Which is the better CPU?

[gods_son_is_me]

I'm trying to by a new CPU. Need the best for OCing. I'm running music and video programs.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA5200CZBOX - Retail (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103056)
OR
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ 2.8GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADO5400IAA5DO - OEM (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103242)

The 5200 has 2.6Ghz, uses more watts (89) and the caches are L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB and L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB. This one is new in box, with the CPU fan and heat sink. It cost $110.

The 5400 has 2.8Ghz, but only has 65 watts, the L1 cache is the same, but the L2 cache is 2 x 512KB. This is also an already opened CPU with no fan or heat sink. Its $99.

Both has a 30 day warranty. My question is the cache really worth is? Or the watts? Will I notice a speed difference with the 2 processors. Do the cache's even matter? Basically, which is better? I have a compatible, excellent GIBABYTE fan already.

[Icyman23]

The first one has a 3 year warrenty, but will void as soon as you overclock.

the 89w version of the 5200+ will overclock better, (about 3.1-3.2 Ghz)

and the 65w version might hit 3 Ghz and save $$$ in the long run.... I own a 5600+ with the same core as the 5200+ and it only hits 3.05 Ghz even @ 1.4 v (stock is 1.3)...its really hit or miss...

You can't really say which is better, for overclocking, i would reccomend this heatsink/fan:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185125&Tpk=freezer%2b64

The newegg review says it keeps a 6400+ (3.2Ghz cherry picked cores) @ 32c...(idle)

[Tin]

If you want to OC just get a Black Edition. They have unlocked multipliers allowing you to overclock better. Heres the 5000+ Black Editon (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103194) for $100.

[Icyman23]

Yes, but once again, it's the 65nm version and hit or miss...the AMD's are very touchy and some may not oc much more than 3 Ghz...

Tomshardware could not get that cpu over 3.10 stable...and it fell behind even the 6000+ by 2.3% due to less cache.

Iv'e had my 5600+ up to 2.95 stable and it would go higher enough for benchmarks but was not stable very long. (1.4v)

[gods_son_is_me]

So the cache's levels DO matter? Because, then I'll just go with the 5200+. Oh, and as far as fans go, since I got a gigabyte MoB, I got the gigabyte super cooler. It has better rating than the one you (icyman) recogmended: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835128012

[Icyman23]

Yes, but the reason it's so cheap is that its a sleeve bearing cooler. The fan might only last 1 year. Here, we reccomend mostly 2 things...a Quality $40+ 2 ball bearing Zalman or the Freezer 64 Pro that I reccomended you. The freezer 64 pro is a very adequate cooler and should keep even a cherry-picked 6400+ (3.2 ghz) under 45c. You probably wont get any more than 3.2-3.3 out of any amd cpu anyway.


Cache's DO matter, but not much... and may take away up to %5...in games, they can take up to %10 or gain %5...what I was trying to say was that the 65nm cpu, will not overclock as high. (but save energy even at the same clockspeed.)

[Icyman23]

By the way, the Warrenty on your CPU cooler is only 1 year, beginning on date of purchase...like I said, it might only last that long. The Freezer 64 Pro that I reccomended was the exact same price and had a 6 year warrenty. I know it wont be as good for the 1 year, but it will be much more than needed. The highest overclock I have seen on an AMD X2 so far is 3.41 GHz on air, 3.52 on water cooling. Then again, It's your choice.


btw: Newegg review's don't matter...most of them are written by idiots* who dont know what they are doing.


*not all, but some are idiots, meaning some don't even know how to put the cooler on...then rate it bad.

[Cricket]

If you're going to overclock take a look at the Thermalright heatsinks. It's the brand of choice for most serious overclockers. Most are just the heatsink and you have to buy the fan of your choice separately.

:) Cricket

[Tin]

Ill vouch for Thermalright myself. Its about as good as you can get without going to liquid cooling.

[Icyman23]

Every existing thermalright product is out of stock at newegg...thats why I reccomended the Freezer 64 Pro...(6 yr Warrenty, vs. 1 year; ceramic Bearing vs sleeve bearing; same exact price.) It also comes with pre-applied MX-1/2 paste.

I just trying to help.
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/ac_fp/

"Long Lifetime / 6 Years Warranty:

The ARCTIC Ceramic Bearing provides an unmatched Life Time of 137'000h (L10@40°C) resp. an MTBF@70°C of 163'000h and thus a 6 year warranty. "

EDIT:I'm not lying.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010110574+50001444&name=Thermalright%2c+Inc.

