Need help selecting an AMD processor

[RoamDog]

Can you advise me which AMD processor will provide the biggest bang-for-the-buck? I am looking to spend ~ $300 (plus or minus) which I think puts me in the 3700 - 3800 range? But I am not sure which core to get? There seem to be more choices than ever and I have not purchased a CPU in a loooooong time.
Would like something that will work with my Thermalright SI-120 heatsink and must fit into either an ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe or MSI K8N Neo4/SLI Platinum.

 

[ronnystrauss]

get either the x2 3800 ( no overclocking) or the opteron 165 ( overclocking) trust me go with these dual cores dont listen to ANYONE say single core is still better. they are wrong

 

[RoamDog]

OK. I will trust you.
But which core (Venice, Manchester, Toledo, San Diego...) is the x2 3800?
And will that fit in my 939 mobo?

Originally posted by: ronnystrauss
get either the x2 3800 ( no overclocking) or the opteron 165 ( overclocking) trust me go with these dual cores dont listen to ANYONE say single core is still better. they are wrong

 

[StrangerGuy]

X2 3800+ are Manchesters. And yes it will fit any S939 mobos.

 

[RoamDog]

Looks like the Opteron (AMD Opteron (939) 165 Denmark) is slightly more expensive than the Manchester. What do I get for the extra $25 - $50?

Originally posted by: ronnystrauss
get either the x2 3800 ( no overclocking) or the opteron 165 ( overclocking) trust me go with these dual cores dont listen to ANYONE say single core is still better. they are wrong

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: StrangerGuy
X2 3800+ are Manchesters. And yes it will fit any S939 mobos.

Nope, not all of them.
Many are Toledos.

But it doesn't really matter.

As for the comment saying not to get single core, i'm not going to even start on that one.

In your price range, the X2 3800+ would be best if you don't OC.
If you do though, get the Opteron 165.

 

[TheRyuu]

Originally posted by: RoamDog
Looks like the Opteron (AMD Opteron (939) 165 Denmark) is slightly more expensive than the Manchester. What do I get for the extra $25 - $50?

Originally posted by: ronnystrauss
get either the x2 3800 ( no overclocking) or the opteron 165 ( overclocking) trust me go with these dual cores dont listen to ANYONE say single core is still better. they are wrong

You get better overclock for more money. But it's still YMMV. You will still get an overclock with the 3800+ just PROBABLY not as much (and you get 1mb L2 cache with Opty but that doesn't matter)

(if you care about overclocking)