Athlon64-3700SD or Athlon64-X2-3800

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Eh what are you talking about

My single core is seriously crippled by a virus scan, ok i can still surf and load pages but its painfully slow if i try to load a new page whilst its running. A dual core would not have that issue.

I would suggest just getting a x2 3800+, unless the 165 is close enough in price because then you get the extra cache.
 
Oh F...!,
XT3800 $295
Opt 165 $328

I should just buy a AMD Athlon 64 FX60 Toledo, its only $738> OPT165

The larger cache does sound nice so itf I do decide on XT3800 I could see going the X-tra $33



?????????????????
 
Well thats a difficuit choice

x2 3800 2ghz 1mb cache
165 1.8ghz 2mb cache

Ah forget what I said, unless your def going to overclock get a x2 3800 or a 170 opty.

I dont think the extra cache will be noticed but the 200mhz loss probablywill be.
 
Depends what you mean by multitask, any new cpu will do things a lot faster than your current one.

Having 10 explorer and messenger pages open is never going to bottleneck a new single core cpu, but running a scan or durning burning a dvd will.

Dual cores will just allow you to do things that take a lot of cpu time but not slow down any thing else you may be doing.

Like I said I wish I had a dual core about 15% of the time, the other 85% of the time I just dont need a dual core as I dont multitask that much. weigh it up, is the price your paying worth it to you. If you never multitask then you will prob never notice a dual core. (apart form people tell me windows loads instantly once on desktop on dual core as one loads the programmes the other is ready to go straight away)

Reading your requirements I would say go x2 3800, its fast almost future proof and if you need to scan for viruses whilst surfing the web and watching a dvd you can.
 
sleepdeprived82,

So, youd rather have an XT3800 over a 3700Sandiego only 15% of the time? does this mean that the 3800 is slower unless multitasking?

If you were not to get a Dual core would you save the $46 and go with a venice 3200 over the 3700SanDieg?

get some sleep
 
Cliffhucker 😀

Here's the most killer case deal I've seen lately ($69.95) http://www.frozencpu.com/cas-178.html?id=2FDmx4Lp ... I bought one from Antec a year ago, their "package" with TrueControl 550 (nifty, if you want to tweak mobo 3v, 5v, 12v dead nuts) along with the Antec noise elim kits for two 120mm fans, and one of their 120mm fans ... all + shipping for ONLY $309.95! 😳 Aaarrrrgggh! Don't bother with the noise killer kits, although "nice" in theory 'ya can't use one on the Antec case front fan ... it'll only accept a 25mm thick fan and the noise kit adds another 2-3mm, so it'll rip the noise killer "gasket" right off when installing the fan into the case. Fact is, I replaced the optional rear Antec 38 x 120mm I bought with a low speed 25 x 120mm at 1800 RPM ... still moves MORE THAN ENOUGH hot air out (remember, a PS unit also has a substantial fan as well), but now I'm 8-10db lower in total noise level ... aaahh 😀

As for CPU, why buy whatchya really don't now need ... dual core? If, in the future you discover you REALLY need multitasking speed then get a dual core 939 and swap. Now, here's a killer Newegg deal ... Athlon 64 3800+ Venice (2.4GHz) for $282 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103531 OR you could opt for Newegg's Athlon 64 3800+ Venice 2.4GHz for $349 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103570 WHILE the ONLY difference is the part number: ADA3800BPBOX (cheap) or ADA3800BWBOX (expensive) Newegg cannot offer any "reason" why the pricing difference, but there IS ONLY ONE 3800+ Venice core AMD produces!! Also, both are boxed retail packages, so 'ya don't have to worry about what HSF is used ... 'ya got a three year AMD warranty on either!

