Getting a Phenom II X2 550 to unlock +2 cores a gamble worth taking?

[student_sol]

I've read some comments about Phenom II X2 550 in newegg and it looks like quite a few people have managed to unlock the extra 2 cores. From what I've seen briefly, the ratio of comments that managed to unlock the cores vs those who couldn't were roughly 3:1. It made me rather suspicious since it seems too good to be true... (Or is it that people who couldn't unlock them are more likely to be silent about it?) If the "hit rate" is so high, then who'd be stupid enough to buy the higher end Phenoms? But I'm tempted since I was planning to get a Athlon II X4 620. They both cost the same but I can get a lot more bang per bucks if I can manage to unlock the extra cores... What do you people think?

 

[ares1214]

first off, the 550 is a crippled quad core, and it means amd was smart and instead of throwing away the faulty quad cores, it turned them into triple and dual cores. so by its nature, the extra cores are fualty, volatile, and unstable, so i dont think it is worth the gamble. i strongly suggest going with the 620, or the 720, as they are about the same price, but offer way more bang for buck.

 

[someguy7]

Get the x4 if you really want a quad core. Get the x2 if you will still be happy with your system if you cant unlock. If you look it at like hey, this cpu at stock is good for me but if I can unlock it even better. I would not take the chance on unlocking the other 2 cores if I required a quad.

Some good advice is to take newegg reviews with a grain of salf.

 

[student_sol]

So there was a catch. I don't play games so at default settings 620 should be a better choice. But I can't help feeling tempted... I mean it could potentially turn out to be Phenom II X4 BE for under $100! And to top if off, it's a Black Edition...

 

[ares1214]

resist temptation, the 620 or 720 are better choices. the 720 can also be unlocked into a quad core as well, but at stock it is close in performance with the 955.

http/www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-x4-955,2278-6.html

but the 620 is amazing too.

 

[someguy7]

So there was a catch. I don't play games so at default settings 620 should be a better choice. But I can't help feeling tempted... I mean it could potentially turn out to be Phenom II X4 BE for under $100! And to top if off, it's a Black Edition...

http/www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=97&p2=106.

It is a black edition but you can overclock the 620 as well. From what I on the forums people have not had issue bringing up the clockspeed on them. They actually seem to overclock well from what I seen on forums. I have no experience with them myself at all though.

 

[student_sol]

I know 620 should be a more sensible choice... The right choice isn't always the best choice And apparently, 620 doesn't overclock very well... I've only seen them go up to around 3.0Ghz. But still it a quad-core alright, albeit one without a L3 cache...

 

[ares1214]

if you want black edition that oc's like crazy and cost the same amount, then go with the 720 x3, if not then go with the 620 x4.

 

[raybob95]

first off, the 550 is a crippled quad core, and it means amd was smart and instead of throwing away the faulty quad cores, it turned them into triple and dual cores. so by its nature, the extra cores are fualty, volatile, and unstable, so i dont think it is worth the gamble. i strongly suggest going with the 620, or the 720, as they are about the same price, but offer way more bang for buck.

The same thing Intel does with the i7s. They're all made off the same chip, but those of lower quality turn intro 920s or 940s and those of higher quality after production are turned into 965s / 975s.

 

[ares1214]

exactly, the 550 and 920 arent bad or fualty, they are just not quite as high quality. it is like buying a used car from last year, it runs great, no problems, but it isnt the best car off the lot.

 

[student_sol]

Does that mean 620 are from the lower quality ones too? (That would explain why it doesn't overclock very well) Since it just looks like a L3 cache-less Phenom II X4 910 to me...

 

[ares1214]

well not exactly. the 620 is propus core, whereas the others are higher quality deneb and callisto, so thats part of the reason. but yes, it is safe to assume the 620 is the not as good, and the 630 would be the better crop, but since there are only 2, i wouldnt be worried about quality control.