CPU specs questions

[A Traveller]

Hi All.

I am not interested in overclocking at all. Would there be any reason for me to consider choosing between specs such as C2 and C3 stepping or 95W and 125W CPUs? I've read that C3 has an improved memory controller (whatever that means) but what about wattage? I am looking to get an AMD Phenom II x4.

Thanks.

[wulf109]

If your not interested in overclocking than an Intel Sandy Bridge CPU(4 cores) would be a better choice. Lower wattage and you buy an H67 chipset board and save a little money.

[redwudz]

CPU wattage requirements usually refer to the motherboard. Some MBs can't handle the 125W CPUs. But that's easy enough to check in the MB specs. Most full size MBs can handle the 125W CPUs and quite a few Micro-ATX MBs can also. It's the power circuits on the MB that determine which wattage CPUs can be used. 125W CPUs may also require a bit more cooling, but if you're not OCing, the stock CPU heat-sink is usually good enough, especially if you have good case ventilation.

I have a 125W CPU in a small HTPC case and I do have minor problems with CPU temps. Most PCs I put together have one or two front intake fans, preferably 120mm, and one or two rear exhaust fans, also 120mm. Those move more air than a average 80mm case fan and are usually quieter.

The stepping number is a bit more complex. You are mostly looking to avoid steppings that have reported problems. But that's fairly rare and most CPU suppliers don't tell you which stepping the CPUs they are carrying have. I try to stick with a large retailer that has the most up to date steppings in hopes that later steppings have any problems corrected. Larger retailers like New Egg, etc., have more turnover in CPUs, so are more likely to have later stepping versions.

I use almost exclusively AMD CPUs and Gigabyte motherboards and those seem to be a good combination. When I do overclock, I add extra cooling.

I usually recommend buying the fastest CPU you can afford, at close or above 3Ghz. I have Phenoms from the earliest versions to my newer Phenom six core CPU. They are all still running and have been very dependable, outlasting several motherboards.

[jagabo]

Lower power CPUs cost less to run and require less cooling.

[A Traveller]

Thanks for the replies and helping me to understand.

wulf109, I'm a bit like redwudz. I only use AMD and my current and next motherboard is/will be Gigabyte. I'd consider ASRock when I'm ready to build a pc with the old W98SE (please don't laugh).

[pirej]

I have a Phenom II x4 945 for 2 years(p.s. never had intel cpu )
some details:

Code Name Deneb
Package Socket AM3 (938)
Technology 45nm
Specification AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor
Family F
Extended Family 10
Model 4
Extended Model 4
Stepping 2
Revision RB-C2

Everything is working fine, im using the stock cpu-fan, no overclocking, i use "balanced power" mode.
The only specifications difference between 95W and 125W are

125 W, Max Temps (C) 62'C , Voltages 0.875-1.5V
95 W, Max Temps (C) 71'C , Voltages 0.85-1.40V

[turk690]

Thanks for the replies and helping me to understand.

wulf109, I'm a bit like redwudz. I only use AMD and my current and next motherboard is/will be Gigabyte. I'd consider ASRock when I'm ready to build a pc with the old W98SE (please don't laugh).

Why only AMD??

[jagabo]

Why only AMD??

Religion.

[wulf109]

AMD Llano

[A Traveller]

Thanks for that helpful info pirej.

turk690, I just don't like Intel, haha.

[jman98]

Why only AMD??

Religion.

I can give you another reason. I'm an IT guy and I only use AMD at home for 2 reasons. Well, technically I do have a loaner iMac that is of course Intel, but if I buy it or build it, it's AMD.
1) More bang for the buck with AMD. Intel has the better technology but you can come close for a lot less money with AMD.
2) We all benefit from AMD's survival, even the Intel supporters. SOMEBODY has to buy AMD. If nobody bought them, there would be only Intel.

[redwudz]

AMD

I have used a few Intel CPUs. But the majority are AMD.

Either way, you need to get what you need. And if it does the job you want, cheaper is better, IMO.

[jagabo]

1) More bang for the buck with AMD. Intel has the better technology but you can come close for a lot less money with AMD.

There's pretty much price parity between AMD and Intel CPUs that perform the same. Certainly not "a lot less." AMD motherboards tend to be a bit cheaper though (Intel chipsets maintain a cost premium).

2) We all benefit from AMD's survival, even the Intel supporters. SOMEBODY has to buy AMD. If nobody bought them, there would be only Intel.

I have no love for Intel. They have been one of the worst abusers of their monopoly position. But I buy what best suits my needs when I set up a new system. I have both AMD and Intel computers.

[Noahtuck]

Why only AMD??

Why not only MAC ?
Why don't you have a MAC ??

According to the MAC fanboys, the only thing worth owning or using is a MAC!!!
LOL!!!

[jagabo]

All religions are false.

[aedipuss]

All religions are false.

are you calling steve jobs an idolator? damn i always thought he was just another ignorant petty thief.

[TBoneit]

I definitely prefer Intel in laptops. In recent years the main offenders in the HP Dv9000 etc. line were the AMD CPU and Nvidia GPU they died earlier due to the extra heat from the CPU.

And AMD dekstop will most likely use more power and generate more heat.

Part of the problem with AMD powered computers is there are some really bad motherboards out there for them.

[RabidDog]

The thing to remember is that 95w and 125w are the maximum recommended thermal design ratings. in normal use they should not approach that.
More bang for the buck with Amd and associated mobo's, eg Intel is very reluctant to bring in USb3, which is one of the better things to have on a Mobo.

[A Traveller]

Ok, thanks RabidDog.

[jagabo]

The thing to remember is that 95w and 125w are the maximum recommended thermal design ratings. in normal use they should not approach that.

With video encoding they can come close.