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The
beginning of last week, one of my clients asked me to build a system that was
fast but did not cost a lot. The only processor came to my mind was the
AMD Athlon 64 3800+ because it is almost as fast as my
4000+ but the
price is a lot more affordable. So as usual, I went to my favorite computer
store (CompUSA) again and made the purchase, and along with that I purchased the
ASUS A8N-E motherboard
(I will write about it soon).
Please refer to the
How to purchase a processor guide for
full details on what questions to ask yourself before purchasing a processor.
INSTALLATION :
As always the installation was as a breeze because I have done so many of these
builds that I can just put them together with my hands tied behind my back (I
think). But seriously these processors are really simple to install if you
follow the instructions in the quick install guide. The easy installation guide
comes in handy if you are doing this for the first time, even the second time
(you get used to it after that), or if you just want to refresh your memory.
Unless you are using a different heatsink and fan, you will not encounter any
problems when you follow the instructions in the setup guide. If you are going
to use a different heatsink and fan, than use the instruction that came with the
fan and heatsink to install it properly.
If you choose to install the stock heatsink and fan (like my client), I would
highly advise against overclocking this processor (plus it is already pretty
fast). One thing I would like to suggest you if you are planning to install it
yourself, use Arctic Silver thermal grease when installing the heatsink; it will
help keep your processor cooler or make it cooler faster and run cooler at all
times.
When you boot-up your newly built computer for the first time with this
processor, you may probably need to clear your CMOS settings to make sure you
start out with a clean system (this will also reduce crashes and conflicts), but
if you are just replacing the processor, you may not have to. Then all you have
to do is to just install your favorite operating system or if you already have
an operating system installed, just boot up. One thing to keep in mind when
booting for the first time is to keep an eye on the processor and memory (RAM)
temperatures (especially if you used a different heatsink and overclocked the
CPU). Also make sure the memory sticks you have are compatible and can overclock
without problems.
WHATS HOT?
The rated speed for this processor is 2.4 GHz and that is the main reason my
client and I purchased this processor. If you compare this processor to its
competitor Intel, you may think that it is slower, but when you use it, you will
notice huge differences in overall performance and power. Your Windows (or
other) operating system(s) will boot up faster and your applications will
startup quicker; all this will result in a much more stable computing
experience. Although my 4000+ is faster than this, I did notice that this
processor is not too far away from it. If you cannot afford the
Athlon 64 4000+,
this processor would be your next best choice.
Before I got my first 64-bit processor, I used to wonder if they really were any
better than the older 32-bit one's. But once I tried one out for my self, I knew
right then that I will never doubt new AMD technology again; just like the newer
dual core (X2)
processors that I just got a few weeks ago.
These processors use the 939 pin design like the
4000+ and the
faster and more expensive
FX models. The 512KB L2 cache memory will run
the 1600MHz of FSB without any problems. If you get a motherboard that will
speed up your DDR memory, it will just add to the performance of your new
system. You will be able to run almost anything many times faster.
AND WHATS NOT?
Well to tell you the truth, I do not have any bad things to say about this
processor (in fact all AMD processors for that matter). I have not experienced
any problems or crashes as I updated all software, drivers, and games to make
sure there were no problems. I do not like to take any chances with the systems
I build; I do not want a return job now. I would recommend that you check for
driver and software at least once a month.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE :
I have used this processor for just about five days and it had not given me any
problems what so ever. It does not overheat (my client did not want to overclock
it yet) ever. My client said the computer is running faster than he expected.
This processor comes very close to the
AMD Athlon 64 4000+ processor.
I did perform some benchmarks with 3DMark 05 and 03. I got a score of 3072 with
3DMark 05 and 10055 with 3DMark 03 (actual data). My old
AMD Athlon 64 4000+
used to get around 12657 for 3DMark 03 and 5885 on 3DMark 05 (actual data).
These benchmarks are accurate as of December 1st, 2005 and were performed on my
client's new system.
The computer runs fast with Windows XP Pro SP2 installed on it. I am sure that
it will run Linux even better.
FINAL THOUGHTS :
My client has noticed a lot of power and speed in this new system. I had never
used the 3800+ before and I did like what it had to offer. My client said that I
made the right choice about this processor and he has no regrets what so ever.
The computer boots up quickly, the applications start up fast, and games run
smooth. If you want a faster computer that is also 64 bit compatible, then get
this processor without question. |
