Help upgrading: 2800+ (Barton) or 2700+?!?

[GrandSlamBR]

Hey guys! Need some help here...

I want to upgrade my 1700+ and KT333 MB to an nForce2 MB,
and a faster Athlon...but is the extra L2 cache on the 2800+
really worth it?! I mean, it runs at 2.083 GHz, whereas the 2700+
runs at 2.166...both have 333Mhz FSB's, so no prob there...

Just wandering though, will this extra L2 cache ever make a difference,
especially when those shiny DX9 games start poppin' around?! The 2800+
will cost me an additional 50 bucks around these parts, so it's something to think about!

Thanks!

- GrandSlamBR

My rig:
Athlon 1700+ (TB "a" or "b", can't remember!)
- OC'd to 1900+
MSI KT3 Ultra2
Volcano 9
ATI 9500 Pro
512Mb RAM 333 (generic crapola)
40Gb Maxtor HD 7200 RPM's
Pioneer A05 DVD-RW

 

[MDE]

I see you aren't afraid to overclock, so why not go for a 2500+ Barton and overclock that? Most get to 3200+ speeds (2.2 GHz) no sweat.

EDIT: If you have a Tbred-B, why not upgrade your mobo and RAM, then overclock your 1700+ a bit further?

 

[GrandSlamBR]

Thanks bro - unfortunately, the 2500+ is nowhere to be found around these parts (I live in Brazil...). Well, I could probably get it somewhere, but I'm buying these components from a friend, who works in a computer store...

Anyway - the L2 cache, is that anything to write home about?! I mean, will that do me any good in Half-Life 2 or Doom 3, for example?!

And another thing: are all Bartons good overclockers? The 2800+ as well then?

Concerning my trusty ol' 1700+: I could probably try to get it up to 2100+ speeds, no sweat, but I want something faster...the time is now, since I've got some money to spare on these things, and also I'll be able to sell the 1700+ and the KT333 mobo to another friend! It's a win-win situation (the guy has a K6-2, for heaven's sake!!!) : )

- GrandSlamBR

 

[xSkyDrAx]

The 2500+ is an excellent overclocker. Set mines to 200 fsb and multiplier at 11 and bam...3200+ and hardly a temp change if any.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: xSkyDrAx
The 2500+ is an excellent overclocker. Set mines to 200 fsb and multiplier at 11 and bam...3200+ and hardly a temp change if any.

^ Same. Go for the 2500+ and save some money!!