Hi, im about to order a AMD64 3500 s939. My question is, do you guys think its really worth the extra 50 or 60 bucks to the the winchester core over the new castle? Would it be a noticeable difference or just a few points on some benchmark? Also, will i need to get an aftermarker heatsink and fan because ive heard the stock ones do pretty good at keeping it cool. Im not going to be over clocking, i just want a good machine thats gonna last me a loong while. Thanks..

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I'd get the Winchester without a second thought. The AMD heatsink is fine for stock speeds or small-ish overclocks. And overclocking is where the Winchester core shines -- lower temps = better OC's. If that's no use to you, stick with the retail heatsink, it works well. You may as well use the pre-attached thermal pad too (rather than adding your own thermal compound), then you won't void your warranty. About the difference -- I can guarantee you won't see any visual difference between a game running on a Newcastle and a Winchester.

If you dont want to spend $300 for the Winchester core of the 3500 you can spend $ 200, thats right two hundred, on a Winchester core 3200.

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Rigs: AMD 3700, MSI RD 480 Neo 2, X850Xt, 2GB GSkill
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I just ordered yesterday a winchester 3200+(retail)/Msi K8N Neo2Plat/1gig(512x2) crucial ddr pc4000.. I will let you how well it overclocks on tuesday or so

QUOTE (`ki11im @ Dec 4 2004, 07:46 AM)My question is, do you guys think its really worth the extra 50 or 60 bucks to the the winchester core over the new castle? Would it be a noticeable difference or just a few points on some benchmark?
The diffs are too small, maybe 5%, but I say worths the money for future upgrade ability.

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What difference does upgradability make when both cores are for socket 939?

I say get the winchester core, because there is a slight improvement clock per clock over the newcastle. Not much...but still...more bang for the buck. It runs cooler....sucks up less power, so if you have other parts that are stressful, and require more power...they will have it. And, they overclock easier than newcastles. Thats not saying Newcastles are bad overclockers. They are great overclockers. But, on my Stock HSF, my 3200+ Winchester reached 2.56ghz Overclock. From a stock 2.0ghz. On a stock AMD cooler. If that aint sweet.....what is?

LVS

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- AMD FX 8120
- ATI/AMD HD 7970
- Biostar TA990FXE
- 16 GB's of some flashy Crucial RAM
- Buncha HDDs sucking up way too much power
- Win7 Ultimate x64/Ubuntu x64
-A lot of other crap that I can't remember.
- Wurd?

QUOTE (LVSeminole @ Dec 4 2004, 11:24 AM) If that aint sweet.....what is?


A 3200 Winchester w/ ATI X800 XT PE

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The opinions expressed above do not represent those of AMD, OCZ, or ATI
"bv, if Mormons were real, you'd be one" - SDA

LVS did you use the standard stuff that came with the heatsink being thermalpad or paste? I didn't order a new HS for mine.. I just picked up some as5 for it.

Don, just the normal stuff. Gonna wait a bit before I put some AS5 and another HSF on it.

LVS

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- AMD FX 8120
- ATI/AMD HD 7970
- Biostar TA990FXE
- 16 GB's of some flashy Crucial RAM
- Buncha HDDs sucking up way too much power
- Win7 Ultimate x64/Ubuntu x64
-A lot of other crap that I can't remember.
- Wurd?

Wow LVS, that's an impressive OC on the stock HS/F and thermal pad!

I had my Winchester core 3500 at 2430mhz on the stock HSF. Temps never rose above 52c. I did use AS5 though. I can push the CPU higher, but have yet to figure out all the settings for everything. Still experimenting. This Neo2 board has so many features and options for O/C'ing, I have to get used to it.

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Enermax Chakra case w/ Ultra X-Connect 500w P/S

I vote for winchester because it's 90nm so it runs cooler, faster, and overclocks better

Winchester would be the better option if you can afford the extra cash for it.

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meh.. I just wanna hit 2.5ghz stable and I will be set for 2years.