Is it currently the 2.8 GHz Athlon 64 FX-57 Processor?
I think that's the most expensive, so it's gotta be AMD's latest, and greatest, right?

The best AMD is the one that replaces an Intel

The FX57 is sweet but i think for the money the Opteron 146 in this thread is a better deal


http://forums.pcapex.com/showthread....3&page=1&pp=20

bang for your buck wise . IMO

The best performance is the FX line, but the best performance for cash is the 3200+ for its OC potential.

I have no idea on the opterons but I will take HigHTecHReDNecK's words for true

Soon when enough applications are written for dual core, the dual cores will rule though. But that is still a few months off.

The upcoming AMD Fx-60 Dual Core

It all depends on what you want to do with it.

For Gaming and super-fast single thread performance, the FX series is your best bet. They are also overclocking monsters, because their multipliers are unlocked.

For multitasking, and media creation, the Athlon 64 X2 is the way to go. When you overclock 'em, they are good for gaming too. (like my X2 3800+ @ 2.6Ghz prime95 stable).

For the overclocking enthusiast, the Socket 939 Opterons look to be bad ass. Pretty much everyone I see online who overclocks them get over 3.0Ghz stable.

For a great mix of all the above (minus high-speed multitasking) the regular ol' Athlon 64's work great. The newest cores (Venice and San Diego) are highly tweaked and love to be overclocked. Lwrs10 got his 3000+ to 2.9Ghz with a little tweaking.

For under $200, yes the 3200+ is the best in price/performance. I would recommend you pick up an X2 3800+, along with an overclockable set of RAM and motherboard, if you have a little extra money to burn. Turn the clock speed up to, say 2.4-2.5, and you should be good to go!

If money is no object, wait a couple months and pick up the (rumored) dual core FX-60. They look to be damn sick.

What about the Athlon 64 X2 4800+
Wouldn't that be a good one for For multitasking, and media creation?

If so, what brand of motherboard should I look at?

I'm looking to keep my entire project at $4,000, or less...so, I don't mind spending $1,100 or $1,200 on a motherboard and CPU.

For sheer bang for buck, the 146 939 Opteron at the moment, nothing beats that.

Its such a hard question to answer when theres more variables than just black and white "what is the best...."
Like ator said, the main question being asked IS "what do you wanna do with it"
That being said.

Fastest STOCK amd processor: athlon x2 dual core 4800+
Potential speed from a low price chip: anything in the single core 939 opteron flavor
Fastest Stock, money is not an object, I need to have it now: Athlon fx 57

Quote: Originally Posted by Rockrz What about the Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Wouldn't that be a good one for For multitasking, and media creation? If so, what brand of motherboard should I look at? I'm looking to keep my entire project at $4,000, or less...so, I don't mind spending $1,100 or $1,200 on a motherboard and CPU.

Well, in that case, the DFI Lanparty UT NF4 SLI-DR and the Athlon 64 FX-57 would be your best bet. That'll cost you $1200 by itself.

What else are you planning on putting in it?

Quote: Originally Posted by Ace123 Fastest STOCK amd processor: athlon x2 dual core 4800+

Thanks. This is what I was thinking from some of the things I've read.

I want power, but I'm not planning on overclocking anything.
I'd rather stick with stock to keep things simple.

The best AMD CPU is the K6-2, IMO

Quote: Originally Posted by bigger&better The best AMD CPU is the K6-2, IMO

I don't think that is as current as the athlon x2 dual core 4800+ is it?

lmao no, its 90s super socket 7 technology