Athlon64 3400+ question...

[CdnAtWork]

I recently picked up an Athlon64 3400+ with the following info on the core:

ADA3400AEP5AP
CAA0C 0401SPMW
9840134A40466

I've read that AMD is changing the cores (clawhammer vs newcastle) and the newer ones have a stepping of 5AR instead of my 5AP. Should i have waited for a newer version? As i understand it, the newer ones will have 512kb instead of 1024kb of L2 cache, but better energy handling (cool n quiet support), and i missed out on getting a 2.4GHz instead of my 2.2GHz.

I havn't opened it yet, so if i'll be better off returning it and getting a newer one, then i'll probably do so. I just wanted to get some informed feedback. It'll be primarily a gaming and dvd encoding system. I'm waiting for the MSI K8N Neo Platinum to hit the stores here in Canada before i buy a mb, as i want to overclock.

Thanks for any input folks.
Cdn

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Most vendors charge a 15% restocking fee but given that you haven't opened it, and are still waiting for the board you want, if you can get the vendor to wave the restocking charge then waiting on the CG stepping CPUs might be a good idea.

 

[Shimmishim]

the 512 kb L2 ones aren't going to be released until the socket 939 comes out...

so you're fine with the socket 754 and that chip but yeah you can return and wait like ... 3 months or so for the 939 to come out

 

[DAPUNISHER]

It occurred to me that if your board becomes available soon you could exchange your CPU for the 3200+ DTR as it's already available in the CG stepping. Of course you will not have the IHS but that's a good thing since it'll run even cooler. Also, AMD updated their A64 thermal and power .pdf a month ago and it shows a skt754 3200+ 512mb cache 2.2ghz CPU added to the line-up so I wouldn't be surprised to see vendors stocking it soon.

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
It occurred to me that if your board becomes available soon you could exchange your CPU for the 3200+ DTR as it's already available in the CG stepping. Of course you will not have the IHS but that's a good thing since it'll run even cooler. Also, AMD updated their A64 thermal and power .pdf a month ago and it shows a skt754 3200+ 512mb cache 2.2ghz CPU added to the line-up so I wouldn't be surprised to see vendors stocking it soon.

cool id idn't realize that about the socket 754

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Shimmishim

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
It occurred to me that if your board becomes available soon you could exchange your CPU for the 3200+ DTR as it's already available in the CG stepping. Of course you will not have the IHS but that's a good thing since it'll run even cooler. Also, AMD updated their A64 thermal and power .pdf a month ago and it shows a skt754 3200+ 512mb cache 2.2ghz CPU added to the line-up so I wouldn't be surprised to see vendors stocking it soon.

cool id idn't realize that about the socket 754

I think so too. Especially after seeing how little difference the extra cache made in your testing in 32bit. I should think a 3200+ 2.2ghz 512kb model will be right on the heeels of the current 3400+ for gaming eh? Also, I'm hoping the CG with it's improved memory controller and other tweaks might ramp a little higher so I can upgrade to a better overclocker with a nF3 250GB board later *crosses fingers*