QQ: Athlon64 3500+ or Opteron 146

Effect

Member
Jan 31, 2006
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Assuming you're talking about a gaming pc, there will be very little difference at stock. I'd suggest going with the cheaper of the two if you dont plan on overclocking.

I'd personally go with the Opteron, just for the better potential overclock (and that at same clock speeds, the opty would be theoretically better). (Also, if warrantee is an issue, i dont believe the opty is under warrantee if it's not used in a server).
 

TrevorRC

Senior member
Jan 8, 2006
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Originally posted by: DodgerLD
Athlon64 3500+: Higher clock speed.
Opteron 146: Larger cache.

???

TIA.


If you plan on OC'ing take the 146. It'll outclock the 3500+ easily.
If you aren't overclocking, take the 3500.

 

DodgerLD

Member
May 14, 2005
163
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Topic Summary: Not likely to OC.

Usage: Programming (Web + Desktop), Photoshop (7), Internet/Email/IM, Office, Firewall/AV, Winamp, etc. No gaming, at least not likely.

Thanks guys -- I'm leaning toward the 3500+.
 

lopri

Elite Member
Jul 27, 2002
13,314
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Why not OC the Opteron? It's not difficult AT ALL. Of course your motherboard should be capable of supporting the chip, but you don't even have to increase the vcore alot for significant speed boost.
 

DodgerLD

Member
May 14, 2005
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Motherboard is an (will be an) Asus A8N-E.

As far as I know, OC'ing will void the warranty, and I doubt my ValueSelect RAM will help much. It seems you can even damage the CPU if you're not careful. I'm just not sure it's necessary/worth it.

D.
 

RallyMaster

Diamond Member
Dec 28, 2004
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Phooey. OCing is an art and seeing that 4 second decrease in calculating 1 million digits in SuperPi is so satisfying. I voided my warranty already but I needed a bit more speed in CoD2 (I was lagging when I was near a lot of corpses). If your CPU is properly cooled, you shouldn't worry too much about it. I'm on ValueSelect RAM as well, but I have a 400Mhz OC on my Venice 3200+. Go ahead, it's fun.
 

TecHNooB

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2005
7,458
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Go with the 146. More OC capability translates into higher quality, which in turn implies longer lasting. You're going to OC. It is inevitable.