Upgrade from SD 3700+ Worthwhile?

[nheather]

My PC is running an overclocked Athlon 64 3700+ (San Diego).

It runs comfortably at 260x11 = 2.86 GHz

When I say comfortably, it runs all desktop stuff and all my games (with the exception of Oblivion) without any problem.

Oblivion crashes a lot and I can't work out why - CPU and GPU temps are low and even if I reduce the CPU to stock it still crashes but less frequently.

Games like COD4 run without a glitch on the full overclock.


Anyway, I've been thinking for sometime whether it would be worthwhile upgrading the CPU. I don't want to touch the rest of the system so I'm stuck with a 939 socket.

Would the A64x2 be any benefit.

I'm not convinced as I'm already running at a high clock speed have more cache available per core and I'm guessing that many programmes just won't take advantage of the dual core.

If my reasoning sound or would I see a good overall improvement going fro something like a A64 x2 4200+ ?

Cheers,

Nigel

 

[gt_junkie]

IMHO you will notice a wonderful difference in terms of desktop snappiness and the general ability to run multiple programs at the same time.

For the money it's a no brainer. Even the lowest end 3800X2's are a wonderful improvement.

Like you i went from a 3700+ sandy @ 2.8+ghz to a 3800X2 @ 2.6ghz and the improvement was pretty noticeable. The 4200+ would be a nice upgrade and there's certainly no reason 2.6ghz+ isn't a possibility.

If you're lucky enough to get a 4800+ or opty 175/180 then depending on your mobo these should see over 2.8ghz quite easily. Indeed some 4400+ and opty 170's managed 3ghz. In fact i used to have a 165 that ran at over 3ghz on air - needed a good board (DFI SLi-DR) but could do it!

gt

 

[zykan]

as cheap as the amd duals are for 939(or they were when i upgraded a while ago) did give quite a performance boost, but by the sounding of things, your fine as you are! with a dual core, your not going to get the same clock speed from your 3700+ SD.

Although i do remember that the difference between that chip and my upgraded dual meant that i could play crysis

 

[nheather]

Thanks for the advice - sounds like I should get myself one.

Is there anything particular I should look out for

64x2 Toledo or Manchester

or

Opteron

Cheers,

Nigel

 

[gt_junkie]

Toledo's are essentially two san diegos so have 1mb per core - the manchesters only have 512kb per core.

To put it in performance context you'd normally need an extra 100-200mhz clock on a manchester to match a toledo.

All the Opteron duals (my favourites) had 1mb per core.

What mobo do you have?

I'd personally be looking for a 4400+, Opty 170 or 175.

The 4800+, Opty 180 and 185 commanded pretty hefty premiums but if you find one at a similar price then take it.

As far as i remember core speeds and cache went like this:

3800+ - 2.0ghz - 512kb per core
4200+ - 2.2ghz - 512kb per core
4400+ - 2.2ghz - 1mb per core
4600+ - 2.4ghz - 512kb per core
4800+ - 2.4ghz - 1mb per core

Opteron 165 - 1.8ghz - 1mb per core
Opteron 170 - 2.0ghz - 1mb per core
Opteron 175 - 2.2ghz - 1mb per core
Opteron 180 - 2.4ghz - 1mb per core
Opteron 185 - 2.6ghz - 1mb per core

gt

 

[Tetras]

If your rig is crashing with a 3700+ I'm not sure that "upgrading" to a dual is going to help, the overclock reset making them less frequent could be a red herring (as stress on other parts of the system is also reduced).

 

[nheather]

So far I've been offered

x2 4200+

x2 4600+

Both Manchesters

The 4600+ is obviously costing more.

Are these work considering or should I hand out for an opty 170?

Cheers,

Nigel

 

[gt_junkie]

If they're ones that clock well and you have a mobo capable of doing it then go with either.

Assuming you couldn't match or better the clock speed of your sandy even @ around 2.6ghz the lower general clock will be eclipsed by the presence of the additional core.

What prices are you looking at paying for them?

Also, what mobo do you have as this has a strong bearing on what level of chip you can get away with?

gt

 

[nheather]

No idea how they clock - they are being sold as (never been clocked), like every second hand CPU on the market

4200+ is £50
4600+ is £75

My motherboard is an ASUS A8N-E


Cheers,

Nigel

 

[gt_junkie]

Well 4600+'s sell on the members market for around £50 delivered so i'd start there as your prices seem a little steep.

You're only 41 posts off being able to access that area so i'd get posting within the community to gain entry.

Once there you might hopefully track one down for a decent price!

gt

 

[nheather]

That sounds good. Thanks for the advice.

Cheers,

Nigel