Opteron 165 vs. AMD 64 x2 3800+

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:35 am

Any other techies out there have thoughts on these two chips? I've never overclocked before, but I'm seriously considering it with my next computer. I need a dual core CPU.

The two chips seem very comprable. Any opinions/links?

by **munky73770** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 11:59 am

Well first of all, what are you going to be doing with this computer? Opterons are more geared towards server tasks then gaming. I own the 4400 dual core cpu, and it kicks ass. Sure, BF2 isnt multli-threaded, but I can set it to run on 1 core.

by **PraiseA||ah** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:01 pm

Can you wait before buying? The next generation of AMD chips is right around the corner.

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:20 pm

My new computer will primarily be for work, and I always have multiple apps open. (usually 4 - 5). Currently I have 7 windows open. I also plan on doing my share of gaming, so it needs to be a gaming rig as well.

Can you wait before buying? The next generation of AMD chips is right around the corner.

Good point PA. Yes I can wait to buy, but I'm sure you know how it is. My current rig is aging. I've had it about 3.5 years (that makes it about 25 years old... in dog years..hehe). I just want a new one.

I actually just upgraded another computer I have to an AMD 64 3700+ w/ 2 Gb ram, with an old GF4 video card. I'm thinking about moving some pieces between the two machines to create a better machine, but it's a major hassle. (Reformatting hard drives, installing software, moving hardware, monitors, etc.)

Unfortuantely my budget has been slashed, so I'm now trying to get the best bang for my buck. I've always been tempted to try and overclock and these two chips seem ideal for overclocking.

Here's the thing... There is always something better around the corner. You could just sit and wait forever for the next best thing to come out. Well, I've been waiting for months now and with every day that passes I want a better computer. Yeah, I could wait (and I might), but I don't want too.

So has anyone done any research on these two chips?

by **PraiseA||ah** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:30 pm

The Opteron will cost more because you need better/more expensive memory for it. Don't forget to factor that into the budget.
As for waiting for the newest chipset, I guess if you're on a budget then that might not be the best thing to do as it's sure to be pricey when it debuts.
That AMD 3700 sounds fine.. just buy a new video card and I can't imagine it not doing whatever it is you want it to do. Multiple applications, multiple windows.. whatever, as long as you're not trying to run a game like BF2 AND another resource hogging application then you should be fine with that.
I have a 3500 with 2GB and I have no problems tabbing in and out of BF2 while running things like a web browser in the background.
The problem is of course if I'm downloading my ping and therefore the playability of BF2 goes down but it doesn't crash my machine or anything.

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 12:42 pm

Maybe you're right PA. Maybe I should just buy a good video card. I guess I really wanted a dual CPU because I can definitely see a hit in performance with my current setup while running mulitple apps.

In fact, instead of upgrading the CPU I could put the money toward a better video card. I guess that's probably a good cheap solution. I will ponder your idea. Thanks for your advice.

by **JimmyTango** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 1:23 pm

Get an opty 144, over clock it to 2.8 on air. This will be for around $160.00.

Opty's are the way to go. They are basically the 64 FX series at lower speeds, but over clock like there is no tomorrow without super cooling. The 144 joins the P4 1.6a and 2.4c as one of the best 'bang for the buck' CPU's even released.

Ram does not matter, any good brand is fine(heck, you can get 2 1Gig sticks of DDR500 for under $200 right now).

http://www.hardforum.com go to the AMD section and search the Opty threads, or just plain ask.

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:01 pm

JimmyTango; haven't seen you around here lately, good to see ya. I've spent a few minutes checking out the Opty 144 seems like a decent chip and a great overclocker. A brief glance on pricegrabber puts the chip close to $170.

I briefly searched for benchmarks, but didn't have much luck. Do you have a link to any benchmarks comparing it to other CPUs?

by **Davis** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:18 pm

^

http://tinyurl.com/edggl

Surpriced you didn't google Opteron 165 vs. AMD 64 x2 3800+...

Give it a shot.

by **||ASS||Mortimer** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:19 pm

This is a pretty good forum thread on individual 3dmark06 scores.

I just went down through these, and made the decision to buy my upgrades by comparing the scores to the PC specs.

Good luck!

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1006807

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:21 pm

Thanks for the links. I actually just found a link comparing the Opteron 144 vs. the AMD 64 x2 3800+. Haven't finished the article yet. Here is a link.

http://www.bleedinedge.com/reviews/processor_reviews/opteron144/optvsx2_01.html

by **LordShard** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:24 pm

Originally posted by JimmyTango
Get an opty 144, over clock it to 2.8 on air. This will be for around $160.00.

Opty's are the way to go. They are basically the 64 FX series at lower speeds, but over clock like there is no tomorrow without super cooling. The 144 joins the P4 1.6a and 2.4c as one of the best 'bang for the buck' CPU's even released.

Ram does not matter, any good brand is fine(heck, you can get 2 1Gig sticks of DDR500 for under $200 right now).

http://www.hardforum.com go to the AMD section and search the Opty threads, or just plain ask.

1GB CT12872AB40ES DDR2 PC2-3200 • CL=3 • REGISTERED • ECC • DDR2-400 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 72
What does this mean? US $205.99

Uh you can get 1GB for over $200. Lol
Opteron RAM has to have ECC-REgistered. This makes it very expensive, because it requires more ram for the parity bits, and you also have to buy a board that will run it, making it even more expensive.

by **Major SONAR** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:30 pm

Davis,

That's funny... I read that entire article but paid no attention to the opterons. I have never really followed the Opteron's... maybe it's not to late to start.

by **JimmyTango** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:37 pm

Originally posted by LordShard
1GB CT12872AB40ES DDR2 PC2-3200 • CL=3 • REGISTERED • ECC • DDR2-400 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 72
What does this mean? US $205.99

Uh you can get 1GB for over $200. Lol
Opteron RAM has to have ECC-REgistered. This makes it very expensive, because it requires more ram for the parity bits, and you also have to buy a board that will run it, making it even more expensive.

You do not need ECC-reg ram.

Go ask anyone on the hard forums.

Remember, these are not dual core, but honestly, dual core is not needed.

by **JimmyTango** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 2:52 pm

Kick ass ram deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231021

Opteron 165 vs. AMD 64 x2 3800+

Opteron 165 vs. AMD 64 x2 3800+

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