17/1800+ or 2500+

Which is better and why? Yes short and simple just how I like it.

Tbred B 1700+/1800+:
cheaper
higher overclocking MHz
good for CPU benchmark, oc MHz bragging, and satisfaction
more fun

Barton 2500+:
lower overclocking MHz
but makes up to same system performance (within +- 2-3%) due to bigger L2 cache (256 KB bigger)
less power and 3-4 C cooler for same system performance (as the 1700+/1800+)

Either one of them is excellent choice for price/performance


If you want more details, here is why:

Comparing power of Barton w/ 1700+ DLT3C (page 3)

Comparing Tbred B 1700+ DLT3C and Barton 2500+ overclocking performance, power and temperature (page 14)

What hitechjb1 said.