Gotta p3-whatever power question....

[jim.t]

would I be able to recognize an overall power change between a p3-866 and a p3-1g? I'm in the process of pre-ordering a new machine and I don't know if I should jump up to the 1gig or hold at the 866. Your opinions please.

[TechJumper]

Maybe you answered this already, but have you attempted to overclock the 866 to 1 g? I don't know if it would retain its stability but it would sure save you money.

On the speed part, my friend has a 1g (overclocked) he says there is not much difference in speed, you just notice it during large installations, and games. I guess it just depends on what you want to do on the machine.


Best of luck,

Michael Morelli
TechJumper

[daveleau]

The 866 will probably not reach 1GHz because it is already at 133fsb. I would stick with the 866 probably but it depends on the price. I am not up on the 1GHz specs and am not sure if it is a 100MHz or 133MHz fsb. If it is a 100MHz bus the 866 would actually be faster with the 133MHz fsb. If the 1GHz is a 133 bus, then it will be slightly faster but you will only be able to tell in benchmraking programs and RC5. No real world app will show any differences.
Dave

[jim.t]

thanks guys...I thought the same. Got caught up in wanting to have a "1 GIG SYSTEM" ****. Think I'll just go with the 866 and let the OEM load me up with upgrades :-).

[Roy]

If you really want the speed, an 850/100 will do 1007/118.5 with ease and doesn't need better than generic PC133 memory. Or wait until the new C0 stepping 850/100 is available (any day now) and kick it to 1133/133 or more.