Help choosing a cpu and mobo.

[keross1ve]

Ok, I need help and opinions from all of you guys!

I am having troubles deciding between a bunch of cpus, and I've narrowed the choices down to these:

CPU:
Athlon 64 x2 3800+ - $335
Opteron 165 - $397
Opteron 170 - $453

Motherboard:
Asus A8N-E nF4 Ultra 4DDR ATX PCI-E+PCI-Ex3+PCIx3 - $119
DFI LANParty UT NF4 ULTRA-D - $140

Already got:
OCZ Dual Channel EB 2048MB PC4000 DDR 500MHz Platinum Memory (2 x 1024MB)

Now the thing is, I am on a budget, and would like to save money, but not if spending just a little more gets me a better price/performace ratio. I would like to know opinions and experiences from everyone else. I got the ram for overclocking, so I could overclock those opterons, but are they worth it? I heard they overclock past those FX chips, but I wouldn't know since I cant find any benchmarks. BTW, I'm a noob to overclocking, but can manage with a little help from where else but RFD!

For the motherboard, I heard really good things about the DFI, but I find it a little strange that the DIMM slots are above the cpu, and the cpu would be too close to my vid card, which also produces alot of heat. Also, in my case (Aspire X-Discovery), there is a case fan right above where the cpu would lie, but since on the DFI it is lower, it won't be getting the same cooling as a traditional layout mobo..or would it?

As for the usage, the system would be used mainly for gaming, media, personal DVR and all that but no workstation apps.

Any help/input/opinions, etc would be appreciated!

[Daijoubu]

The irony, you're selling a more than fine P4 and looking to buy an even higher-end PC yet you're on a budget? :lol:

[keross1ve]

The irony, you're selling a more than fine P4 and looking to buy an even higher-end PC yet you're on a budget? :lol:

LOL, good observation. I actually wanted to upgrade in a couple months, or during summer, but I'm getting surgery on my shoulder soon and wont be able to do much for the entire time I'll be home. Thats why I wanna just upgrade now and forget about it for later. As for the budget, I am cheap like the rest of you, so best bang for the buck does it for me!

[stixxx]

Well you said you are on a budjet but didn't really give a price but you said if it is a lil more money and you get more performance you wouldn't mind.so here is my suggestion.

Go withe the Opteron 170 so you can get the extra multiplier and get the new OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 2x1024MB Dual Channel Platinum XTC http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_el_ddr_pc_3200_2x1024mb_dual_channel_platinum_ xtc
These are some low timimg and should overclock to 240-260 without no problem and should have better timings than the memory you picked or these one's @ NCIXhttp://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14504&vpn=OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
This is the memory that I reccomend earlier buh a lil older the one I recommend is the newer version of this memory :) the motherboard is the best @ overclocking so that is fine.Goodlucks on your overclocking and have fun :!: :!:

[stixxx]

for opteron processor with sweet steepings you should get it from here
http://www.flickerdown.com/

[keross1ve]

Well you said you are on a budjet but didn't really give a price but you said if it is a lil more money and you get more performance you wouldn't mind.so here is my suggestion.

Go withe the Opteron 170 so you can get the extra multiplier and get the new OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 2x1024MB Dual Channel Platinum XTC http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_el_ddr_pc_3200_2x1024mb_dual_channel_platinum_ xtc
These are some low timimg and should overclock to 240-260 without no problem and should have better timings than the memory you picked or these one's @ NCIXhttp://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=14504&vpn=OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology
This is the memory that I reccomend earlier buh a lil older the one I recommend is the newer version of this memory :) the motherboard is the best @ overclocking so that is fine.Goodlucks on your overclocking and have fun :!: :!:

Too late, I've already bought the memory..I didn't know >:( . Doh! Anyways, I know the opty 170 has that extra multiplier, but I am a complete noob when it comes to overclocking since I dont OC, and have no clue what that is or what that does. I usually research about everything, but recently I just havent had the time to do it, so I need people to break everything down for me in literally "childish" terms lol ;) .

I still need people to suggest which mobo I should go with! Also, more opinions on the processor as well :)

[windwaker]

A buyer should ask themselves what they're gonna do with the PC. Once they answer that question, it'll be easy.

We're just telling you our favourites.

Obviously, X2 goes with ASUS whereas Opty goes with DFI. Overclocking DFI can be overwhelming to newbies if they're not prepared to read.

[xKagex]

My two bits:
If you're overclocking -> Opteron 165 & DFI
If you're not -> X2 3800+ & Asus

[stixxx]

just go here for tips or questions http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=58 :) and the extra multiplier should help you get a faster speed than you were on 165 but then again its all pure luck. :lol:

[GeneralCho]

Definitely the Opteron processor with the DFI motherboard.

Opteron processor for the performance and pimp factor.
DFI motherboard because they are great for overclocking and have a huge user support forum. You should check out this website
http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/index.php

I used to buy ASUS motherboards because ASUS boards are suppose to be the most reliable and highly recommended by everyone. Every ASUS product I bought... broke down after 1 year. Maybe I'm just bad luck with ASUS products.