At this point I want to recommend Crucial for memory ... retail unit of Micron, the ONLY American PC memory manufacturer left ... if you buy direct from Crucial 'ya get a lifetime warranty! Over the years I've had several Micron sticks croak for whatever reason, but Crucial ALWAYS honored their warranty. (My operative modality here is "don't TELL me what you'll do SHOW ME... and Crucial has 😀 ) Crucial Ballistix DDR runs with the best of 'em (read the reviews at Crucial's site) http://www.crucial.com/ballistix/store/listmodule.asp Although Crucial, OCZ, Kingston, etc. all offer several "speed steps" (DDR400/466/500/etc.) they ALL USE the SAME raw manufacturer's chip ... just tested & binned by speed test results. Now, the hook here is EVERY mem chip mfg'r (just like CPU's) strives mightly to improve wafer yields (quality) so, odds are that any given individual chip is 99.9% as 'good" as any other! Therefore, buy the cheapest speed and loosen the timings to the fastest speed spec (i.e: 2-2-2-6 PC3200 to 2.5-4-4-8 PC4000) and you'll more than likely run just fine 😀 In the case of Crucial Ballistix, it's only a $7/GB difference in initial cost PC3200-PC4000!

As for PS power draw, unfortunately the answer is yes, you'll have a constant power dissipation load, or no load 🙁 The PC power supply designers (?) haven'y yet discovered "downtracking converter" circuity ... it controls the power dissipation by adjusting the output as a function of the load, so no excess heat is generated and efficiencies are improved markedly.

As for blowing the case out vs. vacuuming ... well Dude, where do 'ya think all the sh*t blown out goes? Would ya' THINK that all the junk "floating in the room atmosphere" just MIGHT be sucked right back in?? :) Trust me, or better yet your own experience, and shop vacuum 'da sucker 😀
 
Trouble is Im a gamer, at the moment single core is winning on that front esp my super overclocked opty.

Honestly If I had the choice again I would get a dual core opty and overclock the nuts of that. I would just like a dual core for those rare moments it is needed. Things will also get better for dual cores and they will be utilised more in the future.

The speed differnce beterrn a 3880x2 and a 3700+ is only 200mhz its barely noticable plus you hav an extra core with the 3800+.

If you did go for single for your needs any thing 3200+ above will be sufficient but it depends on your budget , me I decide my budget find a chip in that budget then pick the next model up becasue its only a little bit more LOL.

Your not an overclocker and prices dont seem to be that important so get a x2 3800+ you wont look back.
 
ecosoft,

thanks for all ur input.

And you think I blow out my case in my house? I bring it out to my shop and use a repirator. But I do have a shop vac and may try it.
 
Hey Every1

I reckon that you should go the Athlon 64 3700+ San Deigo!

its a great processor, and i can give you sum reasons why becuase i have one and i am way 😀 😛 ehhehe lol

1.) At stock they run super cool... like anywhere from 25c-no more then 40c 'cause after all you where looking for a cool n quite pc'
2.) I've had mine reach 2.78gig easy, so you got some room for bordem fun and heat doesn't go up that much coz i only needed to up the Volts .5+.

i also did heaps of research on them to either get a x3800 dualie or the 3700+

i went the San Deigo clearly coz it can be overclocked, and you can get performance like FX 55+

i get the 3700+ and like make sure u have good low CAS ram 😀 makes heaps of difference!

😀
 
sleepdeprived82,

Dual core seems to be the way but the XT3800 doe not seem to perform at most things besided multitasking than the 3700SD.
at least looking at the differnt scenarios here:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=237&model2=241&chart=62

It seems as though unless you are going to go with a faster dual core like the XT4800, the 3700SD is better.
Or unless all you do is multi task.

Is looking at multiple web pages considered multi taskig?
 
Hey Every1

I reckon that you should go the Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego!

its a great processor, and i can give you sum reasons why because i have one and i am way 😀 😛 ehhehe lol

1.) At stock they run super cool... like anywhere from 25c-no more then 40c 'cause after all you where looking for a cool n quite pc'
2.) I've had mine reach 2.78gig easy, so you got some room for bordem fun and heat doesn't go up that much coz i only needed to up the Volts .5+.

i also did heaps of research on them to either get a x3800 dualie or the 3700+

i went the San Diego clearly coz it can be overclocked, and you can get performance like FX 55+

i get the 3700+ and like make sure u have good low CAS ram 😀 makes heaps of difference!

