Want to go with Intel but...

[error8]

Ok, so I was thinking that I should upgrade my dusty AMD system but I'm not quite sure if this is a good idea.

My specs:

Asus M2N-E

AMD x2 4000+ @ 2,9 ghz ( Brisbane)

4X1024 Kingmax DDR2 800mhz

Gigabyte 8800 GT OC

WD 250 GB

Sirtec 500W PSU ( 31 amps @ 12 V rail)

I have this option at the store from where my system was purchased, to exchange my mobo and cpu with a Gigabyte P35 DS3 and a e2160 cpu for about 90 $. I'm thinking to overclock my cpu to the last megahert.

I know that these two chips should have roughly the same performance at stock clocks, but I really don't know what to expect from the e2160 at 3.0-3.2 ghz versus my old 4000+ at 2,9 ghz.

My budget is limited to 100$, so any e4500, e8400 or Quad cores are not an option. Also, I live in south eastern Europe so the prices are way higher then those from US.

So, my question is: does it really worth doing this upgrade, will I notice a big performance increase, or should I keep my money???

Any advices and thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Edit: I use my computer mostly for Autocad and gaming.

 

[IL2SturmovikPilot]

Your CPU should last you until Nehalem comes out,i'd wait for that,by then you'll most likely have a lot more money saved up,and the jump in performance will almost certainly be much bigger.

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: IL2SturmovikPilot
Your CPU should last you until Nehalem comes out,i'd wait for that,by then you'll most likely have a lot more money saved up,and the jump in performance will almost certainly be much bigger.

I thought about that, but with no good AMD chips on the market, I believe that Intel might delay the Nehalem platform and by then my cpu will be obsolete. I'm thinking that by making this upgrade I can open a door for an e7200 or something like that for the summer.

 

[Twsmit]

This is really a tough call. One of the biggest attractions of a cheap E21xx chip is the ability to use inexpensive DDR2 and overclock to around 3ghz. Unfortunately you already have DDR2 and already are running a ~3ghz chip. Granted it is an X2 but still is fast enough for current games.

I think you have to ask yourself if a potential 10-20% performance increase is worth $90. You also might have to factor in a new heatsink purchase to reach your desired OC.

I know for a fact that my E2180 was a mediocre overclocker at best, I could not hit 3ghz with stock volts using the stock heatsink and my temps were crazy high. I had to buy an adapter to get my XP-90 to fit socket 775 and only then was I able to OC to 3.2ghz with added voltage and marginally acceptable temps. (ie ~60C+ under load)

You also have to take into consideration that DDR2 and socket 775 are both dead ends on the Intel side. There is still a little life in DDR2 with AMD because socket AM3 chips will have a DDR2/3 memory controller, but as far as I know, Intel plans to go DDR3 only for next gen starting in Q4 08/Q1 09.

Anyways to get back on track I think you should only do this if your games need extra performance or you think A: You can hit 3.0-3.2ghz and B: You think a 10-20% performance increase is worth your time and money.

 

[Dream Operator]

That's a nice OC on the 4000 :beer:

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: Twsmit
This is really a tough call. One of the biggest attractions of a cheap E21xx chip is the ability to use inexpensive DDR2 and overclock to around 3ghz. Unfortunately you already have DDR2 and already are running a ~3ghz chip. Granted it is an X2 but still is fast enough for current games.

I think you have to ask yourself if a potential 10-20% performance increase is worth $90. You also might have to factor in a new heatsink purchase to reach your desired OC.

I know for a fact that my E2180 was a mediocre overclocker at best, I could not hit 3ghz with stock volts using the stock heatsink and my temps were crazy high. I had to buy an adapter to get my XP-90 to fit socket 775 and only then was I able to OC to 3.2ghz with added voltage and marginally acceptable temps. (ie ~60C+ under load)

You also have to take into consideration that DDR2 and socket 775 are both dead ends on the Intel side. There is still a little life in DDR2 with AMD because socket AM3 chips will have a DDR2/3 memory controller, but as far as I know, Intel plans to go DDR3 only for next gen starting in Q4 08/Q1 09.

Anyways to get back on track I think you should only do this if your games need extra performance or you think A: You can hit 3.0-3.2ghz and B: You think a 10-20% performance increase is worth your time and money.

Since you put it this way, I guess it doesn't worth the money. I already have a Thermalright Ultra 90 but an adapter for soket 775 is hard to find. I guess I should give up on this idea and wait a bit longer to get something really faster then what I own today.

 

[Jessica69]

Originally posted by: error8
I already have a Thermalright Ultra 90 but an adapter for soket 775 is hard to find.

Here you go............two highly reputable shops with the LGA775 bolt-through kit from Thermalright for the Ultra 90....in stock.


Sidewinder Computer



Petra's Tech Shop



Like $7-$8 for the adapter.

 

[Denithor]

As Twsmit and Dream mentioned, you've already got a good chip at a high OC so unless you really need more performance just save your cash toward a bigger step up next year. Even if you can't do the mobo/cpu swap at the local shop at that time you should still be able to sell your parts (and remember you will need DDR3 for the move to Nehalem).

 

[GuitarDaddy]

By summer after the Intel price cuts you should be able to pick up a b3 Phenom quad core for less than $200US, you could always go that route

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: error8
My budget is limited to 100$, so any e4500, e8400 or Quad cores are not an option. Also, I live in south eastern Europe so the prices are way higher then those from US.

 

[error8]

Ok, based on your comments, I guess I'll skip this upgrade possibility and wait for a better option. Thank you all.