Cpu upgrade ?

Anti

Im updating a older pc, just for folding. So i have decided on a new graphics card :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-003-GC

But im not sure about which cpu to get. At current its either running a 3500+ or a 3800+ both single core.

My two choices are

A opty 170 http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=337800

and a 4200+ x2
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=505239

They are both dual core, both have the same ammount of cache and the same clock speeds, And almost identical price.

Which would be better

trout

when I checked the specs ... i see three differences
opty 170 comes with 2Mb L2 cache (no L1 cache), clocks at 2.0 Ghz and has hypertransport

athlon 64 comes with 1 Mb L2 cache and 256Kb L1 cache, clocks at 2.2 Ghz and does not support hypertransport

i'm not sure if hypertransport will impact folding ... i guess L2 cache will (?)

if it was me, i'd go with the opty 170 ...

good luck!

Mr. Presentable

http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?p=359065

This precise discussion!

Anti

thnks guys. opty it is

TonyM.

The 170 opteron was the best socket 939 chip of all but you may need to update the BIOS for dual core.

Anti

Done that in advance

Col_Loki

The only difference would be the Cache & Actual Speed.
Ie 512kb extra cache = 200mhz - (always been the same with AMD rating).

I would definetly go with the opteron, especially if you are going to overclock (even just a little). These chips are doing fantastic, there ment for server grade which generally means they do a bit better than the X2's.

Just invested in a 165 myself. There on komplett for €170 ...... might save you a couple of quid (overclocking results 165/170 pretty simular).

L31mr0d

Get a 165. The 170 is not worth the extra money atm. Everyone i've been talking to has been getting good 165 steppings that can overclock up to and above 2.9Ghz (i.e. the ccbbe06xx steppings) Here is a breakdown of the steppings. The 170's are known to not be that great for overclocking compared to the 165's. What kind of cooling with be going on this? If you are lucky enough to get a 0610 stepping you could get away with the stock cooling, stock volts up to at least 2.8Ghz... but you'd have to be VERY lucky

Also note the Opterons are a little slower than the X2's. (i.e. a 2.2Ghz Opteron will not be as fast as a 2.2Ghz X2... something to do with the relaxed timings on the internal NB that optys have, to make them more stable for workstations... but thats what you'll want anyway for a folding machine?)

Anti

ill be using the tuniq tower. and the hr-05 sli for the mobo. and a dominotor fan for the ram. so cooling will be good.

The main reason i went for the 170 over the 165 is that there was a error on scan which made the 170 cheaper, plus before i overclock the stock performance is a bit better. If i can get fx-62 speeds ill be happy, so anything over will be a bonus

TonyM.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103526

FX -55 $139.95 ???

Anti

less cache, and import prices, plus the 170 will do fx 62 speeds

TonyM.

I know what a 170 opti can do the only thing holding it back is the memory.

I was just surprised to see the fx 55 at a give awaw price it was selling at €800 two years ago.

Anti

they are even cheaper second hand, Thats if your willing to buy one.

L31mr0d

So... what stepping did you get with the 170 anyway?

Anti

Im still waiting on delivery. I got the lot from overclockers, but scan say they have no stock, and waiting on supplyers.