andrewhaji
Premium
join:2002-03-02
North York, ON
 ·TekSavvy Solutions..
|  Best CPU Value?
Okay, I really don't want to start an AMD/Intel flamewar but I need an opinion on what the best value in CPUs is currently. I am purchasing the GIGABYTE 8KNXP motherboard (the highest-rated 875P motherboard by Tom's Hardware) so I am looking for an INTEL chip.
I've been looking at prices, and the 3.0 GHz chip is a little too expensive, and I'm only willing to go as low as 2.6 GHz. So basically it's a toss-up between the 2.6 GHz and the 2.8 GHz. Which should I get?
(I'm looking for 800 MHz bus CPUs only.)
Thanks for the advice!
[text was edited by author 2003-10-04 22:22:58] |
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MRK8
Premium
join:2001-01-11
San Antonio, TX
clubs:  | The 2.4C - if you're willing to overclock a little it can easily get you to 2.8 or 3.0ghz.
Otherwise, I'd go for the 2.6ghz. At that level I don't think you'd notice the extra 200mhz between it and the 2.8 99% of the time. |
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Carbon Unit
Premium,MVM
join:2001-07-21
Saint Charles, MO | reply to andrewhaji
I have a 2.6c, it easily overclocks to 3.5ghz and about 3.3Ghz stable |
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cyrus360
Getting Freaky With It
Premium
join:2003-02-16
Sedro Woolley, WA | reply to andrewhaji
I am running a P2.4Ghz chip running at 3.5GHz overclocked. Saved lots over getting a 3.2GHz chip.
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Carbon Unit
Premium,MVM
join:2001-07-21
Saint Charles, MO | reply to andrewhaji
The point is with the P4C your just paying for the multiplier for what ever its locked at, the lower the better for raising your fsb, the 2.4 and 2.6 seem to be the best overclockers (on air) since there multi is 12 and 13x |
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abuelsamid
join:2002-01-02
Ypsilanti, MI
| reply to andrewhaji
Well If you are willing to reconsider your motherboard choice, and you really want the best value I would highly recommend the Athlon 2500+ Barton. They can be had at newegg for $90, and you can get a good nforce2 motherboard for under $120. The Bartons especially the 2500 run considerably cooler than older athlons and the current P4s. The new coolers that AMD is bundling now are also quite quiet and effective. I built a system for a friend recently with a 2500 Barton and after 24 Sisoft sandra burn-in in a fairly warm room it never exceeded 44C in a fairly warm room with the stock HSF. From what I heard of recent P4s they are starting to run pretty hot. and the prescotts will get a lot hotter. The performance is in the ballpark of what you would get with a 2.4-2.6 P4 and would save you some money. |
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kchaz
Just...Be
Premium,MVM
join:2002-02-12
Merced, CA
clubs:
| reply to andrewhaji
nothing beats the 2.4C P4 (yet) as far as overclocking and bang for buck IMO... see here for some great speeds ALL at air cooling too 
»[OC] Abit IC7 + P4 - 2.4c = 3.6 Ghz :)
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danawhitaker
Space...The Final Frontier
Premium
join:2002-03-02
Urbandale, IA
·MSN
 ·Mediacom
| reply to andrewhaji
Well, I would personally not recommend overclocking your processor. I just picked up a P4 3.0. I thought it was well worth the money, and I'm very happy with my choice. Had I been willing to spend less money, I probably would have been equally satisfied with a 2.8.
Sammie
--
You're watching Sports Night on CSC so stick around... |
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NYR11
Livestrong
join:2002-03-15
Stony Brook, NY
 ·Optimum Voice
·Optimum Online
| reply to kchaz
said by kchaz  :
nothing beats the 2.4C P4 (yet) as far as overclocking and bang for buck IMO... see here for some great speeds ALL at air cooling too
»[OC] Abit IC7 + P4 - 2.4c = 3.6 Ghz :)
I agree 100%, the 2.4c is amazing. I paid $150 for it and I have it running on stock cooling at 3.0 with no problem at all. Only thing I would add is if you want to overclock it make sure you have at least pc3200 RAM or better because when you raise the cpu fsb you are also raising the frequency of your RAM. If you use crappy RAM it will limit your OC.
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"Up here Jerry, I'm already gone" |
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