😀


Yea I just got a sd 3700+ works great 2500MHz no problem
1 year or so after vista is out I might change to dual core when I see a clear advantage... I play games or surf the net

I imagine games will really take advantage of dual core someday
 
Cliffhucker 😀

I've been following this thread since it's beginning. Fascinating what everyone is saying to you :) Here are some more important considerations for your "new" system config:
1. Whichever WinOS you use, you'll have a MAJOR disk frag problem develop over time ... to the point that you'll "feel" as though you're back on your Athlon 800 again! No bull! The MS defrag tool built-in CANNOT accomplish the defrag needed to fully restore file I/O speeds. So, the ONLY solution I'm aware of (and, it works in spades) is DiskKeeper v10 Premium edition ... worth the $100 'cause running it on a system (NT/2K/XP) that's seen service of 8-12 months continuously will speed the "response-time feel" by a minimum of two CPU speed steps!

2. File I/O ... all else being equal it's THE determinant for keyboard response, so I'd recommend WD Raptors ... fastest CHEAPEST HD's available AND, like Micron, WD offers and HONORS a five year warranty ... I've got three of 'em. Last year I broke off the SATA connector on two 36GB Raptors, while fishing around in close quarters inside thhe case. WD replaced both drives with no questions asked! Do not worry about the SATA 150 vs 300 BS ... unless you are running a web server, or office server, you COULD NOT EVER see-feel the difference in I/0.

3. Do not "fall for" the hype about various thermal paste-pad compounds used for attaching the HSF to the CPU. Anyone who thinks that they are smarter than the OEM engineers has sh*t for brains! Some of the stuff in the market "claims" superior performance as compared to OEM stuff, BUT their stuff (Artic Silver) turns epoxy-like under prolonged heating, so removing a CPU ('ya gotta pull the HSF to release the ZIF socket lock lever) means twisting the HSF in the attempt to remove it ... thus, BREAKING OFF CPU pins ... now, the CPU and maybe 'da MOBO be totally fucked :evil:

Have fun Cliffhucker ... you're getting diverse input from this forum, but only YOU can discern fact from fiction in your circumstance, so enjoy the experience 😀
 
AGREED with YourBestFriend ....

And Same i might also upgrade to Dual core when prices drop and if its gonna be better!

Go AMD 😀

lol
 
ecosoft,

Thanks.

No doubt I have gotten a vast array of suggestions.
That is to be expected cuz there is no right aswer, unless I have a very very specific need.

I take it all with a grain of salt. All the replies are definately usefull in helping me make an educated decision. Though, it is not easy.

About the paste. Doesnt the CPU or Mobo come with factory paste? Should I definetly order some (or are you saying none is needed) when I order my CPU,MOBO,VID Card etc? What kind?

Do you work for DiskKeeper v10 Premium edition?

I keep my Athlon 800 relatively/surprisingly fast considering. I defrag often and run RegCleaner, CC Cleaner, EasyCleaner, Adware, Spybot and jv16 and they all clear stuff off. My system seems as fasst or faster than it did when I got it (late 2000).

Thanks for following the thread and replying.

Clifffucker
 
ecosoft,

Thanks.

No doubt I have gotten a vast array of suggestions.
That is to be expected cuz there is no right aswer, unless I have a very very specific need.

I take it all with a grain of salt. All the replies are definately usefull in helping me make an educated decision. Though, it is not easy.

About the paste. Doesnt the CPU or Mobo come with factory paste? Should I definetly order some (or are you saying none is needed) when I order my CPU,MOBO,VID Card etc? What kind?

Do you work for DiskKeeper v10 Premium edition?

I keep my Athlon 800 relatively/surprisingly fast considering. I defrag often and run RegCleaner, CC Cleaner, EasyCleaner, Adware, Spybot and jv16 and they all clear stuff off. My system seems as fasst or faster than it did when I got it (late 2000).

Thanks for following the thread and replying.

Clifffucker
😛
LOL ^^ ur name mate ! lol cliff-fucker

typo
 
Cliffhucker :)

I'm a retired EE (electronics) who has "fun" dinkin' around with PC's ... I go back to the DEC PDP-8 days 😀 when software coding was restricted to 32K memory and a 64K mem system with a 5MB HD was "killer".

