CPU upgrade question

[TheParadigm]

I'm looking to upgrade from my current single core to a dual core, since 939's are cheap now, and I've a few questions. I've been browsing newegg lately, and noticed the opterons are more expensive, but actually available. Actually, pretty much the only thing available for 939.

 

First: Will the board I have actually support an opteron?

 

Second: What do the opterons have over the Athlon 64 x2's? Pros or cons appreciated.

 

Third: Any suggestions for replacing the 3000+ are welcome. I'm still kind of new at this.

 

edit: If I do end up getting an OEM processor, can I clean off my current heatsink/fan and use that, or will I need a new one?

[suedenim]

1) Support should be fine but you might need a BIOS upgrade.

 

2) The opterons have a larger L2 cache and are tested to workstation standards so they should have more OC'ing potential due to better thermal specs.

 

3) Not sure what to get, but if you can't pick a good stepping then buy the fastest one you can afford.

 

4) You're existing HSF is likely to fit just fine.

[sunnyeagle]

Since I do not over clock, I went with the opty 185. That is the limit that I could find that is dual core. They will work. They are made heavy duty since they are a work server cpu. So "they" say.

 

The one I have cost more but came with a real nice heat sink and fan. Really heavy duty. I was surprised.

[TheParadigm]

Thanks for the replies.

 

Took a closer look at the 64's vs opterons. How much of a difference does the extra L2 Cache actually make? Also, half the hypertransport seems like a bad thing. Is that actually the case?

[Darkorb]

If i were you i would just get this

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819103582

 

Or spend $30 less and get the 2.2ghz version.

 

You can OC those like crazy, if youre into that of course.

 

I didnt see any 64 X2's on newegg.

[RHKCommander959]

most opterons actually max out at about 2.7-2.9

 

mine did, alot do. read the reviews. they are great processors though

 

i had an opty 165 running 2.7, then 2.85 on water. 3 wasnt possible for me, even with pelt. phase maybe

[suedenim]

My old 165 peaked at 2.6 ish.

 

To be honest Para I think you will notice a difference with whatever dual core chip you get.

 

Check out the prices of the X2 4400's and above as they are basically opterons that didn't get tested for workstations or failed them

[silencer51]

I'm thinking of getting either an Opty 180 or 185 for my SLI-DR Expert.

 

DFI's CPU support page is almost non-existent.

 

They don't mention any Opterons but I think they should work ok on the Expert

 

I just can't leave socket 939 behind me!

[TheParadigm]

took some time to shop around a bit(sorry for the necromancy). So far what i've managed to come up as options are:

 

opeteron 180(185 out of stock)

 

I'll likely be going for the 180, but I noticed something odd. the opteron 175 is slightly more expensive. There's no appreciable difference on the statistice page to justify the price, so I turned to google, which suggested the 175 is an awesome overclocker(which i know nothing about, but I'm interested in learning). What do you guys think about 180 vs 175?

 

 

edit: Cooling. I'm currently running a stock 3000+ fan/heatsink(with as5), which works out great now, but my case has crappy cooling. Since opterons apparently run hot, and its a dual core, should I be looking at an aftermarket heatsink?