Is there any point buying a 3500+ if you o/c

[Mogadon]

Most people with a 3000+ venice can hit around 2.6 / 2.7.

It seems most people with a 3500+ are hitting the same, maybe 2.8.

(all with air cooling obviously).

Are there any benefits really?

I ask the same of the 3200+, i know it has an unlocked multiplier but from what ive seen on the forums the majority of people with 3200+'s are basically hitting the same as those with 3000+'s, some actually lower.

I know different processors hit different o/c's, i'm going to move into the A64 world very soon , on a budget, and was wondering if anyone could try and persuade me to bother with anything other than a venice 3000+ ... anyone?

 

[monster64]

Heres a reason. To reach 2700 on a 3000+ its 9x300, 3200+ is 10x270, and 3500+ is 11x245. If you have a budget mobo, it probably can't go above 250 fsb and youre screwed if you have anything less than a 3500+.

 

[Bona Fide]

Originally posted by: monster64
Heres a reason. To reach 2700 on a 3000+ its 9x300, 3200+ is 10x270, and 3500+ is 11x245. If you have a budget mobo, it probably can't go above 250 fsb and youre screwed if you have anything less than a 3500+.

Well most of us have decent mobo's that can hit around 280. And then there's the DFI crew that can get to 320.

To answer your question, the best compromise is a 3200+. Even if you have a great OC'ing mobo, a 3000+ might not hit 2.7GHz. With a 3200+ you have a better chance.

 

[BigCoolJesus]

i love my 3500+......

and watch out, the new revision 6 3000+ are only getting about 2.4/2.5GHz average

 

[Hacp]

2.5GHZ is still a nice OC. Personally, I would rather spend the extra cash for the extra cache of the 3700+. The price difference is only around 40 bucks. 80 dollars for a 3-5% over an overclocked venice increase isn't THAT bad (if you don't count OEm versions).

 

[Mogadon]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Yeh, when i say on a budget, i don't mean i'm gonna buy the cheapest, simply that i don't have unlimited funds, i'm definitely looking at getting a high quality board.

Instead of high end RAM i think i'll get some value stuff and spend the extra on a 3200+ for the multiplier, i'm aiming for 2.7 but hell, you just can't tell where your chip'll take you.

 

[Dadofamunky]

Originally posted by: Hacp
2.5GHZ is still a nice OC. Personally, I would rather spend the extra cash for the extra cache of the 3700+. The price difference is only around 40 bucks. 80 dollars for a 3-5% over an overclocked venice increase isn't THAT bad (if you don't count OEm versions).

I'd agree. Also given that the 3700+ San Diego has a completely different core from the 3500+ Venice, with some specific advantages incurred from it, the $40 premium seems to be worth it. Also given that it's a monster OCer....

 

[BigCoolJesus]

Originally posted by: Dadofamunky

Originally posted by: Hacp
2.5GHZ is still a nice OC. Personally, I would rather spend the extra cash for the extra cache of the 3700+. The price difference is only around 40 bucks. 80 dollars for a 3-5% over an overclocked venice increase isn't THAT bad (if you don't count OEm versions).

I'd agree. Also given that the 3700+ San Diego has a completely different core from the 3500+ Venice, with some specific advantages incurred from it, the $40 premium seems to be worth it. Also given that it's a monster OCer....

monster OC'er?

doesnt really do much better then a 3500+ (mines at 2.7GHz).....