As for "do I work for DiskKeeper?" ..NO :) I'm about "what works"! MS swe is a genuine pig when it comes to disk management. I do lots of Photoshop, SoundForge, Lotus Suites stuff and, as a consequence my multi-drive file system get fragged beyond (rational) comprehension. Over time I discovered that no matter what "utilities" I used for sys maintenance, the response times would only improve marginally, so I did some serious research and found DiskKeeper ... never having had been a sys admin professionally, I didn't know about those guys, but a fellow in Sweden turned me onto them. Why don't you go here http://www.diskeeper.com/diskeeper/diskeeper.asp and read what they have to say ... what I say is that prior to installing-using DK10 my response times felt like moving through molassas in January ... I've got every tool you mentioned plus a bunch more. If, after years of use your system still feels as fast as new, then you OBVIOUSLY don't use a ton of swe apps, thus never fragging up your MFT ... DK10 defragments the Master File Table (MFT). The MFT is a critical section of Windows NTFS volumes and when it gets fragged the sys response is slower than all get out.

As for the "paste" issue ... just use the CPU-HSF as delivered (AMD employs a thermal pad) Then, if you ever remove the HSF you'll need to A.) clean the CPU and HSF base with alcohol and B.) apply a super thin layer of goop to the CPU ... I use RadioShack silicone heatsink compound and it's ALWAYS worked perfectly and is cheaper than any of the geek stuff ... also meets AMD tech specs :)

What OS are you using? Do you plan a clean OS install for the new machine?? (recommended)

What's your "final" config look like?
 
The 3700+sandy kicks a$$. If i was u and ur not into gaming i would get the 3800+x2. I , my self opted for the 3700 because is mostly gaming and games will not be usin multi thread apps for a coup years at least. If ur not plannin on upgrading in the next 2-4 yrs, get the x2 and be done with it. The 3700 has the bigger cache(although that only means so much) and has the sandy core which is a good oc'er. U trin to replace case and everything here is a budget combo case/psu, though i hate the open window.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811156135

For a lil more can get these 2.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817159040

Also for some good memory, i perfer corsair, good pair for that mobo is
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145440

If u want to check on compatibility for corsair, check this site.

http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/configurator_search.html

If ur planin on keepin the case and psu for anytime in the future i would sugest what i got .a lian li and antec.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129152
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103931

Just to see the benchis on the procs check this link out.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2005/11/21/the_mother_of_all_cpu_charts_2005/page24.html

The asus AN8-E is a good board, noisy chipset fan, but is the NF4u. and they have been changin for a better fan. can get a heatsink to solve though. is a good price at 72.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131530R

course u will need to get the cables or ur drives.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustratingReview.asp?item=N82E16812104106

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16812104150

a good and cheap heatsink for the n brdg chp is this one, and quite(no fan)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118214

Like i said, if u not gonna do upgrade in future, go with the 3800x2, is just a lil more. But anything over 3000 is gonna blow ur 800 away.
 
sleepdeprived82,

Dual core seems to be the way but the XT3800 doe not seem to perform at most things besided multitasking than the 3700SD.
at least looking at the differnt scenarios here:
http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=237&model2=241&chart=62

It seems as though unless you are going to go with a faster dual core like the XT4800, the 3700SD is better.
Or unless all you do is multi task.

Is looking at multiple web pages considered multi taskig?

Yep the sandy is seconds faster than the x2, however look at the xvid benchmarks which is multicore patched and you will see the x2 is 1min 30sec faster. That is the future, more programmes will become mutlithreaded and take adavantage of dual cores. This will give the x2 a huge advantage over the 3700.

I agree that the 3700 is a very nice chip, but the market is going dual core even quad will be around soon.

Going single core now will save you a few seconds here and there, going dual core in six months time will save you minutes.
Most people seem to recommend the sandy for overclocking which you dont do, the x2 will also overclock nicely if you ever did start overclocking.

The AMD heatsink comes with a thermal pad instead of thermal compound which is more than good enough.

All modern AMDs run super cool, be it single or dual core.

Im going to disagree about the raptor, ok it would be nice but for the overage user is totally overkill. A decent 7200rpm drive comes very close to a raptor in most benchmarks plus you get a larger capicity and its cheaper.