Attention all computer geeks...

Pete Zaria · Wed Mar 07, 2007 5:17 pm

Just wanted some opinions on something. If you don't know much about modern computer hardware, don't waste your time reading this. Sorry.

I currently have a DFI LanParty UTNF4 motherboard with a 3700+, a gig of OCZPC4000VX Gold @ 2-2-2-5.
I want to upgrade, but I'd like to keep my current motherboard and RAM. I know that the AM2 socket would let me use DDR2 memory, but I already have a high-end s939 mobo and RAM. So, the two chips I'm looking at are the 4800+ and the Opteron 180.

I'll be using this machine for my main desktop. Lots of multimedia (audio/graphics work), some gaming, lots of multitasking. I do want to overclock whichever chip I get, so that does weigh in a bit.

Specs on the two chips:

4800+:
Brand AMD
Processors Type Desktop
Series Athlon 64 X2
Model ADA4800CDBOX
CPU Socket Type Socket 939
Core Toledo
Name Athlon 64 X2 4800+
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
HT 2000MHz
L1 Cache 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech 90 nm
Price $235.00

Opty 180:
Brand AMD
Processors Type Server
Series Opteron
Model OSA180CDBOX
CPU Socket Type Socket 939
Core Denmark
Name Opteron 180
Operating Frequency 2.4GHz
HT 1000MHz
L1 Cache 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech 90 nm
Price $269

Both chips are dual core, 2.4 GHz per core, 1mb cache per core, 1.35V.
Obviously, the 4800+ has a faster HTT rate - and thus a better memory controller. However, the Opty 180 will overclock better.
I guess the question comes down to, is it worth it to sacrifice some CPU speed for lower memory latency?

Either chip I get, I'll be adding another gig of the same ram I have, another 74GB 10kRPM Raptor HDD (going to RAID0 them), and upgrading the graphics (haven't decided on a card, I'm leaning towards a 7800GTX for price reasons).

What do you guys think?

Thanks a ton for the info.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

pyromanic13 · Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:12 pm

Pete Zaria · Wed Mar 07, 2007 11:26 pm

pyromanic13 wrote:yes

WTF? :p

Actually, after researching today, I found out both chips have a 2000MHz HTT rate - and equal memory controller performance. The discrepancy is in how NewEgg listed the information - for the 4800+ they listed two-way HTT throughput, for the Opty they listed one-way.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Opty - all other specs being equal, it will overclock better, though is a bit more expensive.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

pyromanic13 · Thu Mar 08, 2007 12:50 am

definitely

Check out my YouTube SpudGun Channel! · Thu Mar 08, 2007 1:17 am

I would go for the 4800 but thats just me. I love the AMD 4000+ series... and I dislike opty. Thats just my opinion. But I feel the 4800 will be better...for my needs anyway.
So yeah...I would go for the 4800 but im kind of biased towards it.

pyromanic13 · Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:05 am

exactly

Pete Zaria · Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:13 am

OK, pyro, bud, it's getting a bit immature now. Let it go, OK? Thanks.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:42 am

I can't believe that i read the warning, then read the article! The warning drags us nongeeks in. That being said -- in lamens terms -- WTF did you say??? What kind of computing do you do to need all that computer for?
I reply to this because i'm getting ready to help my friend set up a computer in his office, but he don't want to spend much money. I'm wondering what i can get with a nice size hard drive that runs fast and can handle DSL internet set up. A package deal would be best i think, i don't know how to configure one like your building. Any help would be great.

P.S. Not meaning to hijack your thread Pete, just looks like the rite place to ask.

Fnord · Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:01 am

I would go with the 4800.
If you really want to overclock it alot, take the money you save and put it towards a cheap water cooling system from ebay.
...or just make your case waterproof and fill it with vegetable oil.

cheapest liquid cooling you're going to get.

Hotwired · Thu Mar 08, 2007 9:30 am

Filling it with oil will kill the fans. They might still rotate but they won't be cooling anything.

In fact all you've got is a slow oil heater which will just store heat rather than dump it.

Fnord · Thu Mar 08, 2007 10:26 am

I was being sarcastic

Oh though I know for a fact it has been done before. not sure what the results were.

Pete Zaria · Thu Mar 08, 2007 2:35 pm

x

jrrdw wrote:I can't believe that i read the warning, then read the article! The warning drags us nongeeks in. That being said -- in lamens terms -- WTF did you say??? What kind of computing do you do to need all that computer for?
I reply to this because i'm getting ready to help my friend set up a computer in his office, but he don't want to spend much money. I'm wondering what i can get with a nice size hard drive that runs fast and can handle DSL internet set up. A package deal would be best i think, i don't know how to configure one like your building. Any help would be great.

P.S. Not meaning to hijack your thread Pete, just looks like the rite place to ask.

I'm a network administrator. I own a small IT company. I do a lot of multimedia (video/audio encoding/editing), some web/graphics design, some gaming, and a lot of multitasking. Dual core is perfect for that.

I do custom-built PCs, and I usually beat my competitors' prices, and the quality doesn't even compare. Hand-built machines with hand-picked parts OWN any Dell in existence. I'd be happy to give you a free bid on a system, let me know what your friend wants and what his budget is.

__________

Oil cooling has successfully been done before but it drastically decreases the lifespan of the components, and it's a pain in the ass to maintain. I use one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6835106061
http://www.3dxtreme.net/images/reviews/ ... G_1219.jpg It's half the size of the motherboard, but it keeps a heavily overclocked computer running at ....74F at the moment.

Overclocking is the digital equivalent of turbo charging a car; making the engine put out more power than it's made to. If properly done, it won't reduce the lifespan of the components, and you can see 25-35% more speed immediately. If done improperly, you'll have turned your CPU into a $300 firecracker. Fun stuff.

I think I'm going to get the Opteron 180. Having researched it for the last few days, many people have gotten the Opty180 to 3GHz per core. The idea of a dual 3 GHz CPU seems kind of erotic.... But I'm a nerd.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

Bluetooth · Thu Mar 08, 2007 6:40 pm

I would go with the Athlon (the 4800) or you could always just get one on the new 96's (I've seen this one on the net).

WOW!! · Thu Mar 08, 2007 7:53 pm

I know a little bit about computers, but not much. But I would go with the 4800 too. I have heard good stuff about it. And good luck with it.

Pete Zaria · Thu Mar 08, 2007 8:14 pm

Just FYI guys, after having researched it for a while, the 4800+ and Opty 180 are almost identical CPUs.
The Opteron, being a server CPU, has a larger "safety margin" and has more overclocking headroom.
For that reason, I'll probably be getting the Opty180. But they're nearly *identical* CPUs. Many have the same core, even.

Thanks for all the input, guys.

Peace,
Pete Zaria.

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