Opteron 165 worth the extra money over the x2 3800+

[DL402]

The opteron is around 30 dollars or so more than the x2 3800+, but I heard it overclocks better than the x2 3800+, but is the increase in performance worth the money? Also, I heard overclocking shortens the life span of parts, and I plan to keep this computer for about 5+ years.

Thanks.

 

[EPZ Soldier]

I think its from the exposure to heat/stress that wears out the hardware .. thus overclocking leads to more heat and stress and parts tend to either fry, warp, freeze or just plain ole fail to work anymore unless your an experienced overclocker who keeps an eye on his temps! :thumbsup: but I keep hearing this 10 year thingy with computer parts failing.. as I see it Bill or whomever controls how long any comp parts tend to exist!! he'll just come out with a new OS

 

[kyparrish]

I was asking myself this question this afternoon. I ended up going with the 3800+ X2, for a few personal reasons.

1. I have an Opteron 144 right now with the 9x multiplier, and it's been kind of a pain overclocking with the 9 multiplier with my value ram. I'm hoping the 10x multiplier of the 3800+ will make things a little easier.

2. I heard that the 3800+ runs a little cooler, I guess due to the lower amount of cache.

3. I already have an xp-90, but if I didn't have one of those, I would have gotten the 165 with the massive stock HSF.

4. I put the $34 I saved towards an NV Silencer for my 6800GS.

We'll see how it goes, should be here Wednesday, then there will be an Opteron 144 on the FS/FT forum shortly thereafter

 

[vaylon]

The opteron will "Most of the time" but not always overclock better than the3800+.

But look at it from another perspective.

If you are going to overclock, then you are in need of speed.
So regardless of what you get, in three or 4 years maybe sooner your more than likely going to upgrade again. So why care if the processor only has a five year life or even 4 years.

If your not intrested in the overclocking side of a chip then you will most likely not need anoother upgrade untill the software outdates your pc. Maybe 6-8 years. So just get a good chip and have fun.

 

[TrevorRC]

Originally posted by: DL402
The opteron is around 30 dollars or so more than the x2 3800+, but I heard it overclocks better than the x2 3800+, but is the increase in performance worth the money? Also, I heard overclocking shortens the life span of parts, and I plan to keep this computer for about 5+ years.

Thanks.

Opterons are server processors, and as such more stable.
Buy one, it'll do it's job quite well.
Also, in ~3 years these processors will be dirt cheap.
So no worries. :]

 

[RussianSensation]

What about X2 4200+ for $20 more over Opteron 165? You get 400mhz for $20

 

[kiIIxthexIights]

ya go with the x2 4200 i have it its sweet.

 

[A5]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=28&threadid=1791608&enterthread=y

I just asked the same thing, and went for the Opteron...

 

[DL402]

I decided that I won't OC, so I guess I should get a x2 3800+

 

[TrevorRC]

If you aren't going to OC, get the 4200+--It's only 20 bucks more than the Opteron.... (as said above)

 

[DL402]

My budgets tight so I guess I'll go for the cheap x2 3800+

 

[JSK06]

I'm in the same boat. I'm doing a PC rebuild on a limited budget. I decided to go with the X2 3800 from Newegg for $270. I'm not planning on doing extreme overclocking. If I can get the 3800 stable at 2.4 with a cooling fan I'll be happy.

I figure even at stock speeds it will probably still beat my current P4 2.8ghz prescott.

 

[Krakn3Dfx]

I'd get (and got) the Opty for the extra 512MB cache and the heavier stress testing they put on the Opty as a server level chip. Mine OC'd to 2.8GHz without a sweat, although it was one of the first.

 

[lopri]

I've had 3 Opteron 165s and they all OC'ed over 2.7GHz with reasonable voltages (i.e. <1.5V)

 

[rox1co]

Originally posted by: JSK06
I'm in the same boat. I'm doing a PC rebuild on a limited budget. I decided to go with the X2 3800 from Newegg for $270.

you serious? it's like $299 now

guess i missed out on the sale

 

[JustAnAverageGuy]

Originally posted by: Krakn3Dfx
I'd get (and got) the Opty for the extra 512MB cache and the heavier stress testing they put on the Opty as a server level chip. Mine OC'd to 2.8GHz without a sweat, although it was one of the first.

Wow :Q

 

[Gamer X]

There is an X-bit Labs review of the Opteron 165 here,they conclude
that both the Opteron 165 and the X2 3800+ overclock the same with
the Opteron having the advanage of the larger L2 cache.

 

[rox1co]

i wish it also compared to the X2 4200+

that's what i really wanna know

 

[robertk2012]

Originally posted by: Gamer X
There is an X-bit Labs review of the Opteron 165 here,they conclude
that both the Opteron 165 and the X2 3800+ overclock the same with
the Opteron having the advanage of the larger L2 cache.

On average the do not overclock the same. I dont see 3800's hitting more than 2.4 while opterons hit over 2.7 quite regular.

 

[TrevorRC]

Originally posted by: robertk2012

Originally posted by: Gamer X
There is an X-bit Labs review of the Opteron 165 here,they conclude
that both the Opteron 165 and the X2 3800+ overclock the same with
the Opteron having the advanage of the larger L2 cache.

On average the do not overclock the same. I dont see 3800's hitting more than 2.4 while opterons hit over 2.7 quite regular.

Where have you been?
I've seen numerous X2s hit in the 2.6 range!

 

[robertk2012]

Originally posted by: TrevorRC

Originally posted by: robertk2012

Originally posted by: Gamer X
There is an X-bit Labs review of the Opteron 165 here,they conclude
that both the Opteron 165 and the X2 3800+ overclock the same with
the Opteron having the advanage of the larger L2 cache.

On average the do not overclock the same. I dont see 3800's hitting more than 2.4 while opterons hit over 2.7 quite regular.

Where have you been?
I've seen numerous X2s hit in the 2.6 range!

Guess i missed those. But i have seen plenty that only get 2.3.....how many 165s have you seen that will only get that? Ive also seen numerous 165s hit 3.0 too.

 

[kmmatney]

I've never had any experiences with shortened life spans from overclocking, and I've been doing it for 15 years. Up until December 2005, I had a celeron 300A running at 450 MHz at work - the system was from 1998.