Edition 3 - What CPU to buy?

[Zerileous]

Yes, i know we are all tired of hearing these threads, especially from me, but now that i have my Ram and mobo solidified, and will not be getting an unlocked barton its time for one final decision. For reference, my mobo will be NF7-S and the ram will be PC3200 Buffalo (winbond). I am considering 2500+ or 2600+. Is the .5 in the multi worth the extra money (about 20 bux i believe)? Is the CPU likely to be capable of hitting similar FSB with the higher multi or will i just aobut end up with the same OC? If the 2600+ is likely to hit a higher mhz then its worth it to me. I would describe it's role as a casual overclocker. I am not in it for max performance, i just like to overclock and i like the performance boost. I will be continuing the use of my Vantec Aeroflow because it is what i have and i like it and i dont want to buy a new HSF. Note: both CPUs considered are Barton cores.

Thanks for putting up with all of my questions, im just want to get the right stuff.

 

[c627627]

MHz speed = [FSB] x multiplier
2500+ is FSB x 11
2600+ is FSB x 11.5

What FSB can the RAM hit, then do the math since all Bartons overclock similar, with new locked ones doing higher than old unlocked ones.

Remember, the brand of power supply plays a role in how high you can overclock, not just the cooling.

 

[Bugeyes]

OK lets asume you can reach 2300MHz on both the 2500+ and the 2600+

2500+ is 11 x 209MHz = 2300MHz
2600+ is 11.5 x 200MHz = 2300MHz

since the 2500+ is usieng a FSB of 209MHz to get it's 2300MHz it will have the edge in performance ! eg: it will have greater memory bandwidth !! ------> and is cheaper !! nuff said!

 

[Zerileous]

so is the general concensious that if you have good ram the multi does not matter because the bartons will top out at about 2300MHz? Yeah, and my PSU sux, but i will hopefully get a nice one sometime in the near future.

 

[Zerileous]

bumb, and to rephrase my question:
If my ram can handle the overclock, will both processors essentially max out at the same speed regardless of the multiplier settings(2600+ or 2500+) I am sure this has been answered above but i am not too familiar with multipliers and how they effect maximum O/C celing so please bear with my ignorance.
Thanks, Z.

 

[Bugeyes]

The higher a FSB speed the better ! so if you lower your multiplier you can use a higher FSB !

 

[Zerileous]

The higher a FSB speed the better ! so if you lower your multiplier you can use a higher FSB !

This, i understand, what i am having trouble understanding, is, assuming that my ram can hit, say, 220Mhz, am will the multiplier help the CPU run faster or will both CPUs top out at about the same place before my ram is likely to be stretched past the limit?

 

[StinkNBreff]

Where teh cpu tops out is dependant on how good the stepping is , your cooling , how well you apply thermal paste , and how much voltage you slap it around with .. the 2500 would be better if it is locked as 220x11 is a nice overclock

 

[Zerileous]

ok, thanks, i know how variable a max is, but i was just ensuring that the .5 will not give me any edge speaking of averages. This is what i thought, thanks for the confirmation.

 

[StinkNBreff]

If you want an unlocked 2500+ link . let me know k ?

 

[simpleman]

i have a 2500 and i'm still playing with it.
just look at my sig, my barton is unlocked and i don't even use the mult.
and thats with cheap 3200 crucial memory

 

[Zerileous]

well, i am planning to buy some pretty sweet memory so i dont think i mind the multi lock any more as the locked CPUs seem to hit higher celings. SOOO many decisions.