AMD phenom II 555 BE vs Phenom x4 9950 BE

[Echo1337]

Hello,

I'm thinking of purchasing the Phenom II 555 (dual core) in hope i can unlock it to a quad core. But there is only a chance i can unlock the other cores.

However, if unlocking it is impossible for me, but i overclock it to 3.5GHZ would it still be better than my Phenom X4 9950(quad core) overclocked to 2.9GHZ?

thanks for the help!

 

[enzo matrix]

Depends on what you are using it for. What are you using it for? Each will have distinct advantages at different tasks.
Even gaming is split, depending on the game you are playing.

 

[suteck]

Sounds like a waste of money. Buying something on a chance that you might can unlock the cores. Most of the time 1 of the cores is defective so they lock it out and sell it as something less expensive. How do you know you can overclock it to 3.5 GHz? As far as I know that is a case by case basis, unless you already had this particular chip in the board you're using and did the overclock on it. Why can't you overclock the 9950 higher?

 

[beanoslim]

IMO the Phenom II will be the better chip in general, mine clocked nearly 4ghz so I would say 3.5ghz is achievable.

Mine also unlocked to a quad but like you say its down to luck.

How about going down the middle and getting a cheap triple, then if it doesn't unlock you still have a triple core cpu.
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886&cm_re=amd_triple-_-19-103-886-_-Product

Basically if you really need a quad, buy a quad, if you are gonna be happy with a dual get the 555/560 and risk it.
http/www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103817&cm_re=phenom_ii_x2-_-19-103-817-_-Product

Or best of both and get a triple.