Server or desktop CPU

[Fasttazz]

What is the difference between a Opteron and the x2 processors?

I want to upgrade to a dual core for my s939, without breaking the bank.

Will an Opteron perform well for a gaming PC? They are listed as a "server" chip.

The x2 is listed as a "desktop" chip.

So whats the difference?

[Panda Man]

Opteron's a very high performance and used to come at a premium, but with 939 going out they are dirt cheap. Opty's a single core, that's the only disadvantage. If this a is a pure gaming rig, I'd go with an opty. Else, the X2.

[garetjax]

Originally Posted by Fasttazz

What is the difference between a Opteron and the x2 processors?

Well, correct me if I am wrong, but the Opteron's offer more cache in most cases than their X2 counterparts, although the X2's run at a higher frequency (2,000 Mhz) than the Opteron's (1,000 Mhz).

Originally Posted by Fasttazz

I want to upgrade to a dual core for my s939, without breaking the bank.

Quite frankly, I would reconsider this. Pretty soon, AMD will be releasing their new parts to combat Intel's Core 2 Duo's, which will most definitely make the AM2 tech a lot more cheaper than it already is. At the very least, I would save your money a bit longer and perhaps invest in a more viable technology that is supported, versus one that is not, specifically, the S939.

Originally Posted by Fasttazz

Will an Opteron perform well for a gaming PC? They are listed as a "server" chip.

I would say yes. Of course, I've never used or benchmarked an Opteron before, but I would assume that since the Opteron offers double the cache in most cases, that it will perform better than its X2 counterpart. Correct me if I am wrong, anyone. I don't want to relay bad information. =)

In either case, here are the links for S939 X2's and Opterons from Newegg for comparison purposes:

AMD Opteron S939
AMD X2 S939

Originally Posted by Panda Man

Opty's a single core, that's the only disadvantage.

That's not true: AMD Opteron 185 Denmark.

Originally Posted by Panda Man

If this a is a pure gaming rig, I'd go with an opty. Else, the X2.

Agreed.

[simple_inhibition]

Opterons come in dual core 939 variants. i have 2 Opteron 165's (2x 1.8ghz 1mb L2 cache)

back in 939's heyday the Opterons were sought after due to their overclockability. i have one that does 2.6ghz and another that does 2.9ghz.

at any rate garetjax is right on the money however i want to add something to that. if your planning on staying with 939 for a couple of years, then get an opteron 165 or 170 and overclock. if your going to do an overhaul of your system within the next year, then hold off until the fall when AMD's K10 barcelona and Intel's peryn come out and go from there.

[Beetle Bailey]

IMHO I would just try and save a few bucks. Go ahead and get a new MB and get an X2 processor and BAM!!! There you go. All you need in a small package. My wife is already mad at me. I'm starting MY build in about 2 weeks. She dosen't understand why the new computer isn't good enough. I told her it was, just not for me.LOL I wish I could help more. I do know that the 939 is pretty much obsolete already. I wish you luck.

[Fasttazz]

Thanks for the quick replies ppl.

Even though the s939 x2's are getting harder to find, I dont want to buy a new AM2 mobo. Gonna have to live with what i just put together(my sig).

Wouldn't the x24400 be a better deal for basically the same chip as the
Opteron185 ?

Would like to stay with my A8N32 SLI Deluxe for as long as possible.Just need more boost to optimize my new 8800GTS.

[Panda Man]

Originally Posted by garetjax

That's not true: AMD Opteron 185 Denmark.

Forgot about that, I was thinking of the cheaper models since this is on a budget, but now they are all cheap

Anyways, considering the prices and such, I'd go for the X2 actually.

[Fasttazz]

Originally Posted by Panda Man

Forgot about that, I was thinking of the cheaper models since this is on a budget, but now they are all cheap

$329.00 doesn't seem cheap to my pocket book...spent that on the new vga.

[[Dr. V]]

thing is there are no guarantees for those x2 4400's to OC nearly as well as the opties do. your talking a 400MHz diff there, even that may not happen.

HOWEVER, at THAT price difference, the option seems obvious to most, but there could be other reasons for him not wanting to go with the X2 4400.

in what was described by Fasttazz, i would 100% get the X2 4400. its MORE than adequate for gaming, and will perform perfectly well with your 8800GTS, i assure you.

HOWEVER

thats definitely the wrong comparison chip. you're looking for the Opteron 175 which has the same clock speed and cache.

for this i may just give the extra, cuz u get a HSF (which is good with the opterons!), and you get the much higher chance of a wicked overclock with high speeds and low temps, what the opties promise in terms of their history.

either way whatever you do good luck.

Originally Posted by Panda Man

Forgot about that, I was thinking of the cheaper models since this is on a budget, but now they are all cheap

Anyways, considering the prices and such, I'd go for the X2 actually.

Newegg.com - AMD Opteron 170 Denmark 2.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Dual Core Processor - Retail

that will EASILY pass the 2.2GHz mark - 200MHz for that puppy is nothing. this beats out the OEM 4400 @ $179, and the Opty 175 @ $225, and it only costs $188.

and if ALL ELSE FAILS, you can upgrade to a socket 940 and go all Egyptian on us! (click the link)

Newegg.com - AMD Opteron 885 Egypt 2.6GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 940 Dual Core Processor - OEM

[Fasttazz]

Originally Posted by ST!X

and if ALL ELSE FAILS, you can upgrade to a socket 940 and go all Egyptian on us! (click the link)

Newegg.com - AMD Opteron 885 Egypt 2.6GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket 940 Dual Core Processor - OEM

Great idea St!X, and i will get you one too,when i win the Lotto!