Help me choose the right processor

[kickerf1]

My current system is 5-6 old and I thought it is about time to build another system. I'm thinking about choosing the AMD 64 X2 4400+ and the ASUS A8N32-SLI Deluxe mobo or maybe not the Deluxe version but the Premiun because I won't be doing any heavy gaming everyday but only once in a while and I thought 32X combined bus speed in the SLI wasn't for me I'm not sure what do you guys think?

Anyways, my main question is I want a processor that would last me about 5 years and I'm debating between the 4400+ or an Opteron processor. How different are the Opteron processor from the AMD 64 X2 ? I will not be running a server computer just an everyday use computer but I do really like speed and performance and reliability.

The 4400+ is priced at about $460 right now in Newegg and I'm willing to pay up to $500 for any Opteron processor if it justified being better than the 4400+

Please help.

Thank you guys.

 

[Duvie]

The difference is not always clear...

a 4400+ X2 versus an opteron 175 is nothing....A 4200+ X2 also 2.2ghz like the 4400+ X2 but has less cache per core..

Some may say they think the opteron cpus oc btter and I have seen some opteron cpus come in 1.3-1.35v versions...Obvioulsy if you get a 1.3v version it may have more headroom....This should only be an issue if you plan on ocing..Do you!!!


Personally If you plan on holding onto a cpu for that long wait for the conroe....I switch cpus to often I never wait for anything....

If you have to get now I would get a 170 opteron oc'd to 2.5ghz (easy), 2gb of ram ran at PC4000 (500ddr), on any mobo from MSI, Asus, or DFI...

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: Duvie
The difference is not always clear...

a 4400+ X2 versus an opteron 175 is nothing....A 4200+ X2 also 2.2ghz like the 4400+ X2 but has less cache per core..

Some may say they think the opteron cpus oc btter and I have seen some opteron cpus come in 1.3-1.35v versions...Obvioulsy if you get a 1.3v version it may have more headroom....This should only be an issue if you plan on ocing..Do you!!!


Personally If you plan on holding onto a cpu for that long wait for the conroe....I switch cpus to often I never wait for anything....

If you have to get now I would get a 170 opteron oc'd to 2.5ghz (easy), 2gb of ram ran at PC4000 (500ddr), on any mobo from MSI, Asus, or DFI...

Agreed. Either a 170 (or even a 165) with some DDR500 ram (the G.Skill is nice) and a decent mobo, and your set.

 

[Ika]

agreed with Duvie; if you can wait, wait for conroe to come to market and stabilize... it will last much longer.

 

[kickerf1]

I read the 2.66GHz Conroe being previewed by Tom Hardware site was a high end mainstream part, the 3GHz Conroe will make the FX60 look like a Celeron D. Is that true? if it is then how much longer till the Conroe hits the street and what about the price?

 

[Geomagick]

Conroe does look like it will be very fast indeed, however you have to ask yourself - when do I want to buy?

Either way a dual core Athlon 64 now or a Conroe later in the year will prove to be a massive upgrade on any computer that is 6 years old.

The pricing of Conroe will be very competitve.

 

[Witchfire]

Originally posted by: wizboy11

Originally posted by: Duvie
The difference is not always clear...

a 4400+ X2 versus an opteron 175 is nothing....A 4200+ X2 also 2.2ghz like the 4400+ X2 but has less cache per core..

Some may say they think the opteron cpus oc btter and I have seen some opteron cpus come in 1.3-1.35v versions...Obvioulsy if you get a 1.3v version it may have more headroom....This should only be an issue if you plan on ocing..Do you!!!


Personally If you plan on holding onto a cpu for that long wait for the conroe....I switch cpus to often I never wait for anything....

If you have to get now I would get a 170 opteron oc'd to 2.5ghz (easy), 2gb of ram ran at PC4000 (500ddr), on any mobo from MSI, Asus, or DFI...

Agreed. Either a 170 (or even a 165) with some DDR500 ram (the G.Skill is nice) and a decent mobo, and your set.

I'm with wizboy11. The Opty 170 or 165 will do just fine, the G.SKILL ram is the best bang for the buck.

The Opty is the better choice than the X2. Opterons are tested under far more srtingent demands than the X2, and are generally better quality silicon. They're intended for use under 24/7/365 at 100%, so consumer level usage is pretty easy on them, comparatively.

 

[kickerf1]

ok thank you guys I guess everybody is favoring the opteron processors over the amd 64 x2. I will take your advice and purchase one but need help choosing the best one for under $500 and comparable or better than the 4400+ x2.

Thank you guys.

 

[dmens]

Lasting five years? You might want to wait for merom.

 

[Zap]

If he keeps waiting for the next best thing, then five years down the line and he still won't have upgraded. If Conroe was next week, sure, wait. But Conroe is in a couple of months, right? And even then, limited quantities while Intel ramps up. There's information showing that they plan for a slower ramp-up than is typical for them.

 

[kickerf1]

what is memron and conroe? are these new intel chips? I'm not a intel guy I like amd processors better. I think I would rather go for the X2 or opterons but which dual-core opterons is similar or superior than 4400+ X2 for under $500?

 

[kickerf1]

according to this link http://www.pugetsystems.com/articles.php?id=23 dual-core processors (X2) are faster than dual processors (opterons)

Did I miss something?

 

[FallenHero]

Originally posted by: Zap
If he keeps waiting for the next best thing, then five years down the line and he still won't have upgraded. If Conroe was next week, sure, wait. But Conroe is in a couple of months, right? And even then, limited quantities while Intel ramps up. There's information showing that they plan for a slower ramp-up than is typical for them.

I've read the opposite. Intel is supposed to be ramping it up before they usually do, having a bigger release than previous ones.

 

[kickerf1]

I was reading the spec sheet on opterons and x2 in newegg and they have the opterons 165 and 170 listed with 1000MHz HT while the X2 4400+ has 2000MHz. Doesn't this make the X2 faster than its comparable opteron?

I'm really confused now. I'm kinda hesitant about choosing an opteron processor because that's for server type of computer and I don't know if I could use any 939 socket mobo if I opted for an opteron cpu.

 

[n7]

No.

Both the X2s & Opterons run at 1000 MHz double pumped (2000 MHz) i believe is how they word it.

HT speed will vary based on overclock, etc., but it really doesn't affect overall performance at all.

The Opterons work fine in current s939 motherboards.

I'm loving the one i have now