Opteron 180 vs 170

[m1ldslide1]

So the 180 is $299 at the egg, and the 170 is $220. I don't plan on spending more than 5 minutes at stock speeds, so with the 180 am I only paying the extra $80 for the x12 multiplier?

If that's the case, then does that mean that I'm more than likely never going to use it? I don't even use the x11 on my 3700 right now with my mobo+memory combo, but maybe the ultra special-ness of the otperon series means that I'll take my 270 @ 5:6 and be able to use the x12??? (Can't even boot at x11 with my 3700)

Can somebody maybe explain how likely it is that I'll get to use the x12, or if there's any other benefits to the 180 over the 170? I'm happy to provide more info if that will help.

 

[slash196]

I say multipliers are overrated. I don't know if your motherboard can handle a high FSB but mine can handle at least 300. I got the 65, because I'm on a budget and I'm going to be past stock speeds in an instant. I'm running a single-core Winchester right now., that chip used to be the bomb for overclocking but I guess these opterons are even better. I think I got a bad stepping, my chip only hit 2.4, but I'm hopeful I can get this to 2.8 or maybe 3.0, I have a pretty good HSF, and with a fresh application of arctic silver I think I'll be off to the races.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

10x multi is enough to OC. I had an opteron 170 @2.75 ghz @ 1.4v w/Big Typhoon. 2.6-2.8Ghz is about the limit on air than they can do so don't waste your money on a higher multi. 275 fsb is not hard to attain @ all.

 

[Arkaign]

Yep, save your extra $80 for something else, your mobo is excellent, you will get that 170 to the same basic end result as you would that 180, you may have to do a little more tuning, but no problem

 

[m1ldslide1]

Awesome - thanks a bunch for the input. The idea that I should save the cash and use 10x270ish makes the most sense to me too.