So what's the dealio with AMD's chips right now

[fbrdphreak]

So my buddy is building a new system and I've been out on the OCing scene since I got my 170. He's got a bunch of cash to spend, but I'm not sure how much he wants to put into the CPU.

Originally I was thinking an Opty 165, since the 170's are a bit pricey now and a 165 should OC very nicely also. Putting it in a DFI SLI board, so high HTT's are no problem. I think he wanted to do at least 2.4, should be able to on stock voltage IMO, but is there a better option these days? Is the 170 worth the extra money? I wouldn't think so, as the multiplier won't matter since the board can take high HTT and he'll use a mem divider.

I just can't justify the high cost of the higher models if every 165 I've heard of will do 2.4 at stock voltage, as my 170 does. Thoughts?

 

[fbrdphreak]

bump

 

[Snerp]

The SD 3700+ is a happy little chip. I personally would be using it if I wasn't going with the X2 4400+.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Looking for dual core Socket 939, either Opty or X2.

I guess my main question is there any reason to go above a 165, money not being an issue?

 

[kalrith]

I don't see any reason to go higher than an opty 165 with that mobo if 2.4 GHz is all your friend is looking to reach. While he's not "guaranteed" to get that overclock, I haven't heard of anyone not reaching that speed with the 165. He should be able to do it on stock voltage as well. Mine runs at 2.484 GHz at stock voltage (it might be able to do more...I haven't tested it lately), and it will hit 2.61GHz at 1.45v. This seems to be typical, not spectacular, performance from the 165. With the opty at 2.4 GHz, you're getting the same performance as a $600 processor without spending the extra cash. If money were truly no object, then he could go with an FX-60. However, that's probably not the case, and the money will be better spent on video card(s) than on a $1,000 processor.

A lot of people are recommending to go with the X2 3800 now since it seems to be overclocking just as well and runs cooler. I can't speak from experience on the X2, so I would still recommend going with the 165. If you go in the hot deals forum, you can find coupons for the 165 to get it for $276 shipped from Monarch. Don't forget to pick up a heatsink and fan, since it doesn't come with one.

 

[fbrdphreak]

That's pretty much what I was figuring, I just wanted to see if I had missed out on anything.

Thanks for the tip about the coupons, I didn't realize the Monarch deal applied to 165's!

 

[essasin]

I would just get a 165. I don't think I have heard of a case where 2.4 was not reached. Most people complain that they hit the wall at 2.6.

 

[Snerp]

I'd say the 165 is a good choice, but what if he decides OCing is something he wants to do later on? Talk with him about it and if he express no interest in it stick with the 165.

 

[soloz2]

the 165's are great OC'ers there's no reason not to get one if you want to OC. the only limiting factor is the 9x multi, but w/ a DFI board it shouldn't be too much of a problem. he'll just want good RAM