is the Gigabyte GA-945GZM-S2, which Newegg users have reported taking no higher than FSB278. So that means I shouldn't expect much more that 2.23 GHz (278x8) from the E2140.
For the same price as the GA-945GZM-S2 and E2140 ($142 shipped), however, one can purchase a Brisbane 3600+ and Biostar TForce TF7025-M2. The latter has been reported to overclock extremely well, with two of thirteen NewEgg reviewers reporting taking their 3600+s to 2.8-2.9 GHz.
So this sort of throws a wrench into the equation. Sure, the E2140 is faster when taken to its 2.8-3.2 GHz potential, but to do that you'd need to buy at least a GA-945P-S3 and dedicated video card--pushing the price up to $199, which is an entirely different price point.
Which, then, is faster: a Brisbane 3600+ @ 2.8-2.9 GHz, or an Allendale E2140 @ 2.2-2.3 GHz?