Quote:
Originally Posted by jsc1973 
The Phenom II has an L3 cache, which gives it a 5-15 percent edge right off the bat, depending on the application. And the Phenom is on much higher quality silicon; remember that all X3's are by definition defective X4's to begin with. Put that 955 on a good motherboard and with a good aftermarket cooler, and you'll hit at least 3.8 GHz, and probably top 4.0. Everyone who gets a Deneb from right before AMD EOL'd the Phenom II is getting great overclocks.
However, don't try overclocking a Phenom II on one of those bargain-basement motherboards. None of them have a voltage regulation setup that can handle an overclocked Phenom II. Choose a 970 board from this chart that is approved for overclocking: http://www.overclock.net/t/946407/amd-motherboard-vrm-information-list. There's always one or the other that's on sale at Newegg or Microcenter at a reasonable price.
If you can get a Deneb to 4.0, you may discover that you don't need that i5 anytime soon. And if you get an good AM3+ motherboard, you can get Piledriver later on if you decide you want that.
The Phenom II has an L3 cache, which gives it a 5-15 percent edge right off the bat, depending on the application. And the Phenom is on much higher quality silicon; remember that all X3's are by definition defective X4's to begin with. Put that 955 on a good motherboard and with a good aftermarket cooler, and you'll hit at least 3.8 GHz, and probably top 4.0. Everyone who gets a Deneb from right before AMD EOL'd the Phenom II is getting great overclocks.
However, don't try overclocking a Phenom II on one of those bargain-basement motherboards. None of them have a voltage regulation setup that can handle an overclocked Phenom II. Choose a 970 board from this chart that is approved for overclocking: http://www.overclock.net/t/946407/amd-motherboard-vrm-information-list. There's always one or the other that's on sale at Newegg or Microcenter at a reasonable price.
If you can get a Deneb to 4.0, you may discover that you don't need that i5 anytime soon. And if you get an good AM3+ motherboard, you can get Piledriver later on if you decide you want that.
Actually sounds like a really good idea...
I'll probably pick up a nice 970 off of newegg, I also already had planned for an aftermarket cooler and thermal paste since its an OEM product.
