Which processor is a better deal...

[cheese123]

An Athlon XP 2500+ overclocked to 3200+ speeds or an Athlon 64 2800+?

The A64 2800+ double the price of the 2500+ and I know it's not double the performance especially when the 2500+ is overclocked, but do you think it's worth paying more with new 64-bit programs coming in the future?

[BeatYouWithShoe]

Someone like me with hardly any cash I'd definatly say no, I would hold off on buying a 64 for the next upgrade, I don't think they are very practical yet because of the limited software that actually uses 64bit (personally of course) but everyone has an opinion. I don't do alot of gaming or anything just development and some high-end apps and they run fine.

[RADAR1797]

Nothing wrong with overclocking to save some cash and a XP 2500+ is decent HP.

-RADAR

[proffit]

dont go the 64 if u do u will need to get a new mobo as well. and if u can get ur 2500+ to the speed of a 3200+ then there would be little difference between the two cpus. i say go the 2500+

[njolakoski]

If money is somwthing that u got to take in consideration then take the 2500+ and oc it. But u have the moeny get the AMD 64

[jmichna]

Nothing wrong with overclocking to save some cash and a XP 2500+ is decent HP.

-RADAR

IMO, rather than a Barton 2500, he'd be better off with the Mobile Barton 2600... many, many people are getting them up to 2400mHz to 2600mHz -- and higher -- with air-cooling and modest vCore increases. The mobiles remain multiplier unlocked, unlike the regular Bartons (locked since last fall... week 39 or 43... thereabouts).

Disclaimer: I'm running my XP-M2600 at 2500mHz (and have tested Prime stable at 2600mHz... but no need to push that hard for what I do).

[bombledmonk]

IMO, rather than a Barton 2500, he'd be better off with the Mobile Barton 2600... many, many people are getting them up to 2400mHz to 2600mHz -- and higher -- with air-cooling and modest vCore increases. The mobiles remain multiplier unlocked, unlike the regular Bartons (locked since last fall... week 39 or 43... thereabouts).

Disclaimer: I'm running my XP-M2600 at 2500mHz (and have tested Prime stable at 2600mHz... but no need to push that hard for what I do).

I can agree with that. I even have a regular unlocked 2500+.....(I just figured that out after 10 months of owning the damn thing.) It's nothing specia,l but the 2500 and 2600 are wonderous things to behold.

[cheese123]

Thanks for the advice. Since money is a factor, I'll probably get the 2500+ with a motherboard combo on tigerdirect.

About the XP-M2600, how much do you think it'll cost with a new motherboard and proper cooling?

[bombledmonk]

Personally I'd stay away from Tigerdirect if it involves rebates to get your good deal.

It all depends on what you want on the mobo (sata...etc) If you want something simple.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...123-208&depa=1
EPoX "EP-8RDA3I" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket @ $69

mobile 2500+ @ $88 or 2600+ @ $95 at newegg.com

For cooling you can get to 2.2-2.4Ghz speeds on stock rated cooling, so you can take you're pick on coolers. Of course the best is the SLK-900A but it is ~$40 shipped without a fan...
For a modest 3200+ overclock I'd recommend a Speeze HSF for a super quiet overclock.
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...150-040&depa=1
that is what I'm using now... not only is it QUIET, but it keeps me around 38C idle and 45C full load with Arctic silver thermal paste. (availiable at www.svc.com for $6shipped)

[BeatYouWithShoe]

Personally I'd stay away from Tigerdirect if it involves rebates to get your good deal.

What is wrong with TigerDirect rebates? I was thinking about going with them on something, give me a clue here heh.

[someone16]

<------Refused to honor $20 rebate from tiger. If the rebate goes through tiger, don't bother XD

[bombledmonk]

<-----------Refused to honor $60 worth of rebates because of their shipping mistake. Still working on it over 9 months, but I have pretty much given up.

[BeatYouWithShoe]

Ok when I get this thing off Tiger I'll call the manufacturer and make sure they honor it beforehand. Thanks for the info.

[cheese123]

Thanks for the info about tigerdirect.

If I'm just overclocking the Barton 2500+ to 2.2 ghz should I just save a little money and use the stock HSF or will the Speeze HSF work alot better?

[jmichna]

Thanks for the advice. Since money is a factor, I'll probably get the 2500+ with a motherboard combo on tigerdirect.

About the XP-M2600, how much do you think it'll cost with a new motherboard and proper cooling?

I run my XP-M2600 on an older EPoX 8K3A+ mobo (KT333 chipset). This board earned a strong reputation as a good overclocker's board, but you have many more, more up-to-date options. With the XP-M you can use a KT-400 board or anything newer, with CPU bus speeds at 166 or 200 (and tweakable for OC'ing). I'm sure the fine folks at TIMO can recommend a very good, reasonably priced KT400 (or newer) mobo.

Newegg.com has the XP-M2600 for under $100 last time I looked, may around $90 plus free shipping.

Re cooling, think of that as more of a longer term investment. I agree with bombledmonk and strongly recommend the ThermalRight SLK900A, paired with a good 92mm fan pushing at least 50cfm air (big fan yields more air flow with less noise).

I know you can get the SLK900A on sale from www.svc.com for about $35 plus shipping (shipping cost is zip code dependent... for me would come to under $5... total HS cost shipped under $40. A good 92mm fan can be had for well under $10.

This HS will serve you quite well.

[bombledmonk]

I too would recommend the SLK900A over everyting but....
if you want to ONLY do an overclock to 3200+ a regular(non mobile) Barton 2500+ the stock HSF will work fine, but the Speeze HSF will infinitely quieter and cool about the same. Depending on what you want you could go with the regular OEM barton and the Speeze HSF is just a few dollars more than the retail version of the 2500+

Again, if you want a hobby for the future, I would recommend the 2500+ Mobile and the 900A, it is well worth the money spent. If you just want a quick overclock go for retail or OEM with a different fan.