I'm wondering what I should get. The processor with 512kb cache or the one with 1MB. On newegg, they are actually about the same price. Problem is, the 1MB one is either refurbished or "OEM" (can anyone explain what this is and if it is still high quality plz?). Here are the links 1MB, OEM http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-413&depa=0 512kb, Retail http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-483&depa=0 Praetor once told me that having the 1MB Cache would be nice...so I'm wondering if I should go for the non-retail one. I don't usually trust stuff thats refurbished though >_<. Oh, and by the way...The 512kb one has a Newcastle core, and the 1MB has a Clawhammer core. What's the difference, and which one is better? Thanks a lot
I wouldnt go for refurbished although Ive never really encountered problems with refurbished parts and stuff. OEM just means u get the chip, no HSF, not fancy box with instructions, just a chip. If you have the option of getting a non-refurbished, OEM 1MB chip go for it .. the HSF that it ships with isnt adquate anyways A good comment about the smaller cache sizes (courtesy of ZDNet) If I dont have my names alll mixed up the Newcastle is the more advanced chip and the extra half-MB of cache doesnt make significant gains to performance (partially because of the much shorter pipeline design of AMD as opposed to the sheer size of the P4 design)
So since the 512kb one has the newcastle core, I should just get that instead? Also, the jump in cache won't affect my speed so much right? btw, whats an HSF
Yes, as i understand it the 512K is the Newcastle, id go for that one. A HSF is a heatsink-fan. Have a go at http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/81431 for some ideas on cooling
I have the Athlon 64 3200+ Clawhammer with 1mb L2 cache.Got it from Newegg as a matter of fact, it's a very fast processor my games have never run faster or looked better with the addition of a ATi Radeon X800 Pro all sitting on my new MSI K8N Neo Platinum MB.I debated getting the Newcastle processor as well for 2 days before deciding to get the clawhammer.I wouldn't do it any differently I used a better then stock HSF and Artic Silver 5 thermal paste something you still won't see from the factory, and I lapped my HSF to a nice reflective surface before installing as well. You can't go wrong IMHO getting either processor, AMD is making great stuff now, I think of mine as my li'll pentium killer LOL _X_X_X_X_X_[small]Mom always liked me best![/small]
It was more of a gut feeling to go with the clawhammer more then anything else, besides I have never had a cpu with 1mb of L2 cache on it before. I love how this cpu responds in games.I don't know if my ram is holding me back as it was not rated for this MB or cpu.I currently have 1gb 2x512mb of PC3500 Mushkin Level 2 BH-5 ram, the black pcb. It worked well for on the NF2 board I originally purchased it for running in dual channel mode.I haven't tried an overclock yet since I need some more burn in time before I mess with it.Besides my games run very smooth boot up quickly. if you can't decide which cpu flip a coin, LOL
