Last Minute Advice on AMD64 Purchase

[ColdFlare]

Hi everyone,

I've finally decided to upgrade my thoroughbred system with a faster AMD64 System. I've been reading and reading through all the entire forum and I've narrowed my choice of motherboards down to the Epox EP-8KDA3+ and the Gigabyte GA-K8NS PRO. The epox one is more expensive and I would like to get the Epox EP-8KDA3J but its currently out of stock at newegg.com. Which one of these has multiplier control, because I would like to use that to attain a good FSB and mulitplier.

Also I'm deciding between a AMD64 2800+, 3000+, and 3200+. They are all on my price range. The 3400+ seems to expensive and the 1 meg of cache doesnt really speed things up to warrent the cost. Which one of these processors overclock the best? I also have 2 sticks of twinmos pc3200 ch-5 memory chips from my old system that I will put into my new AMD64 System.

So if anyone would care to give me any advice on which ones I should buy that would be greatly appreciated. I will be overclocking and converting my old watercooling system over to the new AMD64 System.

Thanks for any advice anyone can offer, sorry I've been out of the loop for a while and just came back and read all the information I can cram into my head.

[LilGator]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-416R&type=Refurbish

If you're looking for a decent cheap 1MB cache cpu...

[saaya]

the 1mb cache IS worth it :)

[tylerhskate]

actually it isnt really...get the 3200+ newcastle*clocked the same as the 3400+ just half the cache which doesnt amount to alot at all..the extra cache may gain u 3fps in a game but you wont notice it anywhere else

[The Runner]

i think the above poster means, u wont notice it in games really. If ur a bencher with some really nice cooling, the clawhammer is better. :)

[LilGator]

Bah, tell me why they gave the 2.2GHz 1MB a 3400+ PR and the 2.2GHz 512KB a 3200+ PR then ?

Well duh, the 1MB cache is faster :D

[Geforce4ti4200]

id say the 3000+ is good. the 2800+ not much is known, but if you must have more MHz, 3000+ is a safer bet. clawhammers with 1mb cache are at least $50 more and those run hotter, oc worse and most are the older c0 stepping. I am tempted by the clawhammer cause it does matter alot in 3dmark 2001 ;) but in games the difference is less

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by LilGator
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-416R&type=Refurbish

If you're looking for a decent cheap 1MB cache cpu...

Refurbished? Arent those CPUs that people send back cause they didnt work, or umm.. didnt overclock high?

How much 3dmark difference are we talking about here? Does the 1mb cache give like 1000 more points?

Also I'm not going for top 10 on the Orb, I've only got watercooling, and the prommie and other phase change solutions look very pricey.

Also does anyone have any recommendations on which motherboard I should get? Do any of the motherboards that I have chosen have multiplier adjustments?

Is there anyone I can be assured I get a CG core rather than a C0 core? There aren't any small stores around New York City that let you handpick cpus. I wish there were, but most of the sales people here would just laugh at me while I walk out the store.

Thank you for the very prompt reply guys, you guys are awesome.

[Nomjr]

If you want the Epox board, it can be found HERE (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20284)

Just ordered one myself to play with

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by Nomjr
If you want the Epox board, it can be found HERE (http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20284)

Just ordered one myself to play with

Mulitplier can be adjusted on this board? Also is this board capable of pci/agp speed locking?

Thanks Nomjr.

[Nomjr]

Originally posted by ColdFlare
Mulitplier can be adjusted on this board? Also is this board capable of pci/agp speed locking?

Thanks Nomjr.

I've been reading up on it some and looks like the locks work and the newest bios allows vcore to 1.8 and fsb maximum allowable is a max of 350 from 250. Still looking for more reviews of it as well...

[LilGator]

Personally I'd take the EPoX, and the highest-multi 1MB cache CPU you can find.

1MB is what makes S754 so competitive with S939s dual-channel...

[LikwidKool]

cold flare if you want to hand pick a cpu, just find a computer show. Not all will let you, but the one I go to there are a few vendors who let you. The only down side is they are priced a little higher at the show's then online.

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by LikwidKool
cold flare if you want to hand pick a cpu, just find a computer show. Not all will let you, but the one I go to there are a few vendors who let you. The only down side is they are priced a little higher at the show's then online.

If you could, can you tell me where computer shows are located? I live in the city and have no car, or find any use for a car with all the subways.

