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New CPU for possible O/C Recommendations Please

S

Stephan28

Senior member
I'd like to purchase a new CPU for my 8RDA+ M/B. Currently I am running PC2100 memory. If I didn't change the memory now (may be able to upgrade later to PC3200) what CPU should I get for system stability and O/C potential? The Barton 2500 or the Athlon 2400XP with the 266 MHz FSB? Is there such a thing as a "B" version if the 2400XP? I've also heard that some CPU's are unlocked on this M/B? Currently running an old Palomino 1700. What are your recommendations?!!? Thanks!:beer:
 
2500XP or 1700XP (B rev). Both are great overclockers, but you should buy better memory if you realy want to OC.

Edit: don´t forget good cooling!! 😉
 
Ok, So which of the two has the better O/C potential usually? The 2400 or 2500? Or are they about the same? Are they both unlocked on the 8RDA+ M/B? It seems to me that it would be wiser to get the 2400 because it will run in sync with my memory. Then again how much of a performance loss would there be running a CPU with a faster FSB then the memory? I know the other way around it doesn't seem to matter much. If I went with the 2500 then when I got the better memory at least the memory would be in sync or faster than the CPU....I hate these decisions. The O/C'ing would be done in the future for fun not right away.
 
What would be needed to O/C a T-Bred B 1700? I have an SK-6 and a Smart Case fan 2. Would that be sufficient? I don't want to have to worry about liquid cooling and other fancy means of cooling the chip. T-Bred B 1700 is about $65 and the Barton 2500 is about 100. Which would you use if you were in my shoes with my rig and why? THANKS!!!:beer:
 
How much better is the first one over the second? I actually found the 2nd one for $50 and the 1st for about $65.


Any comments on the previous questions?

Such as personal recommendations, Unlocked CPU's, Cooling issues, memory issues etc?

Which would you use if you were in my shoes with my rig and why? THANKS!!!:beer:
 
Sorry if I tell you something you know already, but I hope to clarify something.

Originally posted by: Stephan28
It seems to me that it would be wiser to get the 2400 because it will run in sync with my memory. Then again how much of a performance loss would there be running a CPU with a faster FSB then the memory?
Click to expand...


Your memory, regardless of its rating, runs at whatever fsb the bios is set to, whether it's at cpu default or custom set. The rating such as PC2100 doesn't mean the memory specifically runs at 266mhz, it means that's how high it's supposed to run with stability. If you get the PC3200 ram and the 2400+ then your ram's extra potential to reach 400mhz will be wasted as it will still only run at 266mhz, the default of the processor.

You could possibly get the barton with its higher bus and keep your PC2100 ram if it's high enough quality to run out of spec up to 333mhz, as long as it's not some generic crap and you don't have it running on some super fast timings.
 
The RAM is manufactured by Crucial. I would think that it is fairly good stuff.

I've never O/C'd before. Willing to try it but don't want alot of hassle. No watercooling, no soldering, filling or cutting of bridges etc...

The Dilemma in a nutshell

8RDA+ Mobo
SK-7 Cooler with Smart Case Fan II
Crucial 2100 RAM (will need to keep for awhile)
Radeon 9800 Pro
Current CPU Palomino 1700

Deciding on best bang for the buck

Athlon 2500 Barton 333FSB ~$100
Athlon 2400 266FSB ~$90
Athlon 1700 B AXDA1700DLT3C JIUHB ~$67
 
omigosh! Get the 2500+. Just because your RAM won't run at 166MHz don't mean you can't have a 2500+. Just set the memory:fsb percent at something like 75% (83% work for you?? use it) and then you'll have an asynchronous 2500+ system. I heard of some crucial pc2100 being able to hit pc2700 speeds with lax timings. Give it a shot.
 
omigosh! Get the 2500+. Just because your RAM won't run at 166MHz don't mean you can't have a 2500+. Just set the memory:fsb percent at something like 75% (83% work for you?? use it) and then you'll have an asynchronous 2500+ system. I heard of some crucial pc2100 being able to hit pc2700 speeds with lax timings. Give it a shot.
Click to expand...

Remember I am not an experienced O/C'er. Let me see if I got this right....Either I can downgrade the memory FSB to 266 Speeds or O/C the memory to 333 speeds? I suppose I could try the 266 first and then try to bump the memory up? This possible on my 8RDA+ M/B I take it.

Suppose I just lowered the memory FSB to 266 Speeds? What would the % of performance downgrade might I expect to see as opposed to running the correct memory? 5%, 15%, 30%?!!?

Hmmm....Leaning towards the Barton..... Worst case scenario I fry the memory(???) and have to replace it with some I need to buy eventually anyway?

 
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