What CPU should I choose for my budget system?

[fibes]

Hello,

I'm building a budget system, and my last purchase is to buy the processor. I'm going to be using it for surfing the web, downloading MP3's and some gaming(if my MX400 permits it). I'm thinking of either an AMD Duron 1.6 or an AMD XP 1900 from this store.

Duron
XP 1900

I'm leaning more towards the Duron because it's cheaper. The only difference I see, is the cache. 192k vs 256k.

I might be OCing the CPU. The board I will be using is the ECS K7S5A Pro. I heard it difficult to OC CPU's on this type of mobo.

Thank for the advise.

 

[AnarchyInTheUS]

I would buy the 1900. You would be surprised at how much the extra bit of cache will take you. Anyway, the 1900 is relatively cheap, and is better for overclocking.

 

[McArra]

Originally posted by: AnarchyInTheUS
I would buy the 1900. You would be surprised at how much the extra bit of cache will take you. Anyway, the 1900 is relatively cheap, and is better for overclocking.

 

[justly]

The cache levels you are quoting are not correct, they are quoting different things.
The Duron (192K) is the total cache (L1+L2), while the XP (256K) is L2 cache only. Since the Athlon/Duron both use an exclusive cache design you need to compare either total cache 192K (Duron) vs 384K (1900+ XP), or L2 cache only, 64K (Duron) vs 256K (1900+ XP).

With a MX400 I don't know if you will see much of a difference in gaming, as for surfing the web and downloading there probably wont be a big difference either, but the XP should feel a little snappier/smoother with the extra cache. I would say the XP is the better of the two, but for your situation I think it is to close to call a clear winner.

 

[fleflikr]

 

[Jeff7181]

I'd go with the XP2500 (assuming the board supports a 333 Mhz FSB). For just $30-40 more you're going to get a lot more performance.

 

[fleflikr]

less than $10 difference between the two .........1800+ ($46 newwegg)

very good to oc.........more cache

 

[robcy]

I would choose the XP1900, its just faster, period. The K7S5A PRO board while not being overclocker friendly is a very stable and fast board. Its easy to get a modded bios that will just you more control over memory timings, and a few overclock options. You can also download CPUFSB, and that will allow give you a few more choices in FSB adjustments. You can also wire mod the socket for other multipliers, and along with FSB choices is alright. I ran a Barton 2500+ with the above, and it worked fine at 13x166 (2167).

 

[FPSguy]

Overclocking is a challenge with that MB. If you think you can get it overclocking well, though (which may require wiring pins together), get the Thoroughbred 1800+. It overclocks better than the 1900+ and is a couple of bucks cheaper.

 

[fibes]

Originally posted by: robcy
I would choose the XP1900, its just faster, period. The K7S5A PRO board while not being overclocker friendly is a very stable and fast board. Its easy to get a modded bios that will just you more control over memory timings, and a few overclock options. You can also download CPUFSB, and that will allow give you a few more choices in FSB adjustments. You can also wire mod the socket for other multipliers, and along with FSB choices is alright. I ran a Barton 2500+ with the above, and it worked fine at 13x166 (2167).

Robcy, Do you have a link to CPUFSB? Thanks! :beer:

 

[fibes]

Now that you have me convinced to purchase a XP over a Duron. I'm thinking of now getting a XP Processor 2000 at B.B. I have a Gift Certificate to B.B., so I might as well use it on the processor(although I think $84.99 is kindof expensive for a boxed XP 2000 Processor). Does anyone have any comments on this CPU?

Thanks

 

[robcy]

CPUFSB
To use this I recomend you use the latest stock BIOS, since the modded bios causes mem conflicts due to the timings. There is also a link (I dunno) that shows how to place little wires in diffrent socket holes that allows you to modify the multiplier (it might look hard, but its easier and better than actually modifing your CPU). There are a couple of things you must know about the SIS735/745 chipset. They will not boot on 166/166, what you do is boot with 133/133 in bios, and run CPUFSB in the start menu so that it loads with windows. Once windows loads it changes the FSB/MEM to 166/166. I have had better results with Generic DDR2700, than I have with quality ram (???). As My board does not like Kingston Hyper X or Geil, or crucial, or Muskin Cas 2 DDR2700, it will run generic Cas 2.5 DDR2700 at Cas 2 without any problems (go figure). Have fun, some say they are finicky at times, but mine has been rock stable for over 2 years. Right now its sitting (at 2400+) in the wifeys desk serving emails, and playing the sims .

 

[robcy]

Originally posted by: fibes
Now that you have me convinced to purchase a XP over a Duron. I'm thinking of now getting a XP Processor 2000 at B.B. I have a Gift Certificate to B.B., so I might as well use it on the processor(although I think $84.99 is kindof expensive for a boxed XP 2000 Processor). Does anyone have any comments on this CPU?

Thanks

They do come with a 3 year warranty, and a pretty good fan, but yes its pretty pricey. You can get an OEM 2400+ for 75 at the egg, which is a much better CPU.