Another help me pick an upgrade thread

365 Views 6 Replies 3 Participants Last post by youra6, Dec 1, 2009

anticrainbo

Discussion Starter · Dec 1, 2009

Well, I have been searching for an upgrade to my x3 3600 currently clocked at 2.85 in sig rig.

I thought I settled on the BE 720...but I need a lower budget option.

Anyway, I'm not a dedicated multitasker, but like everyone I do run multiple apps at times. This will primarily be for gaming, occasional dvd encoding and viewing.

My budget is under $100 as far as possible without sacrificing performance. Basically the never ending quest for a balance of performance on a budget.

I am mainly tying to discern the performance difference between Athlon 2 and Phenom 2. Overclocking ability is most important.

Looking for first hand experience if possible.

Opinions please!

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youra6

· #2 · Dec 1, 2009

if its under 100, the X3 wont be a viable option for now. The 550 BE is a good alternative. It looses some multitasking capabilities since its a duo core, but from what i have read, the 550 and even the Athlon II 620 are great budget chips.

With the 550, you might even be able to unlock a core of two!

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...-cpu,2466.html

great site that reviews chips in all price ranges

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TheFailGrenade

· #3 · Dec 1, 2009

It's an 875...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103295

Don't know much about AMD but this looks pretty good, but it is a triple core.

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anticrainbo

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 1, 2009

Thanks youra6.

I saw your post about upgrading and it really swayed me to the 720. What did you upgrade from? When do you expect to receive it?

PM me and let me know how it performs.

@thefail

I understand the Phenom's don't OC very well tho. Any opinions?

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youra6

· #5 · Dec 1, 2009

I suggest staying away from the first phenom gen. The 2 mb of cache makes it a absolute no no for multi tasking. It also not a good overclocking chip, the safe voltages on there (1.05-1.25) suggests that it isnt going to Oc well

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TheFailGrenade

· #6 · Dec 1, 2009

Agreed, on revision, they aren't really very good. I know the 965/955 are OCing dreams though.

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youra6

· #7 · Dec 1, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by anticrainbo

True the first gen phenoms werent very good at it. I had a 9950 BE and the stock speed was at 2.6. Getting that thing to 3.0 was a breeze, all I had to do was raise the multiplier. I hit a brick wall at 3.2 ghz. Voltages at 1.42 volts, I tried everything to raise it, but with no luck.

The thing also bottlenecked my GTX 280 as well. I decided that I needed a more powerful chip and went with a 720. Clock for clock the 720 is 20% faster and expect it to overclock from 3.6 -3.8ghz

From a select few, I've seen the things go as high as 4ghz on air.

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