Phenom II X2 or Phenom II X3

[shokwaav]

OK I'm getting a new comp and I'm having a hard time deciding between Phenom II X2 or Phenom II X3. I know one is dual core and the other tri-core but I've read here: http://tinyurl.com/aeo4zm, that with 'ACC (Advanced Clock Calibration?)' that you can force the 'unused' cores in an X2 or X3 so that it literally becomes quad core.

However, it also says that not all processors can actually be forced cos some of these 'unused' cores cannot be switched on through ACC. So simply put...

Should I risk getting a Phenom II X2 at a cheaper price and hope that I can turn it into a quad core or should I get an X3 at a more expensive price but be more secure in case I can't turn it into a quad core?

 

[shokwaav]

oh and here's a site which explains how to 'unlock' the last core.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-phenom-ii-x3-720_10.html

 

[StrangleHold]

However, it also says that not all processors can actually be forced cos some of these 'unused' cores cannot be switched on through ACC. So simply put...

Should I risk getting a Phenom II X2 at a cheaper price and hope that I can turn it into a quad core or should I get an X3 at a more expensive price but be more secure in case I can't turn it into a quad core?

Sounds like to me you pretty much understand the concept of whats going on. You should really make your own mind up.

For the price though, to me its a no brainer. I would go X3.

The X2 is 115 bucks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680

You can get the X3 710 for 100 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

Or even better yet, the X3 720BE is only 120 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

 

[shokwaav]

ah.. i thought the X3 was way more expensive so yea I think I'll just get the X3 720BE.. youve got to love Black Edition AMD Processors. unlocked multipliers ftw!!!!

 

[StrangleHold]

Had mine to 3.9ghz with 3 cores and 3.7ghz with 4 enabled. Not saying 3.7ghz is as far as it would go with 4 cores, thats just as far as I took it. Settled on 3.5ghz at 1.375V with 4 cores.

 

[CardboardSword]

Yeah, the tri-core is the way to go, you should never count on it unlocking properly, just hope for the best. Good luck getting it unlocked.

 

[Mitch?]

I've never tried unlocking mine, but i've gotten the 3 cores to past 4.1ghz each, and about 4ghz at the same time (not too stable). I have it on stock volts and 3.2ghz, but i could bump it up to 1.39 and get it at 3.5ghzish. i don't need the 3.2ghz usually, so i'm not pushing anything passed stock volts for now

 

[Twist86]

Yeah x3 is a good processor. I don't see quad-gaming happening this year so a 3ghz+ dual-core will be good for now.

Id wager next year around this same time will be when quads will be active. Plus I hear people getting 3.6ghz+ on the X3 chips which is impressive.

 

[Bacon]

Had mine to 3.9ghz with 3 cores and 3.7ghz with 4 enabled. Not saying 3.7ghz is as far as it would go with 4 cores, thats just as far as I took it. Settled on 3.5ghz at 1.375V with 4 cores.

Odd, I get 3.5 on my Phenom II Quad at 1.304V.

 

[bomberboysk]

Odd, I get 3.5 on my Phenom II Quad at 1.304V.

Luck of the draw pretty much.

 

[Twist86]

Luck of the draw pretty much.

Yep just like how Kuro's Q6600 runs 12c cooler then mine >< Lucky $%#@@$%

 

[StrangleHold]

Odd, I get 3.5 on my Phenom II Quad at 1.304V.

No, its pretty normal, alittle better than normal really. What is unusual is a 940 running at 3.5ghz. with just 1.30V. Hell a 720BE defaults to 1.325V at 2.8ghz.

Dont think I have ever saw a benchmark where a 940 got to 3.5ghz. with just 1.30V.

 

[Bacon]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7375/84618479.jpg
^Proof if you were looking for it.

Edit: Its in the top right corner.

 

[bomberboysk]

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/7375/84618479.jpg
^Proof if you were looking for it.

Edit: Its in the top right corner.

Prime95 stable though?

Yep just like how Kuro's Q6600 runs 12c cooler then mine >< Lucky $%#@@$%

Lol, yup. Just like how my q9450 hits 3.95 on insanely low voltages(so to speak, less than +.1 vcore) but i cant go any faster because my mobo wont boot past 500fsb=/
=4,900th post=

 

[Bacon]

Prime95 stable though?

Yes, I tested it for 2 hours.

 

[bomberboysk]

Yes, I tested it for 2 hours.

Well then, good chip you got.

 

[shokwaav]

btw.. i don't actually know how to UNLOCK the last core? (or last two cores) i know its something to do with Advanced Clock Calibration, but how do you actually go about it?

i dont know what mb im getting tho so pls give me a general guide thx

 

[zer0_c00l]

go for the 720Be. ive had mine sense the second day they came out. never any problems! temps are always low and it overclocks very well had mine at 4ghz no problem. as far as the ACC goes thats just hit and or miss for the price play it safe 720

 

[elliot_c]

What kind of safe overclock can you expect from the 720BE on stock cooling without changing voltage would 3.1Ghz be okay and not make much difference in temp? Also how much difference would the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro make if added?

 

[zer0_c00l]

What kind of safe overclock can you expect from the 720BE on stock cooling without changing voltage would 3.1Ghz be okay and not make much difference in temp? Also how much difference would the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro make if added?

i get 3.4 with stock voltage. ive heard others getting 3.6ghz on 1.325 volts(stock) volts i normally just keep it 3.2ghz for gaming. id say 3.2ghz is safe on stock cooling......... the freezer has a good rep for an old cooler,you could get some nice temps i guess