AMD x2 build

[360bhp]

Been aked to make another build. This ok for a dual core amd build?

PC will be used for gaming probably with an 8800gt.




Any crap parts Ive chosen?

[staffsMike]

Get the brisbane core X2 if you want 3.0GHz. And the Asus M2A-VM is a nice board, 690G.

I have one which is why I'm happy to recommend it

[shadowmaster]

Looks fine to me. What windows will you be using? If you are going to use 32bit XP, then is 4gb really needed? If vista, then 4gb is fine

[360bhp]

One of these Mike?
http://www.scan.co.uk/Search.aspx?q=brisbane

Has smaller L2 cache, will that make much of a difference with the speed/gaming?

Going to use XP SP3 or Vista

[staffsMike]

No they've disappeared

It was a 6000+ brisbane. This one http://www.advancetec.co.uk/acatalog/info_14040875.html bit pricey there though. (Although that one says 90nm under specs, very confusing lol)

The brisbanes being 65nm do run a fair bit cooler and overclock quite well too

I have a 5000+ BE in my M2A-VM and it overclocks to 3.2GHz quite happily but has an unlocked multiplier so that makes it easy.

[360bhp]

Should I go for this one then mike?
http://scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=854379

Found this post on the net..
"Dude don't go with the 6000+. If you want the AMD, go for the 5600+. It's only 200mhz slower but can be overclocked past the 6000+. The 5600 uses less power, and the multiplier is 14 instead of 15, meaning if you get DDR2800 RAM it will operate at it's full 800mhz. If you got the 6000+, your RAM would only operate at 750mhz. Don't pay the extra money just for 200mhz extra! Trust me on this one. I just ordered mine today for my new build. Can't wait to get it in the mail. I was almost convinced to get the 6000+ until I read reviews and looked at the facts myself about the 6000's multiplier and power usage"

[staffsMike]

Not entirely convinced about the RAM argument but yeah I would take a brisbane over a windsor without a seconds hesitation. Even the "energy efficeint" ones run quite hot when they are 90nm.

[Giraffe]

Agreed. I got a Brisbane when they first appeared on Scan (about May last year). The whole box runs at about 45W input, so about 35W from the PSU. Never seen the CPU above 50C under load.

It's on the Asus M2a-VM HDMI mobo and the 690G video is perfectly OK for anything but games.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The new 2.6ghz X2 5050e has just come out:

http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=57Y2

Has a 45w TDP!!

[Webby]

65W Quad FTW!

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=849691

But no don't really not worth it in the slightest for gaming atm

[staffsMike]

65W Quad FTW!

fixed

Bit expensive still I think

[Webby]

Yeah still overpriced but maybe it will come down with the announced price cuts then again clocked at 1.8GHz not sure what benefit you would see over a 2.8GHz duel for half the price.

[360bhp]

Can I just ask.. Has AMD finished making stuff for the AM2 socket, or are more AM2 cpus going to be released?

For another £25 may add another core but lose 600mhz. http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=807035
How much slower would it be in games, quite noticable.. or?

[staffsMike]

I think the phenoms work a bit better in games whether it be dual or quad, and 2.4GHz is more than enough for games.

That said the extra core will count for very little.

[looney]

in gaming clock speed is more important then the cores, so i reckon going for hick clocked duals is better then the lowly quad

[killersuzuki]

I's always go for Seagate 5yr warranty over other 3yrs everytime..