Once More: AMD XP 2600 333 vs. AMD XP Barton 2500 333

[Hauk]

I know this is redundant, but DAMN, choosing a processor shouldn't be this hard!

XP 2500 "Barton" 333 FSB vs. XP 2600 333 FSB

With my current setup, I'm limited to 139MHz host frequency (SB Audigy chokes past 35MHz I think), and I don't plan to unlock a processor. Want to squeeze some juice; but am limited to O/C by upping the host bus. I imagine both processor's multipliers are locked? Recommendations?

System:
AMD XP 2100 Palomino (locked)
Albatron KX400-8X
512MB Corsair PC3500 Platinum
Albatron Ti4600
SB Audigy

Thanks!

 

[Richdog]

Without a doubt the best processor to get is the 2500+. Its 512 cache makes a real difference over the 256 of the 2600+, and helps it to beat it in a majority of benchmarks. Not only that, but the average overclock for the Barton 2500+ seems to be AT LEAST 2 Ghz rock stable, so if you spend a little extra cash and get an Nforce2 board (ABIT NF-7 2.0)or any other that reliably overclocks youre going to be laughing.
If you dont intend on overclocking at all then possibly think about the 2600+ for its higher clock speed which does have some advantages. But to be honest, when you can reliably overclock a 70 dollar chip (2500+) to the speed of a 400 dollar chip (3200+) I always think its insane not to do so. It all depends on how much you want to future proof your PC. Id say an overclocked 2500+ with an Nforce2 will last you FAR longer than a 2600+ with your current set up, all depends how much youve got to spend (170 dollars max would suffice). And you can always sell youre old one to make up the extra cash. These are but my humble opinions, hope it helped a bit.

By the way, if you havent got PC3200 RAM youd need some of that too to overclock the Barton, extra money I know but itd be worth it.

 

[KillaBong]

With that board, the 2600+ will be quicker. If you get an nforce2 board, the 2500+ will be better with overclocking.

 

[Hauk]

Yea, I regretted going KT400 when I did. But seeing as how I got a 512MB single stick of Corsair XMS PC3500, looks like the next board will be KT600 based.

How about the two processors in that future scenario??

 

[Richdog]

The new Soltek Nforce2 board outperforms the dual channel Nforce2 boards apparently, and the KT600 has less overclockability and performance than the Nforce2 as well. If you have a stick of PC3500 Corsair RAM get the 2500+, youll be future proofing automatically due to its overclockability compared to the 2600+. If I were you Id sell your current stuff and get a 2500+ with an Nforce2.

 

[Chumpman]

Originally posted by: Richdog
The new Soltek Nforce2 board outperforms the dual channel Nforce2 boards apparently, and the KT600 has less overclockability and performance than the Nforce2 as well. If you have a stick of PC3500 Corsair RAM get the 2500+, youll be future proofing automatically due to its overclockability compared to the 2600+. If I were you Id sell your current stuff and get a 2500+ with an Nforce2.

I concur with everything Richdog has said.

 

[Hauk]

Thanks Richdog. Already sold the processor, about to visit newegg for a Barton. Plan to sell KT400 M/B in a couple months.

I'm a die-hard Nvidia graphics fan, but have been slow to warm up to Nforce 2. But there are just too many +++'s now...

For sale soon... Albatron KX400-8X, KT400 M/B...

 

[Richdog]

Good on you!