BOX AND TRAY???

[Stormwind]

What is the difference between the CPU bought in a box and bought in a tray? They have different prices too!

Also I'm planning to get a Duron 800-900 or a TB. Can I have some good solid advice here cause I'm a newbie at this!

[Rob Cork]

Sounds as though you're talking about retail and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cpus. I'd guess the retail one is the 'box' you're talking about - if it's a pretty looking box with pictures and logos on it then that's it. OEM cpus generally just come in plastic trays/boxes with a little bit of foam padding for protection - no fancy packaging, instructions, warranty.

The important differences between retail and OEM (retail cost more) is that the retail cpus usually come with a hsf in the box, and a warranty for the cpu. However, from our point of view that's completely irrelevant, cos we'll be ditching the hsf anyway (they're crap) and voiding any warranty the minute we oc it. The actual cpus are the same. That's why all overclockers buy OEM chips - they're cheaper, and we only get what we need - the cpu.

By the way, 'retail' cpus are the ones intended to be sold to the public, the OEM packaged ones are supposed to go directly to OEM system suppliers like Gateway or Dell - but some always end up on the 'retail' market.

As for what speed of cpu to buy, I'm personally planning on getting a 1.2gig Tbird as they've just dropped below £100. However, if you are on a budget, go for a duron as you mentioned. You could probably get an 800 and oc it to a gig or thereabouts, and it's pretty cheap - start looking at the 900s and higher and prices start to creap towards the lower-end tbirds anyway.

Hope that all helps you :)

[SickBoy]

Another reason Rob didn't mention....

If you go into a store or to a vendor at a PC show, an advantage to buying an OEM or "tray" CPU, is that you get to see the CPU codes and pick a good one (more important for TBirds than Durons)

I concur with Rob on the Duron though, go for an 800 or 850 because it would be more worth it than a 900, 950 or 1 GHz Duron as prices for equivalent speed TBirds are similar. An 850 should be a cakewalk to 1 GHz with good cooling, anyway.

SickBoy

[Stormwind]

YOu see, I'm an amateur at this!! SO if I do get 1GHZ I would be really happy. Do you have any advice you can give to me when overclocking?

[AMDGuy]

Stormwind (Jul 30, 2001 09:08 a.m.):
YOu see, I'm an amateur at this!! SO if I do get 1GHZ I would be really happy. Do you have any advice you can give to me when overclocking?

The best advice when overclocking is to use TOP QUALITY cooling. Air cooled I'd say the swiftech 462 is a good choice, or for a better price, a Glaciator.