CPU upgrade dilemma...

[Tennis Holligan]

Hi. I'm currently being torn appart over this desicion - yes, i'm aware it may sound silly to some :). However, as every PC enthusias i want the best bang for my buck. Anywho, i need to put toguether another PC to install FreeBSD on it and connect it to a small scale LAN at home. But the only component missing for the second PC is the CPU, so i though, i'd buy a new one and use my pressent CPU --Athlon XP 2400- on the server and get either an Athlon AMD Athlon XP 2800+ "Barton", 333MHz FSB or AMD Athlon XP 2500+ "Barton", 333 FSB.

I keep on hearing lately, from lost people that, the later makes a good overclocker and offers better band per buck then does the Athlon XP 2800. Although, i am not a big overclocker myself, i'd assume that, in order for me to reach a 3200+ ratting with the Barton 2500+, i'll need to buy a good heatsink and fan, which in terms will reach the street price of a 2800+. Futhermore, i am not quite sure whether AMD is locking the CPUs again.

With all this said, i've pretty much made my mind, i just would like to hear other people opinion on this particular matter.

[Quattro]

I use a Coolermaster Aero 7+, it was £20 ($44) from my pc shop. My barton runs at 3200+ speeds fine.
But the damn thing won't go past 2.3Ghz!

[AL Romero]

the most bang for your buck is a duron. i just got a 1600 and its OC like a mofo!!!! i had it up to 2436Ghz tho it failed prime cuz the vcore was not high enough. now im running it at 2400Ghz with easy and its cool as hell at 1.85v vcore. all i have is a SK7 HSF setup. nothing special and she runnin smooth at 28.5C -30.5C idle. no bad for a 40 dollar chip. i havent enabled the cashe yet but many people have as will i and you 2 if thats the chip u go for. good luck!!!

[HyperYagami]

But what exactly are you going to do with it besides putting FreeBSD on it? If you're just going to make it a file server or something even a 1800+ is an overkill...

[nut581]

Originally posted by HyperYagami
But what exactly are you going to do with it besides putting FreeBSD on it? If you're just going to make it a file server or something even a 1800+ is an overkill...

good point ..

but even if you bought a 2500+, then spend some more on good HSF, the overclocked 2500+ will beat 2800+ easy. and unless you plan to leave socket A anytime soon, your HSF will last you for the next upgrade (3200+ ..??).

I spent just $25 for my SK7 and been using it in OC'd 1800+, then another 1700+ "B", and never regretted it.

[Tennis Holligan]

Originally posted by nut581


good point ..

but even if you bought a 2500+, then spend some more on good HSF, the overclocked 2500+ will beat 2800+ easy. and unless you plan to leave socket A anytime soon, your HSF will last you for the next upgrade (3200+ ..??).

I spent just $25 for my SK7 and been using it in OC'd 1800+, then another 1700+ "B", and never regretted it.

But, what if i decide to overclock the 2800+ later on, or is it a poor overclocler? Would not i also need a good heatsink to cool it down and aren't those sold for almost $50 USD?

HyperYagami, i am planning to do something similar. Although not necessary a file server but something close to it. :)

[bulk88]

An SK6+ is only $15 plus I would get the 2600+ because it has .5x multi higher than the 2500+.