What AMD Processor and Core would be good for Gaming?

Hi,

I am currently looking forward to be building around Christmas this year for my first ever built gaming rig. At first, most people told me to go with Intel, because i wanted PCI-Express. After careful thought, i decided to go with AMD's memory controller instead of DDR2. I know i want a socket 939, because they seem to be AMD's mainstream for the next couple years. The only problem i have is what prcoessor. I don't plan on overclocking until i need to, so please don't pick based on that. Another problem i have with choosing the right processor is what core. I know there is Clawhammer, Newcastle, and Winchester. Which one be have optimal performence at gaming?

I was looking at the AMD 64 3500+ Winchester. Does that seem like a good choice, or would a different CPU/Core be better?

Thanks in advance,
Ace

P.S. If you want a link to the 3500+ Winchester i was looking at, here is is... (Link to 3500+ Winchester)

First of all WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!

well a clawhammer s939 is basically an FX, so if you can afford a 600-800 dollar chip that'd be the chip to go for, but a much more reasonable price/performance ratio is the 3500+ or the 3200+, Winchester. Also if you can wait a bit, the new Veniece core is supposed to come, witch is basically an improved winchester with SSE3.

I recomend the Winchester core as they have proved to be slightly faster clock for clock than the Newcastle. I am no AMD expert, I have been trying to learn more about Intel during recent times, including when Winchester was launched so you might want to check on someone elses opinion about that as I am not 100% sure.

Clock for clock, Winchester uses less power and does not emit as many thermal watts as Newcastle.

I do beleive you will see a slightly better overclock when the time comes to overclock it as the winchesters appear to be doing slightly better than Newcastles.

I personally would go with the Winchester because of those 3 reasons, especially the second one about the power consumption and thermal output.

Good Luck with your new system!

Here is a thread on the Winchester having slightly better performance over the Newcastle: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=340482

Also if you can wait a bit, the new Veniece core is supposed to come, witch is basically an improved winchester with SSE3.

Click to expand...

Thanks! As i said, i won't be building until christmas, so i think i will wait for the Veniece core and check it out, but as of right now, is the 3500+ Winchester.

Ace