Icyman23:D

[shadowpr]

I had to buy my Thermalright Heatsink from some where other then newegg just cause they didn't have it.

[Tin]

Theres lots of other places that sell Thermalright. I usually buy my cooling goods from www.jab-tech.com or www.svc.com. Theyre always much cheaper for cooling stuff, and just as reputable as Newegg.

[Masaki 7-11]

Every existing thermalright product is out of stock at newegg...thats why I reccomended the Freezer 64 Pro...(6 yr Warrenty, vs. 1 year; ceramic Bearing vs sleeve bearing; same exact price.) It also comes with pre-applied MX-1/2 paste.

I just trying to help.
http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/ac_fp/

"Long Lifetime / 6 Years Warranty:

The ARCTIC Ceramic Bearing provides an unmatched Life Time of 137'000h (L10@40°C) resp. an MTBF@70°C of 163'000h and thus a 6 year warranty. "

EDIT:I'm not lying.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010110574+50001444&name=Thermalright%2c+Inc.

Icyman23:D

I agree with Icyman23, I've been using the LGA775 version of this cooler, and it's been a great help for my Pentium D rig. With the stock fan/heatsink, I would get temperatures in the low 60s (celsius) while the fan was running at 4000RPM and above during load. With the Artic Cooler, I managed to get temperatures to the low 40s and bring the RPM to about 1500 during load.
Idle temps went from 35 to 20, and RPM from 2000 to 1000.

[gods_son_is_me]

Okay, so NOW I'll have 2 fans?! haha. $20-25 isn't a biggy. Ultimately, it was that I had a gigabyte motherboard, and it just seemed to make sense to keep the brand going.

And you're right about some of those reviews. I usually research it from many different outlets, like HERE. haha.

And I'm not solely into OCing. I'm a beat maker and a gamer. So, a dual 2.5 ghz CPU will do me wonders. I was just looking into OCing for a new hobby. I wanted to become an enthusiast again.

[Cricket]

Idle temps went from 35 to 20, and RPM from 2000 to 1000.20C is only 68F...how cold is the room the computer is kept in? It's gotta be lower than 68F since the temp of a running CPU will be higher than room temps.

:) Cricket

[Masaki 7-11]

20C is only 68F...how cold is the room the computer is kept in? It's gotta be lower than 68F since the temp of a running CPU will be higher than room temps.

:) Cricket

Room temperature is around 15 degrees celsius.

[Cricket]

Room temperature is around 15 degrees celsius.Ahhh...winters in Canada...gotcha.

:) Cricket

[gods_son_is_me]

Haha. yeah, I thought that was odd too. I checked our thermistat and ours was 76 degrees F, which is about 25 celcius. I can handle that temp all day.

[Icyman23]

anyway, which fan did you buy? (and cpu)

[gods_son_is_me]

I went on and settled for the 5200+. The 5400+ cache was questionable, THEN Newegg went and raised the price on it. I guess the demand went up. haha. And the watts were less, which I figured would be a problem. Is it?

I had already bought the Gigabyte PDU22 Super Cooler (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835128012)fan for 13.99 on Amazon.com. But that Artic Cooling fan, in actuality, was my very first choice just from the price and longevity. So I went on and ordered that too from Newegg. haha. Now, I don't know if I should test them. Or just keep the Artic Cooling fan for when the gigabyte one dies. haha. Decisions decisions.

Also, still contemplating the RAM for my motherboard. I know I want 2 X 1GB cards (800 DRR2), but too many brands to choose from. I used to like Kingston. But now I'm hearing A-DATA (which I'm selting for). Then I saw OCZ and Wintec. I'm confused. haha.

[Icyman23]

Umm, Im not very sure about the quality of the gigabyte one, since you've had it for a while, the warrenty runs down even faster. When It dies, It could take the cpu with it. I wouldnt take the chance as the Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro has a 6 year warrenty.

I use SuperTalent ram, which Is starting to earn a reputation for itself.

How about this pair if you can wait until stock? (I own this one, my review is in the hardware review thread.) I bought these at newegg about a half a year ago for $121...lol look at them now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609026&Tpk=Super%2bTalent%2bDDR2-800

[Icyman23]

My Review:

http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=190672

These are some of the best DDR2-800 sticks I've ever seen.

[gods_son_is_me]

haha. Of course the RAM is sold out. They are cheap too. Not a large variety yet though. I've haven't hooked the gigabyte fan up yet. Haven't even opened it. haha. But I suppose it can be sent back.