Which inexpensive CPU to purchase?

[Sunrise089]

I currently have this thread in general hardware asking for comments on a prospective build, but with so many componants I'm not getting the feedback I would like. I decided to break down the few remaining undecided options into smaller threads.

As the original thread says, this PC will be used for websurfing, office stuff, and a lot of gaming, but no video or photo editing, but it will be used for DVD ripping and occasionaly file encoding.

Basically I currently plan on getting an Athlon 64 3000+ Venice and OC'ing it, I plan to buy a Scyth Ninja as the cooler. I would like any and all advice about alternatives (basically are any of the Opteron's from reliable merchants cheap enough to be worth the upgrade) as well as any info about which stepping I want with either part. AT's RTPE has multiple 3000+s, and I wouldn't want to get the wrong one.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[n19htmare]

The Opteron will OC better. Some have gotten the 144 to 3.0, and most to 2.7 or so. But good luck finding a 144.

I think the CABNE is the best stepping, and then CABYE (not sure if the 144 were same steppings as 146)

 

[kamranziadar]

I have a thread in HOT Deals Opteron 144 Available at MWAVE.COM for $163

 

[Homerboy]

My Venice 3000+ does 2.8 on retail HS/Fan
OCing is sometimes 90% luck

 

[Sunrise089]

So assuming I can get the opteron 144 for $170 shipped, the 3000+ for $138 shipped, and the 3200+ (and its slightly higher multiplier) for $152 shipped, which would you choose?

 

[tornadog]

I ordered the 144 from mwave but decided to cancel since I already have the Venice 3000 and looks like I might be having a E3 stepping which I hear are great overclockers and I got it for $132 from ZZF(open box).