Phenom II X2 vs. Athlon II X4

[kkwik28]

Well, I'm trying to decide for an affordable gaming PC only basically, whether to get the X2 BE or Athlon X4. I understand that the cache is less with the Athlon, but for gaming wise, I want to know if I can't unlock the 2 cores with the Phenom II X2, will it still be worth over getting the Athlon X4. I really don't understand if cache actually helps with gaming or not. I've also found out a few Phenom II X2, won't unlock all 4 cores. I'd be getting the Phenom BE 555/560 or Athlon X4 635/645. I'm also getting a 880G gigabyte Mobo that says you can unlock hidden cores. I'd be running games like BO and BC2 basically.

 

[zergesys]

Under most gaming type instances, the Ph ii x2 will out perform the Athlon ii x4.
This is a result of better clock rates and a proper L3 cache, well larger cache in general, and the fact that most games only really use 2 cores as is, so the extra 2 cores aren't giving much benefit.

Unlocking is a gamble, but seeing as the Ph ii x2 will probably be a better buy on many other merits already, its worth it.

Edit: Also make sure to get some kind of good Heatsink/Fan system for the CPU if you plan to unlock. The CPU is designed to its TDP under dual core conditions, unlocking will raise the temperature.

 

[dEAne]

This is from tomshardware>
$500 (I like this one, affordable)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-overclock-athlon-ii-x3,2811.html
$1000
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-a-pc-core-i3-overclock-system-builder,2809.html

 

[Wisecracker]

AMD Phenom II X3 715 Black Edition Heka 2.8GHz: $71

CM Hyper N 520 CPU Cooler: $28 after rebate

 

[beanoslim]

+1^ How much. Gotta be the best bet for the money with the possibility of unlocking.
Good thing is if it doesn't unlock you still have a triple core, instead of dual [:bohleyk:1]

 

[kkwik28]

I'm getting this from Frys. I have a local store and my friend works in components, so I have a chance for some wholesale discount also. I also get a 3 year warranty with mobo/cpu for $15. So if I fry it from overclocking, I'm able to return it. Also they don't have that CPU, basically they have what I said, and X4 955 BE for $130. A lot of people said the 555 Heatsink, was cheap, but was able to keep some cool with the 2 cores unlocked.

 

[beanoslim]

Well if you want to be 100% sure of quad core you have to choose the 955BE.

Unless the 555 isn't a lot cheaper I would say get the 955 anyway, it eliminates all the unlocking problems.

If overclocking either you will want some enhanced cooling.

 

[kkwik28]

I don't plan to OC until I get a rather good Heatsink or Cooling system. I just really hope to get 4 cores. If I don't, will it still be worth to lose cores for the price? (Athlon II X4 for X2 555)

 

[beanoslim]

Your previous post said you could get a 955BE for $130, did you mean a 955?

How much is the 555?

 

[kkwik28]

I was considering it, but I don't know if I'm gonna be able to budget it. 555 is $90. Athlon II X4 645 is 120, or the 635 is 100.

 

[beanoslim]

You can get the 955BE from Newegg for $135. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103808&cm_re=phenom_955-_-19-103-808-_-Product

And the 555 is $89, with the 560 @ $99.

If you can push the budget a little thats the one I''d say go for, its guaranteed quad, won't mess up your temp sensors and will OC well.

But if you are paying $90 for the 555 why don't you get the 715 from Newegg for $70??

 

[kkwik28]

I don't feel like ordering from Newegg really unless it's like almost needed. I can get the 955 for 130 at Frys. Especially if I have any problems with the CPU/Mobo, I can return to the store, and not wait 2 weeks for something new to come in.

 

[beanoslim]

Oh right, well the best bargain is the 715 and the best cpu is the 955 and thats about it really, good luck.

 

[Derbixrace]

athlon x4 all the way, more cores the better. especially in the future.

 

[Onus]

Oh right, well the best bargain is the 715 and the best cpu is the 955 and thats about it really, good luck.

I think that about summarizes it.
I would not buy a dual-core today, cache or no cache, Black Edition or not.