XP 2500+ or 2800+ for the long run...

[mediumcool]

Which would be better for me in the Long Run? I'm looking for a decent CPU that's affordable and strong enough to run the next generation of PC games like Half Life 2.

Is it too much of a gamble to get a XP 2500? It sounds like my chances of getting one unlocked are slim.

 

[Jeff7181]

If you can find an unlocked XP2500 then definately get that.

 

[BlvdKing]

There is a decent chance depending on what motherboard you get that you can overclock the 2500+ to 2800+ or sometimes beyond. If you are not overclocking, the 2800+ would be better for the long term. Of course, the 2500+ is only garanteed to run at 1.833 GHz.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: BlvdKing
There is a decent chance depending on what motherboard you get that you can overclock the 2500+ to 2800+ or sometimes beyond. If you are not overclocking, the 2800+ would be better for the long term. Of course, the 2500+ is only garanteed to run at 1.833 GHz.

Ditto. If you're an overclocker, the 2500 will more than likely clock as high as the 2800 (more likely than not). I've never heard of a 2500, even if it's locked, that won't hit at least 2.0 ghz. Of course, without OCing, you're gonna want to spend the extra $$ on the faster chip.

 

[mediumcool]

How fast can you overclock a 2800?

 

[myocardia]

From what I hear, to the same max as the 2500-- about 2.4 Ghz. However, that's hard for me to believe, because alot of people are saying that their 2800 didn't OC well at all. That's why I said if you plan on OCing, save the money and get the 2500. You can apply the money saved toward a Thermalright SLK-900a heatsink, or a Zalman 7000 Al-Cu heatsink, and be better off, since having a quality heatsink is always a good thing.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: mediumcool
How fast can you overclock a 2800?

No more than an XP2500... the model numbers have nothing to do with anything... the stepping is the important part.

 

[CarpeDiem99]

Originally posted by: Jeff7181

Originally posted by: mediumcool
How fast can you overclock a 2800?

No more than an XP2500... the model numbers have nothing to do with anything... the stepping is the important part.

Ditto
I'm using a 2800 AQXEA which clocks past 2.5ghz but that's with good air cooling and good juice

 

[xSkyDrAx]

I'm using a 2800 AQXEA which clocks past 2.5ghz but that's with good air cooling and good juice

Thats sweet man :beer:

I get BSOD when windows loads when I try to get mines to 2400mhz @ 1.8vcore..maybe i just need more juice