If I'm going for handpicked CPUs, what steppings should I be looking for out? I know AR are CG cores, which are good. And AP cores are the ones to avoid. However what about the 4 letters at the end of the stepping codes?

So if theres a show in the city please let me know thanks.

[LBJGH]

ColdFlare, I'm current getting almost a 400mhz o/c out of an old CO stepping A64 Clawhammer on my 8kda3+. I can just imagine what it would do with a CG stepping and some killer ram... did I mention I'm using pc2700 to boot?

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by LBJGH
ColdFlare, I'm current getting almost a 400mhz o/c out of an old CO stepping A64 Clawhammer on my 8kda3+. I can just imagine what it would do with a CG stepping and some killer ram... did I mention I'm using pc2700 to boot?

That is a 3200+ Clawhammer overclocked at almost 2.4ghz? Is that on air?

[saaya]

im sure it is. 2.4ghz is the average oc on air, even 2.5ghz or higher for the new steppings.

[RoydRage]

Originally posted by LikwidKool
cold flare if you want to hand pick a cpu, just find a computer show. Not all will let you, but the one I go to there are a few vendors who let you. The only down side is they are priced a little higher at the show's then online.

Ha... I go to the Market Pro shows too... We've probably bumped shoulders trying to look at steppings! LOL!

Royd

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by RoydRage
Ha... I go to the Market Pro shows too... We've probably bumped shoulders trying to look at steppings! LOL!

Royd

Where Where? Where in the city? Gimme an address on where these cpu fairs aer being held. Let me know. I'll skip work tomorrow for it haha.

[RoydRage]

Originally posted by ColdFlare
Where Where? Where in the city? Gimme an address on where these cpu fairs aer being held. Let me know. I'll skip work tomorrow for it haha.

Just check the schedule...

http://www.marketpro.com/

Royd

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by RoydRage
Just check the schedule...

http://www.marketpro.com/

Royd

Thanks I'll see you on the battlefield!

[=[PULSAR]=]

Does anyone know where I can find a 3000+ mobile with 2ghz and 512k cache? They are suppose to be out there somewhere but all I can find is 1.8ghz with 1mb cache.

[Geforce4ti4200]

take the 1.8GHz instead, the extra cache will almost make up for it, plus u can overclock anyway

[Troopah]

Which one should I chose?
3200+ 2.0 1mb or 3200+ 2.2 512kb?
I'm a gamer and overclocking with zalman 7000.
I'm not an bencher. gonna use with nf3250 chipset.

[Geforce4ti4200]

youd probably be better off with the 3200+ 220x11=2.42 should be easy. also itll run cooler and be the new cg stepping

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by Geforce4ti4200
youd probably be better off with the 3200+ 220x11=2.42 should be easy. also itll run cooler and be the new cg stepping

How are we going to be guaranteed that we will recieve a CG stepping? Thats the only thing thats holding me back from pushing the Check out button.

If only there was a way to be sure.

[LikwidKool]

wait 220x11. That would be the new 3200+ witht he 512mb cache. They come in cg stepping too? Personally though I would look for a 3200+ 1mb Clawhammer CG.

And cold flare like I said the only way to be sure is either if "CG" stepping is in the description, or go to a shop or a show. I got lucky and ordered from zipzoomfly, and recieved a 3200+ clawhammer CG stepping. As far as I know though they are shipping the 512 L2's now that are 200x11 where mine is 200x10.

I pm'ed you BTW.

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by LikwidKool
wait 220x11. That would be the new 3200+ witht he 512mb cache. They come in cg stepping too? Personally though I would look for a 3200+ 1mb Clawhammer CG.

And cold flare like I said the only way to be sure is either if "CG" stepping is in the description, or go to a shop or a show. I got lucky and ordered from zipzoomfly, and recieved a 3200+ clawhammer CG stepping. As far as I know though they are shipping the 512 L2's now that are 200x11 where mine is 200x10.

I pm'ed you BTW.

Wait let me get this straight. If I order a 3200+ Clawhammer from newegg, I might run the chance of getting a 512kb clawhammer, or newcastle, and now the 1mb clawhammer I wanted?

[LBJGH]

nop, my CPU started life as a 1.8ghz model... not official released so I'm at just over 2.2ghz with 245HTT.


Originally posted by ColdFlare
That is a 3200+ Clawhammer overclocked at almost 2.4ghz? Is that on air?

