upgrade from 3000+ to 3800+ X2

[adsmith82]

Would there be a significant difference going from a single-core 3000+ to a dual-core 3800+? I just got a new LCD and 2 more GB of ram, both of which were needed... I figure the CPU is optional and I don't want to spend much on one. Is it worth the $65-ish?

Also if anyone has a used one for around $40 I'd rather go that route as I think I've already spent enough on my computer this summer.

 

[Rhoxed]

my 3800+ x2 reaches 2.8ghz and runs 24/7 at 2.5ghz @ 1.37V i upgraded from a XP2500+ OC to XP3200+ (2.2) and saw a HUGE diff in speed and especially multitasking.

 

[Wicked Akuba]

It's really worth. You feel better performance in multitasking, games and others. Anyway, you can take 4000+, it's not much more expensive then 3800+

 

[myocardia]

If you're planning on overclocking the 3800 X2, then get, you'll be happy with it. If you aren't planning on overclocking it, you won't notice much difference at all, unless you are a multitasker, or plan on using on of the few apps that is multithreaded. For a non-overclocker, especially if you're a gamer, I'd recommend saving $10, and getting a 4000 single core. Of course, they overclock quite well, also.

 

[videopho]

Search around the FS site you may see one for the cheap.
Yes it'd be well worth the investment and the new x2 will extend the lifespan of your rig good for another two years if not more.
I did go from +3500 (single) to the x2 3800 in one of my rigs almost two years ago and the rig still serves me wonder.

 

[dustmann]

I multitask all the time (don't really like to close windows heh). I went from my 3000+ (@2.7ghz) to my 3800+ x2 (@2.5ghz) and noticed a huge difference. Both setups were identical save the cpu (2gb ram, x1900xtx 200gb drives etc) I haven't noticed a gaming difference, although I don't have to shut off firefox/itunes/word etc before I start up the game now, unless I'm playing something fairly demanding like fear, bf2, oblivion.

 

[adsmith82]

Originally posted by: myocardia
If you're planning on overclocking the 3800 X2, then get, you'll be happy with it.

Is the 3800 X2 known for having good overclocking ability? Where can I see some common results?

 

[dustmann]

I think around 2.5ghz is the norm. I've seen some up around 2.8, but I know mine wont do it. I've heard a few people say theirs maxed at 2.2.

Mine is rock solid at 2.5ghz, stable at 2.6 (stable enough for gaming, haven't done a 24hr prime test), unstable (fails prime) at 2.7ghz. Running mine at 250x10 cpu, 208 2.5-3-3-8 ram, and 4x HT. My vcore is 1.4275 IIRC. I think I've only seen it break 50C once or twice during prime testing. Idles around 35-40 with an arctic cooling 64 hs/f.

 

[MarcVenice]

Dustmann, ambient temps ? Mine does 55c at 18c ambient, small fft's. Get's NEAR 50 doing blend.

But yeah, my x2 3800+ runs at 2.5ghz no problemo, can do 2.6ghz, but gets unstable because of the nforce 4chipset combined with 4x512mb ram. It can do 2.7ghz too, with 2x 512mb, can't go higher then that, because the mobo craps out, won't do a higher FSB. It's running at stock vcore btw, 1.35v.

 

[videopho]

My x2 3800 has maxed out at 2.2 stable, despite a nice AC7 pro HSF.
Anything higher will result in random bsod or freezes.
I'd contribute its weak o'clockabilities to several factors. i.e. 4x512, nf4, valued rams and mostly my cheapo ECS-K1-Lite no-frilled mobo.
One nice compliment though, its temps...27c idle and mostly hi 30c to low 40c load.

 

[SickBeast]

I went from a single-core Opteron 144 at 2.7ghz to a dual-core Opteron 165 at 2.65ghz and I've noticed a substantial difference. The entire system is more responsive.

Have you considered the Opteron 165? They're around $95 at newegg lately, and they would probably hit higher clocks than mine did (I got mine used).

 

[NFarnzy]

I bought my 3800X2 2 years ago...Been running rock solid at 2600mhz. Right at stock Volts. I love what it can do. Runs great and flawless!

 

[dustmann]

Originally posted by: MarcVenice
Dustmann, ambient temps ? Mine does 55c at 18c ambient, small fft's. Get's NEAR 50 doing blend.

But yeah, my x2 3800+ runs at 2.5ghz no problemo, can do 2.6ghz, but gets unstable because of the nforce 4chipset combined with 4x512mb ram. It can do 2.7ghz too, with 2x 512mb, can't go higher then that, because the mobo craps out, won't do a higher FSB. It's running at stock vcore btw, 1.35v.

System temp (inside the case) is 28c I believe, I'd have to doublecheck. Room temp is ~22c. It was idling (idling = surfing net and listening to itunes) at 33c last night, doesn't get much warmer than 45c, ever. I think my case is extremely helpful in keeping temps down. It's a Silverstone tj06, two 120mm fans with the "wind tunnel" help out the hs/f a lot. On top of that I've got an 80mm and two 50mm fans cooling the system, not to mention the xt1900xtx fan and the psu fan. HDD heat gets sucked through the PSU via a 120mm fan.

I keep all of the fans either off or at 8v until 40c, then they kick on at a full 12v, and the fans don't usually run more than a minute or two when I'm using a lot of cpu (they run pretty much constantly during prime or gaming though). Sounds like maybe I can squeeze a few more mhz out of my cpu. Maybe I'll try it again tonight.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: adsmith82
Would there be a significant difference going from a single-core 3000+ to a dual-core 3800+?

A signifiant difference doing what? Could you be any less specific?

Whether you notice a difference or not depends on your usage patterns. An FPS gamer has different requirements to a SupremeCommander player, just as video-editing requirements are different to general office apps.