CPU confusion for a new MB

[FlameOut]

I just bought a new motherboard to replace my dead Abit BH6. I went with the ECS K7S5A, but now I'm not sure which AMD CPU to get for it. I never really looked into AMD stuff before, becasue I always used Intel.

I know I need a Socket A (that is different than Slot A, right??) I found this, but not sure if it's what I need, or if it's a good price. 1.3 Ghz Athlon 266 FSB $115.99

Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated
:confused:

[brainwave64]

Well, I think the most cost-effective solution on the high end would have to be the Athlon XP 1500. It runs at 1.33GHz, is faster than the 1.33GHz Thunderbird Athlon, and only cost around $120 on pricewatch. I read a review on Tom's Hardware Guide (here (http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/01q4/011031/xpvsp4-15.html)) that stated that it offered the most bang for the buck of all high end processors, both AMD and Intel. On the other hand, if you really want the best out there, you should go for the Athlon XP 1900, clocked at 1.6GHz. The only problem is it costs around $250 on pricewatch, so it isn't really a very good value. That's my 2 cents, for what it's worth.

P.S. Socket A processors compare to Slot A processors just like Socket 370 processors compare to Slot 1 processors.

[FlameOut]

I just looked on www.pccost.com web site, and they have the Athlon XP 1500 for $116.99 and the XP 1600 for $117.99. These are OEM, if that matters. Can one of these be overclocked better than the other? If not, I will probably go for the Athlon XP 1600. Thanks for the help :)

What is the difference between OEM and BOX?

[FlameOut]

I just looked on www.pccost.com web site, and they have the Athlon XP 1500 for $116.99 and the XP 1600 for $117.99. These are OEM, if that matters. Can one of these be overclocked better than the other? If not, I will probably go for the Athlon XP 1600. Thanks for the help :)

What is the difference between OEM and BOX?

[BigBirdZ28]

Originally posted by FlameOut
What is the difference between OEM and BOX?

:confused:

[brainwave64]

Ok, I'm not sure about this, but here's my educated guess. A boxed processor is basically one made for retail (to be put on the shelves). It probably comes with a manual and maybe even a heatsink, and of course a nice-looking box. An OEM processor, on the other hand, is what is sold to large companies that build tons of computers. The ONLY thing you get with them is the processor, and usually a bunch of procesors arive in one package together - no fancy individual packaging. We can buy OEM chips because distributers will buy hundreds of them and then sell them to us one at a time. OEM chips are generally cheaper because they don't come with anything, which usually suits DIY'ers just fine.

[brainwave64]

Concerning which processor is more overclockable, I have no idea. I think it'll probably depend more on the individual chip than anything else. If I were you, I would go for the 1600 and hope for the best.

[Jimstep]

Basically, OEM is just the processor. Retail contains the h/s fan assembly approved by the vendor.