[DisposableHero]

Originally posted by ColdFlare
Wait let me get this straight. If I order a 3200+ Clawhammer from newegg, I might run the chance of getting a 512kb clawhammer, or newcastle, and now the 1mb clawhammer I wanted?

its usually stated on newegg what ghz it runs at and what cache it has

the 512kb 3200+'s run at 2.2ghz
the 1mb 3200+'s run at 2.0ghz

[LilGator]

So I'm guessing this isn't last minute advice anymore ? :p:

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by LilGator
So I'm guessing this isn't last minute advice anymore ? :p:

hehe Well I'm going to order today so I can get it on monday. So any more suggestions are welcome.

[saaya]

Originally posted by ColdFlare
hehe Well I'm going to order today so I can get it on monday. So any more suggestions are welcome.

last minute, eh? :stick: :P

hehehe youve waited a nice bunch of minutes hehe

[Reflex1]

I just ordered a clawhammer 3200+ this morning ...first time im going into AMD :D

but im just taking the risk that i will get one with a CG revision :)
i advise u just order a clawhammer too :) but since u seem to be so doubtful, maybe the NC core is better ...they all have CG's.

now i need to pick out a mobo :rolleyes: for my hammer

[saaya]

i think you should def get a clawhammer cg!
its basically the same as the FX chips, and the 53's do around 2.7ghz+ on air!!!

[ColdFlare]

I just ordered!

Thanks everyone, heres a list of what I got.

AMD 64 3200+ Clawhammer 1mb cache (it better be 1mb) Hoping for CG Core.

EPoX 8KDA3J

Fortron 530w PSU. (My current Antec 400w ATX plug is burned!) Looking for another plastic ATX Power connector to resolder on, if anyone knows where to get them let me know.

Thanks everyone. I'll post some results when I get my stuff, it should be here by monday I hope. If they get it out by tomorrow.

[LilGator]

It's too bad AMD didn't release a $280 3300+ for S939 to compete with the 3200+

[Iridium192_217]

Originally posted by saaya
i think you should def get a clawhammer cg!
its basically the same as the FX chips, and the 53's do around 2.7ghz+ on air!!!

lol no way 2.7

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by Iridium192_217
lol no way 2.7

Thats what I thought. 2.6ghz on air already seems like a pretty good overclock. But lets hope I get 2.7ghz atleast haha.

[bias_hjorth]

yes the fx 53 does 2.7ghz+ on air ;)
same deal with the xp3700..

[saaya]

Originally posted by Iridium192_217
lol no way 2.7

ask charlie and other people, its true! those new cg cores are extremely nice overclockers :)


coldflare, if its not a cg stepping (and it ocs bad :D) try to send it back. they are supposed to tell you if its a cg stepping or not, if they dont comment on it and its not a cg then you can send it back. just say you are using 2 double sided 512mb sticks ddr400 and the non cg core doesnt support that :)

so they should take it back.

EDIT:
http://www.lostcircuits.com/cpu/amd_a64-3800/11.shtml

the 3800+ newcastle only ocs to 2.5ghz while the 1MB L2 cache FX with Clawhammer core ocs to 2.7ghz+ on air! this indicates that the 1MB L2 CG cores are superior than even the newest newcastle cores!

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by saaya
ask charlie and other people, its true! those new cg cores are extremely nice overclockers :)


coldflare, if its not a cg stepping (and it ocs bad :D) try to send it back. they are supposed to tell you if its a cg stepping or not, if they dont comment on it and its not a cg then you can send it back. just say you are using 2 double sided 512mb sticks ddr400 and the non cg core doesnt support that :)

so they should take it back.

EDIT:
http://www.lostcircuits.com/cpu/amd_a64-3800/11.shtml

the 3800+ newcastle only ocs to 2.5ghz while the 1MB L2 cache FX with Clawhammer core ocs to 2.7ghz+ on air! this indicates that the 1MB L2 CG cores are superior than even the newest newcastle cores!

Thats very slick dude, haha. Right now I hope they send out my package today so I can get it after the weekend.

[saaya]

good luck! :toast: please let us know what it does when you get it :)

[ColdFlare]

Originally posted by saaya
good luck! :toast: please let us know what it does when you get it :)

No doubt. I'll take some pics for you guys if its wanted.

[saaya]

sure! :D