Need some cliff notes type helpon AMD opteron

[Ike0069]

I've been out of the computer knowledge arena for a while now. I currently have an Athlon XP 2200+ on an Epox 8K7A board. It will be time to upgrade soon, so I need some help.
I know AMD has come out with the 64 bit processor. But can someone update me on what Opteron model is, and how it differs from the Athlon 64 processors? I stated to research this, but I found way too much info. Just looking for a brief explanation.
Thanks.

 

[Jen]

Opteron = dual processor applications , even though it can be used as a single cpu

Best performance is the FX line however very expensive


A64 is budget cpu and works very well



hugs


Jen

 

[Megatomic]

There is an Opteron 1xx line of chips that is single CPU only if that is the route you wish to take. A single Opteron 1xx is just as fast as an FX of the same GHz if they are in the same motherboard with the same FSB. And the Opteron is cheaper than the equivalent FX.

The only drawback to the Opteron vs. the FX is that the Opteron is multiplier locked whereas the FX is unlocked.

 

[Ike0069]

multiplier locked

What does this mean?

Also, What's the difference between Opteron 1xx and 2xx series?

 

[Mloot]

Opteron 1xx series can only be used in single-CPU systems, and are consequently the least expensive of the Opterons. Opteron 2xx series are for dual-CPU systems (cost a bit more than the 1xx series of the same speed), and the Opteron 8xx series are made for 4 and 8-CPU systems (most expensive of them all).

It's the first number (i.e. 1, 2, or 8) that indicates the maximum number of CPU's of the same type can be used in one system. The second two numbers indicate the speed of the CPU.

140, 240, and 840 = 1.4ghz

142, 242, and 842 = 1.6ghz

144, 244, and 844 = 1.8ghz

146, 246, and 846 = 2.0ghz

148, 248, and 848 = 2.2ghz

150, 250, and 850 = 2.4ghz

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Mloot
Opteron 1xx series can only be used in single-CPU systems, and are consequently the least expensive of the Opterons. Opteron 2xx series are for dual-CPU systems (cost a bit more than the 1xx series of the same speed), and the Opteron 8xx series are made for 4 and 8-CPU systems (most expensive of them all).

It's the first number (i.e. 1, 2, or 8) that indicates the maximum number of CPU's of the same type can be used in one system. The second two numbers indicate the speed of the CPU.

140, 240, and 840 = 1.4ghz

142, 242, and 842 = 1.6ghz

144, 244, and 844 = 1.8ghz

146, 246, and 846 = 2.0ghz

148, 248, and 848 = 2.2ghz

150, 250, and 850 = 2.4ghz

Thank you. Very helpful.
Now for the next question, does the A64 require registered RAM? Why does any processor require registered RAM?

 

[mechBgon]

FX and Opteron require Registered. It allows for lots of memory modules without losing stability. Standard A64's don't use Registered.

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: Ike0069
multiplier locked

What does this mean?

Also, What's the difference between Opteron 1xx and 2xx series?

It means that you can't change the multiplier of the CPU in the BIOS like you can with other AMD chips (like the A64 FX and the older AXP Bartons). When overclocking the CPU your only option is to adjust the FSB.

 

[coolred]

What kind of price premium is there on registered RAM? And the opterons are dual channel correct? I would assume so as it has been said in this thread they are virrtually the equivalents of the FX series

 

[AnnoyedGrunt]

Opterons are indeed dual channel.

Registered RAM is usually about $40-$50 more than equivalent quality "normal" RAM for 1GB (but there aren't too many value brands of Registered RAM, so you will pay maybe $60-$80 more than if you buy cheap normal RAM).

I think the biggest drawback is the cost of SCKT 940 MB's, which seem to be around $200 rather than the $90-$150 for an A64 MB.

Still though, given the significantly lower price of the processor, the Opterons seem to be a very good deal for real high end stuff, and much, much better than the FX series (since the FX requires the same MB and RAM as the Opteron so there is no cost savings there).

BTW:
Opteron 150 = FX-53
Opteron 148 = FX-51

-D'oh!

 

[Kadarin]

So would a Tyan Thunder K8W and a pair of 250s be way overkill for a home workstation?