How to compare AMD Opteron speeds to AMD X2

[Exmun]

As you know I'm upgrading to a new comp. Currently I'm considering either an AMD Opteron processor or an AMD X2 processor. I don't understand how to compare the speeds in MHz of an Opteron processor to an X2 processor. For example, is an Opteron 1.4MHz faster than an AMD 64 X2 4400? How do you relate the speeds or the numbers that AMD uses. Is there a source that someone can refer me to? Thanks in advance.

Es.

[DivineMusic]

the X2 is a dual core chip vs the opteron 1.4.. the x2 will run around the 1.4

to compare the 2 you need to compare the highend opterons or avg dual opterons.
i haven't had a chance to test the x2's yet.. but from what i see the x2 4400 should hang with a dual opteron 242 and 244.
if you want dumb power get a dual core opteron.. they come with a price too though

[BrianT]

Originally Posted by Exmun

As you know I'm upgrading to a new comp. Currently I'm considering either an AMD Opteron processor or an AMD X2 processor. I don't understand how to compare the speeds in MHz of an Opteron processor to an X2 processor. For example, is an Opteron 1.4MHz faster than an AMD 64 X2 4400? How do you relate the speeds or the numbers that AMD uses. Is there a source that someone can refer me to? Thanks in advance.

Es.

1. Look at the clock speed specs of the CPUs you want to compare. Ignore the model numbers and just compare the clock speeds.

2. You can only compare single cores to single cores and dualcores to dualcores. The X2 is a dualcore Socket 939 CPU. It equates to an Opteron dualcore, or else a *pair* of Opteron single cores. Actually, the X2 is slightly faster at the same clock speed because of the type pf memory it uses, which is also a bit cheaper.

Given that you're comparing the same number of cores, an X2 and a dualcore Opteron are going to perform more or less the same at the same clock speed. In a nutshell, if you will only ever want dual CPUs, an AMD X2 is what you want. Less money for slightly more performance. But if you may want to expand later to a *pair* of dualcores (which is what I use), you will need to go with a dual CPU Opteron motherboard, but you can start off with only one dualcore Opteron installed. If you can afford it, one dualcore Opteron in a 2 socket motherboard will give you room to grow with zero install hassles later, but it's going to cost a bit more initially.

[Exmun]

BrianT,
Thanks! Your post was exactly the nononsense explanation that I was looking for. Thanks also to Divine Music. I haven't bought a new computer in 3-4 years and the whole market in cpu terminology has changed on me. Your explanation made it crystal clear. I've been looking at the X2's, but with the upgrade options, I'm thinking that the Dual Core Opteron may be a better deal for future upgrading.

Another question. If I get a dual core opteron board with 2 cpu slots and upgrade later by buying an additional dual core cpu, does the new cpu have to be the same clock speed as the first dual core cpu? Put another way, do both dual core cpu's have to be the same speed on the opterons?

[George Necola]

it doesnt make sense to buy new processors for an "old" board.. so invest now, don't think for the future.. prices will drop constantly..

don't buy aboslute highend (as we discussed last week I think).. it's not worth the price..

good luck!

[BrianT]

Originally Posted by George Necola

it doesnt make sense to buy new processors for an "old" board.. so invest now, don't think for the future.. prices will drop constantly..

don't buy aboslute highend (as we discussed last week I think).. it's not worth the price..

good luck!

It's a trade off. The time and energy to get a whole new system, do all the installations, transfer your authorizations and get everything working like you want to is a big investment of time. The difference in mobo and memory prices for a single socket X2 vs a dual socket Opteron is only $200 - $400. I just upgraded an "old" Opteron mobo from a pair of single core Opterons to a pair of dualcores. In 5 minutes, and without having to to *anything at all* to the OS, authorizations, software or drivers, I doubled my CPU power znd extended it's useful life by at least a year, if not more.

I think that some ideas that used to be true are changing, and one of them is that future proofing your hardware by thinking ahead a little makes more sense than it used to. Everybody has to make their own decision, but I there is more than one valid way to go here, depending upon the situation.

[George Necola]

I think that some ideas that used to be true are changing, and one of them is that future proofing your hardware by thinking ahead a little makes more sense than it used to. Everybody has to make their own decision, but I there is more than one valid way to go here, depending upon the situation.

diffrent opinion.. a friend is a hardcore gamer.. he changes his system every 3 month to have these 0.5 frames moore in the newest 3D-shootergame;)

I change every half year and buy "mid-range"stuff.. well, I don't have projects after projects and it's not so important if my machine is down or not for 3 days..

well.. depends in the situation.. I would never upgrade an exisitng board with newer CPUs or something.. :)

thanx for the new input brian

[Exmun]

Originally Posted by George Necola

it doesnt make sense to buy new processors for an "old" board.. so invest now, don't think for the future.. prices will drop constantly..

don't buy aboslute highend (as we discussed last week I think).. it's not worth the price..

Thanks for the advice George. I may have used the wrong word. I plan on getting a whole new system (mobo, case, RAM, couple new drives, etc) rather than upgrading my old motherboard. I'll probably use my system hard drive "as-is" in the new system due to what BrianT just said about authorizations and reloading softward. I'm looking at a moderately fast Opteron... nothing too fancy, but something that's going to give me some power. I just can't see having to do this upgrade/new system thing less than a year from now. I'm leaning towards a moderately fast dual Opteron or a decently fast X2... nothing bleeding edge or anything... just fast enough to last another year or two before upgrading. Thanks for the advice.

Es.

[Yannick]

If you want to upgrade later two single core opterons now is better than 1 dualcore opteron.

It is a must that both processors are identical, so buying a second dual core in 12 months isn't an option.

[jcschild]

HI,
to answer the question.

an X2 4400 out performs the Dual opteron 248's by a very slight magin.
this is based mostly on VSTi and effects.

to better help you decide, it really depends on your needs.

average user X2
VSTi X2, Giga box X2
Live box lots of I/O Dual opti
heavy Pro Studio Dual opti or Dual Core Dual Opti (4 cpus)

if your adding alot of PCI cards EG: 2 audio interface 2 UAD then a Dual opti is probably better suited for you as the dual boards have 3 PCI buss'

where 1 interface and 1-2 UADs would be fine on an X2.

logevity in your studio where all you do is drop the upgrade cpus in at say 24 months then Dual Opti to Dual Core Dual later.

while the Dual optis may be slighty beat by the X2 there is more overhead and better memory bandwidth (not speed) in the optis.

i dont agree with George on this one. this is one time where looking to longevity and upgrading does make sense.

Scott
ADK

[Exmun]

Thanks Scott. Youre contributions are very valid. I think I'm in your "VSTi X2, Giga box X2" category, meaning probably a reasonably powerful X2 ala "Scott's DAW" at your site. However, the idea of an easy upgradeable dual Opteron seems intriguing for future proofing. I've got a lot to think about.

[True North]

Here is a great article on AMD Opterons VS the world. Very thorough testing and very enlightening.

http://techreport.com/reviews/2005q2...5/index.x?pg=1


Good luck in your search

[Exmun]

I really appreciate you guys for all of the help. I've been out of the computer game for a few years, and you guys have really helped get me up to speed really fast. I like to take my time researching before pulling the trigger and the answers in my last three threads have really helped me make my decision on what to get. Thanks.

Es.