Athlon64 or Opteron ?

[sasrob]

whats the best amd processor as windows xp 64 can work with both!!!

[Gizmo]

The choice of CPU really depends on the choice of mobo and what you are planning to do. Right now, your choice is Socket 754 for Athlon64 or Socket 940 for Operton (or you could go Athlon64-FX, also in socket 940 for now, or 939 later this year).

Socket 940 offers higher memory bandwidth because it is dual channel, where socket 754 is single channel. However, socket 940 tends to be aimed more towards the server market, while socket 754 is aimed more towards the enthusiast market, meaning that you are likely to have fewer OC options on the 940 mobos, at least based on what I've read.

[bradmax57]

also the opertons max speed (not oc) is 1.8ghz as apposed to 2.2 for the AMD64 so that in effect will probably cancel the difference is bandwidth?

[Gizmo]

I don't think so. They are both effectively running at PC3200 speeds for the memory, aren't they? The difference in CPU clock would only really be brought to bear on compute intensive problems. In any case, you could always run the Athlon64-FX, which would offset the CPU speed issue.

[Sideburns]

Depends if you're using two pieces of ram really.. doesnt it?

ie Single channel fine for a single stick

[danrok]

Ideally, if you are buying memory for an A64 start with one stick of 1Gb. You can then add further 1Gb sticks over time to give you the full 3Gb. There is no performance benefit in getting two 512mb sticks instead of a single stick of 1Gb. Although, possibly overclocking results will be better with matched sticks vs non-matched. The 3Gb isn't the real limit, an A64 can address something like 1Tb of RAM, I think.

[MiGGinZ]

not forgetting socket 940 needs REGISTERED memory which is very expensive.

wait for 939, this will let you use normal PC3200 + and have a stack load of overclocking options hopefully.

[danrok]

Corsair XMS 512Mb DDR 400Mhz PC3200 ECC Reg for £105 inc. VAT. So, not too expensive.