[keross1ve]

Alright, I've decided to go with the DFI, and narrowed my choices down even more to just the Opteron 165 and Opteron 170. I'm wondering if the price difference is worth it? I definately am going to overclock, but definately not try pushing it or anything (like 2.8GHz+).

And as I stated in the OP, the system will be used mainly for gaming, personal DVR, and all the like..but no workstation tasks.

[terrybear]

i say stick with ur DFI board & get the X2 3800+ ..... I've have had my X2 3800+ @ 2.4 on stock cooling (240fsb x10) I have heard peaple with these cpu's on those dfi boards are getting oc's up to 2.5-2.6+ ghz range on stock cooling & mild timings. If you plan on oc'in the cpu you get i'd defiantly invest in a Artic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro cooler ($34 @ bigfoot computers) & some AS5 compound to put on the cpu to give some more extra cooling on the cpu itself.

[keross1ve]

I am definately going to invest in some after market cooler in 2 months or so. Are you sure I should go with an X2 instead of an opteron? I've searched on google and most people seem to suggest an opteron. I came here to get opinions from the community I am more familiar with - RFD ;) . More suggestions guys!

[terrybear]

I am definately going to invest in some after market cooler in 2 months or so. Are you sure I should go with an X2 instead of an opteron? I've searched on google and most people seem to suggest an opteron. I came here to get opinions from the community I am more familiar with - RFD ;) . More suggestions guys!

the dual cored opty yes would be a better choice if your refering to the 1.8 gthz 1 meg chached per core one of those 2 you listed ..... BUT if ya want cheaper & jsut as ocable then the X2 3800+ is the 1 to get of the 2

[Elektronauts]

The Opteron 165 would be my choice.

Opteron 165, 1.8ghz 2mb cache
X2 3800+, 2.0ghz 1mb cache

I'd give up the 200mhz for the extra cache. You can make up for the speed but you can never add cache.

[bug]

Opteron retail comes with a heat pipe heatsink which works well.

[keross1ve]

Thanks guys. Ok, I've pretty much settled on the dfi board, and now am debating between the opty 165 and opty 170. Besides the extra multiplier (I don't really know what that is) and the 200MHz higher stock clockspeed, what is the advantage of an opty 170..if there is any? Is it worth the price premium?

[itsyours]

Thanks guys. Ok, I've pretty much settled on the dfi board, and now am debating between the opty 165 and opty 170. Besides the extra multiplier (I don't really know what that is) and the 200MHz higher stock clockspeed, what is the advantage of an opty 170..if there is any? Is it worth the price premium?
No, it's not worth paying extra for the higher multiflier. Get the Opteron 165. Try to find a good stepping (almost impossible since only the older ones are the best). Good luck.

[keross1ve]

how much does a typical opteron 165 overclock to if I was to just buy one from a store randomly?

[stixxx]

depends on your memory, mobo and cooling but you got a good memory and good mobo but also a good stepping from the processor would help a bunch.To get 2.6 you need 289fsb compared to 170 you need 260 fsb to get 2.6. This is why a xtra multiplier helps in OC

[keross1ve]

So since I got a "good mobo and ram", is it safe to say that if I buy an opty 165, it will reach 2.5-2.6 GHz? Maybe with a zalman cnps9500? I'm a complete noob to overclocking since I've never done it before :cheesygri , but I plan to gett better after this purchase lol. Gotta start somewhere right?

[stixxx]

yup yup everyone starts new @ something each day :) Zalmaman is a popular choice but I had the Thermaltake Big Thypoon and bought it a long time back and beats the newer Zalman. :) plus you can change fans n make it quiter or louder. ;)

[tdotcbc84]

My two bits:
If you're overclocking -> Opteron 165 & DFI
If you're not -> X2 3800+ & Asus


i 2nd this!

[keross1ve]

Well I am going to be OCing, and have decided to go with the opty and dfi. Anything else I should know? If I am going to buy the opty 165 randomly from a store without knowing the stepping..what kind of a overclock am I guaranteed?

[terrybear]

Again here is the cooler you need to get for air cooling .... MANY + reviews on it & have a friend whom has a 3500+ with 1 on it running @ 2.6 ghz right now too.

Freezer 64 Pro Heatsink - Arctic Cooling Price:$34.98

http://www.bigfootcomputers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=7822&Category_Code=5.9

[keross1ve]

Again here is the cooler you need to get for air cooling .... MANY + reviews on it & have a friend whom has a 3500+ with 1 on it running @ 2.6 ghz right now too.

Freezer 64 Pro Heatsink - Arctic Cooling Price:$34.98

http://www.bigfootcomputers.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=7822&Category_Code=5.9
I read a few reviews, and I dont think there is much of a difference between that, and the heatpipe cooler that comes with the opterons. I've heard people say the coolers that come with the opterons are great. I think the only worthwhile step-up would be the zalman 9500..maybe. So anyway, what would be a typical overclock of the opty 165..assuming I will have decent ram, the dfi lanparty mobo, and decent temps?