SpudFiles

Just wanted some opinions on something. If you don't know much about modern computer hardware, don't waste your time reading this. Sorry.

I currently have a DFI LanParty UTNF4 motherboard with a 3700+, a gig of OCZPC4000VX Gold @ 2-2-2-5.
I want to upgrade, but I'd like to keep my current motherboard and RAM. I know that the AM2 socket would let me use DDR2 memory, but I already have a high-end s939 mobo and RAM. So, the two chips I'm looking at are the 4800+ and the Opteron 180.

I'll be using this machine for my main desktop. Lots of multimedia (audio/graphics work), some gaming, lots of multitasking. I do want to overclock whichever chip I get, so that does weigh in a bit.

Specs on the two chips:

4800+:
Brand AMD
Processors Type Desktop
Series Athlon 64 X2
Model ADA4800CDBOX
CPU Socket Type Socket 939
Core Toledo
Name Athlon 64 X2 4800+
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
HT 2000MHz
L1 Cache 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech 90 nm
Price $235.00

Opty 180:
Brand AMD
Processors Type Server
Series Opteron
Model OSA180CDBOX
CPU Socket Type Socket 939
Core Denmark
Name Opteron 180
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
HT 1000MHz
L1 Cache 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech 90 nm
Price $269

Both chips are dual core, 2.4 GHz per core, 1mb cache per core, 1.35V.
Obviously, the 4800+ has a faster HTT rate - and thus a better memory controller. However, the Opty 180 will overclock better.
I guess the question comes down to, is it worth it to sacrifice some CPU speed for lower memory latency?

Either chip I get, I'll be adding another gig of the same ram I have, another 74GB 10kRPM Raptor HDD (going to RAID0 them), and upgrading the graphics (haven't decided on a card, I'm leaning towards a 7800GTX for price reasons).

What do you guys think?

Thanks a ton for the info.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

yes

pyromanic13 wrote:yes

WTF? :p

Actually, after researching today, I found out both chips have a 2000MHz HTT rate - and equal memory controller performance. The discrepancy is in how NewEgg listed the information - for the 4800+ they listed two-way HTT throughput, for the Opty they listed one-way.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Opty - all other specs being equal, it will overclock better, though is a bit more expensive.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

definitely

I would go for the 4800 but thats just me. I love the AMD 4000+ series... and I dislike opty. Thats just my opinion. But I feel the 4800 will be better...for my needs anyway.
So yeah...I would go for the 4800 but im kind of biased towards it.

exactly

OK, pyro, bud, it's getting a bit immature now. Let it go, OK? Thanks.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

I can't believe that i read the warning, then read the article! The warning drags us nongeeks in. That being said -- in lamens terms -- WTF did you say??? What kind of computing do you do to need all that computer for?
I reply to this because i'm getting ready to help my friend set up a computer in his office, but he don't want to spend much money. I'm wondering what i can get with a nice size hard drive that runs fast and can handle DSL internet set up. A package deal would be best i think, i don't know how to configure one like your building. Any help would be great.

P.S. Not meaning to hijack your thread Pete, just looks like the rite place to ask.

I would go with the 4800.
If you really want to overclock it alot, take the money you save and put it towards a cheap water cooling system from ebay.
...or just make your case waterproof and fill it with vegetable oil. cheapest liquid cooling you're going to get.

Filling it with oil will kill the fans. They might still rotate but they won't be cooling anything.

In fact all you've got is a slow oil heater which will just store heat rather than dump it.

I was being sarcastic
Oh though I know for a fact it has been done before. not sure what the results were.

x

jrrdw wrote:I can't believe that i read the warning, then read the article! The warning drags us nongeeks in. That being said -- in lamens terms -- WTF did you say??? What kind of computing do you do to need all that computer for?
I reply to this because i'm getting ready to help my friend set up a computer in his office, but he don't want to spend much money. I'm wondering what i can get with a nice size hard drive that runs fast and can handle DSL internet set up. A package deal would be best i think, i don't know how to configure one like your building. Any help would be great.

P.S. Not meaning to hijack your thread Pete, just looks like the rite place to ask.

I'm a network administrator. I own a small IT company. I do a lot of multimedia (video/audio encoding/editing), some web/graphics design, some gaming, and a lot of multitasking. Dual core is perfect for that.

I do custom-built PCs, and I usually beat my competitors' prices, and the quality doesn't even compare. Hand-built machines with hand-picked parts OWN any Dell in existence. I'd be happy to give you a free bid on a system, let me know what your friend wants and what his budget is.
__________

Oil cooling has successfully been done before but it drastically decreases the lifespan of the components, and it's a pain in the ass to maintain. I use one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835106061
http://www.3dxtreme.net/images/reviews/ ... G_1219.jpg It's half the size of the motherboard, but it keeps a heavily overclocked computer running at ....74F at the moment.

Overclocking is the digital equivalent of turbo charging a car; making the engine put out more power than it's made to. If properly done, it won't reduce the lifespan of the components, and you can see 25-35% more speed immediately. If done improperly, you'll have turned your CPU into a $300 firecracker. Fun stuff.

I think I'm going to get the Opteron 180. Having researched it for the last few days, many people have gotten the Opty180 to 3GHz per core. The idea of a dual 3 GHz CPU seems kind of erotic.... But I'm a nerd.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

I would go with the Athlon (the 4800) or you could always just get one on the new 96's (I've seen this one on the net).

I know a little bit about computers, but not much. But I would go with the 4800 too. I have heard good stuff about it. And good luck with it.

Just FYI guys, after having researched it for a while, the 4800+ and Opty 180 are almost identical CPUs.
The Opteron, being a server CPU, has a larger "safety margin" and has more overclocking headroom.
For that reason, I'll probably be getting the Opty180. But they're nearly *identical* CPUs. Many have the same core, even.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.