Which CPU to go with in Watercooled setup?

[GryphN]

Just curious what processer you all would recommend for a watercooled/overclocked setup? Price wise, I would like to go with an XP2400+ or P4 2.53. (Or slightly lower model number, if the chip would give better performance once overclocked). Basically, I want to know what the fastest (overclocked) processer would be for less than $260. Also, how far do you think (roughly) I'll be able to push your recommended chip? (Cool case, good watercooling setup (no TEC's though)).

The processer isn't the only part of the equasion (Yes, I am spelling impaired ) - Memory bandwidth, FSB speeds, etc should all be taken into account. Just looking for best overall performance, not just high clock speeds.

Thanks!
--Joe

 

[GryphN]

Forgot to mention, this is basically going to be a gaming machine (Top priority), and it'll crunch SETI@Home in its spare time ..

--Joe

 

[halkebul]

Intel Pentium4 1.8A. It will get ya from 2.5Ghz to 2.9GHz with the Albatron PX845PEV PRO motherboard and 2x256MB of corsair DDR400 memory. The Retail cooling is quite sufficient - no need for water cooling. I commend Intel in this regard. Lian-Li PC-60 USB case. ENERMAX EG365P-VE(FM). 350W Power supply. Enjoy!

 

[GryphN]

Is it possible to get those speeds (or better) out of a faster P4 processor? (2.2 or 2.53?) ... If a 1.8a could get up to 2.5-2.9ghz, it just seems to me that it would make sense that a faster processor would be capiable of even greater speeds (3ghz+?) ...

Thanks!
--Joe

PS - I'm definatly going with watercooling.. It just looks to cool to not do

 

[halkebul]

Originally posted by: GryphN
Is it possible to get those speeds (or better) out of a faster P4 processor? (2.2 or 2.53?) ... If a 1.8a could get up to 2.5-2.9ghz, it just seems to me that it would make sense that a faster processor would be capiable of even greater speeds (3ghz+?) ...

All of the aforementioned cpus pop out of the same cpu makin machine. Get the 1.8A and you'll be . About the same potential speed - 2.5GHz to 2.9GHz - for all of them. And you'll have the pride of significantly overclocking a cpu.

 

[GryphN]

How does one tell if a processor is a 1.8a vs a regular 1.8? Or are all 1.8ghz P4's the same?

Also, anyone in the AMD camp like to pop in some commentary? How would an overclocked XP2400+ compare to a very overclocked 1.8ghz P4?

I realize sheer mhz speed isn't all there is to performance, I know memory bandwidth, FSB speeds, etc all affect performance... It'd be interesting to hear someone from AMD's side of the arguement.

At this point I am leaning towards the Intel... But, I'm waiting for more opinions!

Thanks!
--Joe

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: GryphN
Is it possible to get those speeds (or better) out of a faster P4 processor? (2.2 or 2.53?) ... If a 1.8a could get up to 2.5-2.9ghz, it just seems to me that it would make sense that a faster processor would be capiable of even greater speeds (3ghz+?) ...

Thanks!
--Joe

PS - I'm definatly going with watercooling.. It just looks to cool to not do

From what I understand it does'nt work that way. Intel or AMD makes a whole bunch of processors using the same manufacturing process. They then test that batch and the first ones that test pass at 2.53 (if that's thier max goal) get that label, then they make the other speeds from that same batch. So you could quite possibly have a 2.53mhz able processor with a 1.8 label/clock on it.

 

[halkebul]

Originally posted by: GryphN
How does one tell if a processor is a 1.8a vs a regular 1.8? Or are all 1.8ghz P4's the same?

Many 1.8GHz Intel CPUs. 1.8A is the one i'm referring to, neither 1.8G, 1.8, nor 1.8 Celeron. 1.8G is for the socket 423 chipset. 1.8 only has 256K cache. The 1.8A has a model number of BX80532PC1800D.

 

[GryphN]

One thing that does have me a bit concerned about the P4 Northwood processers is something I read on the forum at overclockers.com - the thread is entitiled "The Official Sudden Northwood Death Syndrome (S.N.D.S.) Thread" --- Here is the link: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=ab71ed85b5c0407fa76b9f27712b6960&threadid=115166 ....

That's a little scary.. Any thoughts?
--Joe

PS. No, I didnt read the entire thread (its real big) .. Maybe the problem is fixed?

 

[halkebul]

Originally posted by: GryphN
One thing that does have me a bit concerned about the P4 Northwood processers is something I read on the forum at overclockers.com - the thread is entitiled "The Official Sudden Northwood Death Syndrome (S.N.D.S.) Thread" --- Here is the link: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=ab71ed85b5c0407fa76b9f27712b6960&threadid=115166 ....

That's a little scary.. Any thoughts?
--Joe

PS. No, I didnt read the entire thread (its real big) .. Maybe the problem is fixed?

This S.N.D.S. doesn't present a balanced view of the P4 northwood overclocking picture - just complaints. Many have had great success, some with bad experiences. But if you don't mind shelling out the extra $45 for a P4 2.4B then hey, that's your prerogative. I've already given my recommendation. But if you're gonna go that high right off the bat, then what's the point of overclocking anyway? Well, that's my opinion. Good Luck!!!

 

[GryphN]

I totally agree with you - I just wanted to make sure the problem wasn't as wide spread as the people on that thread make it sound. I've been an AMD fan for quite a while, so I know very little about these intel processors. Believe me, I like the idea of paying for a 1.8ghz processor, and getting 2.7-3ghz+ performance. Just want to make sure im not gunna run into problems (Hence the reason I'm askin' a bunch-o-questions ) ....

Again, I'm still leaning towards the Intel processor (1.8a) ... Any arguements?

--Joe