Best Overclocking CPU for around $400?

[boozer]

Hello all!

I'm looking for a CPU. Was wondering what you guys thought. I was trying to decide between a 64 x2 4200 and a 64 4000+. Then I read that the x2 4200 has fairly good overclocking possibilities that might make it worth it. Read further and found that the Opteron 170 with 1MB cache might be a good dual core candidate as well. I'm pretty much a tried and true AMD fan, but am willing to look into Intel as well. Sheesh... I've been out of the scene for two years and everything seems so much different Shocked So I'm needing some advice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[endyen]

Single core/dual core opterons are the best silicon Amd is putting out now.
Rumor has it the 939 opterons wont be in the channel much longer, so you snooze, you looze.

 

[mpjesse]

I have an x2 4200+; I've pushed this baby to 2.4Ghz with the stock cooler. If I went out and spent some $$$ on >DDR400 ram and a better HSF, I'm sure I could get it up to 2.6Ghz easily.

-mpjesse

 

[SidVicious]

I managed a bencheable and Validated 2.9GHz from my X2 3800+

As seen on my sig, I run it at 2.85GHz on lower voltage, the 50MHz difference is insignificant performance wise but add 3C to my full load temp due to the higher voltage 2.9GHz require.

 

[apache_lives]

P4 would require some massive cooling and wouldnt gain too much in the process other then excess heat (and besides there not too great performance wise to start or finish with), the A64's are generally pretty sweet, iv seen the A64 venice 3000 and 3200 go pretty far (sometimes 2.8ghz, performance between a FX53 and a FX55) for cheap and without excessive cooling.

 

[boozer]

Well, I think after much thought, I am going to go with Opteron 170 and try to see what I can get out of it with air cooling and the MSI NEO4 Plat... Any thoughts about this? Any HSF suggestions?

 

[Teh_Catman]

Well, I think after much thought, I am going to go with Opteron 170 and try to see what I can get out of it with air cooling and the MSI NEO4 Plat... Any thoughts about this?

I'd try for a 165 but I know how tight the supply is so go nuts with a 170. It should get 2.8+ easy on air depending on your mobo.

 

[RichPLS]

Single core/dual core opterons are the best silicon Amd is putting out now.
Rumor has it the 939 opterons wont be in the channel much longer, so you snooze, you looze.

939pin Opties here to stay!

 

[boozer]

Well, I found a 170 for $360.... thinks its worth the extra $50 over a 165? How high they getting 165's on air?

 

[Teh_Catman]

From what I've read on a 165 its anywhere from 2.6 to 3.0 (depending on mobo).

 

[boozer]

Are today's 165's and 170's still having the same performance and still easily overclockable? And a 165 is reaching the same speeds as a 170?