AMD Dual Core Question

[TinyTm344]

I bought a Socket 939 Foxconn Motherboard about 6 months ago (the model number if anyone needs to know is 755FXK8AA) with an AMD Athalon 3000+ and now am looking to upgrade to an X2 3800+ Dual Core processor, I was curious if dual core works with all socket 939 motherboards by default, any comments will help Thanks.

 

[sledgehammer70]

Yes the X2's work fine with all 9393 mobo's the worst thing you have to do is flash the bios to the latest version!

 

[slvr_phoenix]

At least assuming that your BIOS has a version that you can flash to when you need to. :lol:

I'd email the manu and/or check their website just to make sure.

 

[natatkinson]

Right now I am deciding between the two for my new computer. The 4200 X2 is about $100 less than the 4400 X2, but the 4400 X2 has the 1MB L2 cache. So I am pretty much asking if the L2 cache is worth it. I guess they do have different cores as well, so if someone has a comment on that too, that would be great.

Here they are:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819103547

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103546

 

[RichPLS]

Consider the Opteron 175

 

[natatkinson]

is this the same ? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103584

Quite a difference in price, but I guess the one on Newegg has heatsink and fan.

Also, I am looking at getting this motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131540. Will these be compatable?

Thanks for your help.

 

[RichPLS]

Yes, only difference is retail verses oem.
I decided to go oem, since I can get a better and quieter cooler for $40 , and it even looks cool.

 

[natatkinson]

I am quite an amatuer, so one more question. if I just buy a "cooler," does that replace a Heatsink and fan, or just the fan? I never really looked at buying oem because I do know much about heatsinks and fans, and if it is better to buy your own. So, does this cooler keep your computer cooler than stock heatsink and fan? or just as good?

 

[RichPLS]

The stock heatsink and fans are very good, but a little noisy.
This one I am interested in is quiet and a bit better than stock.
This one comes with 120mm fan and heatsink, then you need some Artic Silver 5 thermal compound to bond the sink to the CPU thermally. Instruction are including with sink.

 

[natatkinson]

Thanks for everything, you have broadened my world!

 

[User457]

Right now I am deciding between the two for my new computer. The 4200 X2 is about $100 less than the 4400 X2, but the 4400 X2 has the 1MB L2 cache. So I am pretty much asking if the L2 cache is worth it. I guess they do have different cores as well, so if someone has a comment on that too, that would be great.

Here they are:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16819103547

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103546

No the upgrade in Cache isn't worth it... you'll be able to achieve the same performance buy overclocking quite easily.

User457

 

[natatkinson]

Thanks User457, that was a question that I still had. I have read a little on overclocking, and I think I will give it a try.

 

[endyen]

While the 4200 will OC the extra 200mhz it will take to catch the perf of the 4400, the 4400 will OC higher than the 4200, so you end up with the extra cache performance plus a little bit more OC performance. Since the A64s aren't memory hogs, the cache helps keep the chip a little cooler, usually. Not that it matters if you go opteron. They have the extra cache, and OC a lot better. Something to do with being a top binned chip, made from the best silicon.

 

[natatkinson]

I was looking at the mother of all CPU's chart, and the 4200X2 was way up there for video editing, which is what I do. And I was reading some user reviews on it, and it can multitask like heck according to some users. So I think that pretty much puts the nail on the coffin for me. I will buy the 4200X2, unless the 4400X2 comes way down in price after christmas. Thanks for all your help.

 

[User457]

Sounds good... I'll be doing the same early Jan !!!

 

[RichPLS]

Monarch has the Opteron 170 for $410
and the 175 for $461.

Just something to consider if your paying $400 or so for your X2 4200, the Opties are in your price range.

 

[bhendin]

Can you give some more information as to the advantages/disadvantages of the Opteron over the X2?

thanks!

 

[BaronMatrix]

Can you give some more information as to the advantages/disadvantages of the Opteron over the X2?

thanks!


WIth the Opterons, you get a little better perf but you have to pay extra for the ECC RAM and MB. With the X2 you will save on both with nearly the same perf.
I would go for the 4400+ since it's got the extra cache which I believe does help Photoshop-type apps.

 

[julius]

hes talking about the s939 opterons. they have a tdp of 95w, and the x2s have 110w tdp, so the opteron dc will oc higher, since both cores have same tdp ceilings.

 

[bhendin]

Let's say I don't want to overclock (I probably will fool around with OC, but let's say straight out of the gate)...

How does the:
- X2 4200 compare with the Opteron 170?
- X2 4400 compare with the Opteron 175?

Out of the 4 of those is the 4400 or 175 really worth an extra $100?

thanks!

 

[RichPLS]

The opteron 939 uses same boards and non-ECC memeory, same as X2's.
ZZF has the Opty 175 for $461 and the 170 for around $415.
They are the best X2 ever made.

 

[User457]

Let's say I don't want to overclock (I probably will fool around with OC, but let's say straight out of the gate)...

How does the:
- X2 4200 compare with the Opteron 170?
- X2 4400 compare with the Opteron 175?

Out of the 4 of those is the 4400 or 175 really worth an extra $100?

thanks!

Don't have any experience with the Opteron's but from reading various forums i believe the performance is around the same and they will overclock further.

If your nor overclocking then get the X2 and don't pay for the extra cache.

 

[RichPLS]

The X2 4400 939pn is basically the same as the Opty 175 939pin
Same core speed, same cache, etc...
Main difference is the Opty comes from the premium fab of AMD.
Also, I ordered on at Monarch $461 and that is a better price than an X2-4400!

 

[Admiral_Cecil]

Hello,

Buy retail. Your CPU has a greater chance of not breaking/ damaged while in transit or in the warehouse. Warranty is generally better this way.

 

[RichPLS]

It is $70 more for retail, and the chips are the same.
I am using watercooling, and rather that 70 goes to the 100 the BigWater costs SE....