Which CPU??

[xirokx]

Hi,

I'd like to begin by saying i'm a total n00b when it comes to processors so please go easy

Could you kindly explain the difference between these three processors in lamen's terms :

a) amd 64 bit

b) amd 64 X2

c) amd Opteron

Also whilst reading diff threads within this forum I noticed people talking about:

a ) overclocking - could you kindly explain what this entails, is it difficult? How long does it take?

b) Cache - several ppl have suggested while its possible to change the clock speed you cannot change the cache speed....forgive my terminalogy......however what again in lamen's term is the cache? what does it do?

I would really appreciate your help and advice.........thank you

P.S. ATM I have a amd 3500 newcastle can this be overclocked? How do you know if a CPU can be overclocked?

All in all I am thinking about upgrading but am trying to get all the facts first to find out what's best......

I use my PC for some gaming, surfing, photoshop, flash etc etc sometimes it can be very slow when multitasking....

Any how I would really appreciate your help to my newbie questions

Cheers!!!!!

 

[deadeyedic30]

1. amd 64 bit = can run 64 bit software as well as 32 bit. Most chips are now capable of both no as standard.
2. amd 64 X2 = dual core processor, 2 cpu's on one chip/socket.
3. amd Opteron = designed for servers, but the 1 series is 939 socket so can be used in most 939 boards that run the above 2 cpu's.
4. overclocking = running your cpu or gpu faster than its meant too go. Risk is it may break and take other components with it.
5. Cache = this is the memory on the cpu, Level1 cache is a small amount. Level 2 varies from chip to chip, between 256kb to 2 or 4 mb on the big server chips. Cachec runs at cpu speed, as far as i know.

 

[Squidge]

For most things, an Opteron is the same as the AMD 64 or AMD 64 X2 depending on the model number. Eg. the Opteron 170 is almost identical to the AMD 64 X2 3800, but with 1mb cache instead of 512kb. One important difference however is that they are meant for servers, so can often be a better quality, and thus can sometimes be overclocked more than there desktop processors. There's really no point in using an Opteron in a desktop system unless your going to overclock it.

Cache is simply memory that is "bolted on" to the processor. It's on the same chip as the processor itself, so can be accessed much faster. It contains frequently used instructions and data. You have level 1 and level 2 cache, with the level 1 cache being the fastest, but also most expensive to use - so normally only a small amount is present.

For multitasking, a dual core cpu is ideal, as it can easily handle multiple tasks at once. A single core cpu has to timeslice everything (run each process for a specific period of time). A dual core cpu can run two things at once, which really improves performance, as it halves the amount of time slicing required.

To find out if you processor can be overclocked, you need to look in your motherboards manual to see if you can change the "fsb". Most processors can be overclocked, but by how much can depend on the processor itself, motherboard, ram, and even power supply.

 

[xirokx]

so what you are saying its better to go for a dual core processor for multi tasking i.e. AMD X2 chipset as you wont have to run the risk of overclocking because by doing so you are running the risk of losing other components etc..

So is cache like how much information the processor can hold at 1 time without having to look around for it? if that makes sense......

If you were to get lets say an Opteron 165 or 170 and do not overclock it then would it be the same as running a dual core processor?

What is more future proof?

Thanks for your help so far much appreciated

 

[ACESHIGH]

Dual core is best for multitasking: yes.
Overclocking can cause damage if you are not carefull or do something silly without asking first.
You now have a good idea of what cache is: correct.
The Opteron 165 or 170 are dual core processors just like the X2 dual cores.
Dual core is more future proof.

Good dual core CPU's if overclocking are the Opteron 165 / 170.
If not overclocking look at the X2 3800+ or even better the 4400+ (more L2 cache) if in your budget.

 

[Squidge]

xirokx: That is a good description of cache memory.

If you were thinking of an Opteron 170, but not going to overclock it, I would instead recommend a X2 4400, as it would have a higher non-overclocked speed (2.2Ghz) and the same amount of cache.

The most future proof is the processor that can run the fastest IMO, which would be the 4800, or a 170 overclocked to 4800 (or higher) speeds.