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 😀