Was wondering if someone could enlighten me. I'm purchasing a new system and handing down the old one to a family member. He'd like a little more "oomph" than what the current CPU offers (AMD 2200 @ 1.8GHz). He has access to either an AMD 2700 @ 2.17GHz or an AMD 3000 Barton @ 2.16GHz and asked me for guidance; I have none to give. Is there a big difference here regarding performance, longevity etc? I'd appreciate any insight.Rick

>>He has access to either an AMD>2700 @ 2.17GHz or an AMD 3000 Barton @ 2.16GHz and what does it mean? Free access?These days anybody who is buying an AMD CPU (for gaming) which is not 64-bit is really making big mistake in my opinion. Tell him to get "access" to some AMD Athlon 64. The price differential is about $100. Well worth the money.Michael J.WinXP-Home SP2,AMD64 3500+,Abit AV8,Radeon X800Pro,36GB Raptor,1GB PC3200,Audigy 2

Michael,Thank you for stating the obvious. I know that, you know that and heck, even my teenage nephew who's aquiring my old system knows that. What "access" he has to the aforementioned, dated CPUs I don't know. But I'm certain it's not free and if he had the money to aquire 64-bit technology, he would; he's quite bright. Your response wasn't worth the time spent reading it. I'll be lucky to receive helpful advice after this post, I'm sure; but I remain hopeful. Meanwhile, I hope you respond well to constructive criticsm; stop trying to come off as a Cordan Bleu at a chili cook-off. Ask before you assume...

>Your response wasn't worth the time spent>reading it. Thanks pal. I did indeed wasted my time replying and probably even reading it in the first place.. :-fumeMichael J.WinXP-Home SP2,AMD64 3500+,Abit AV8,Radeon X800Pro,36GB Raptor,1GB PC3200,Audigy 2

Hi Rick,Both CPU's you mentioned are designed to run at a FSB of 333Mhz (166 in the BIOS). Hopefully the system has PC2700 memory (also rated for 333Mhz) and the motherboard can run at 333Mhz (I'm sure it does).The final piece of the puzzle will be the motherboard's BIOS. The motherboard manufacturer's website is the place to go for BIOS info and downloads. The site should have info on the fastest CPU each version of BIOS can run (usually best to simply find the latest BIOS and flash it to the m/:(. In the end the BIOS will probably determine which CPU is purchased (the price difference between the two is insignificant).Hope this helps,Greg

Rick,Michael's reply to you was a minor dig about your lack of clarity of the issue but mostly help, yet your response was totally forked tongue - shame on you. Anyway, the 3000+ Barton is a more efficient core / faster processor and hence, if your teenage nephew has "access" to such, is the best choice.Gary

Thanks pal. I did indeed wasted my time replying and probably even reading it in the first place..We agree...Greg,Thanks for taking the time to answer. I sincerely appreciate it.Rick,Michael's reply to you was a minor dig about your lack of clarity of the issue but mostly help, yet your response was totally forked tongue - shame on you. Anyway, the 3000+ Barton is a more efficient core / faster processor and hence, if your teenage nephew has "access" to such, is the best choice.Gary,Again with the "access"?...exactly what should I have said? Should I have stated "he is only willing or able to purchase at this time..."? Would Michael's answer then have been succinct and to the point? The difference between the two CPU's as originally stated? Or would it be the same "this is what he should be buying" stuff? There was no lack of clarity, Gary. DON'T shame me, alright? He didn't answer my question and and I felt talked down to. Defend him if you wish; it's not my concern.

Without getting involved in the argument ..........I'll just say this ......... For FS the faster the better- provided the mobo/RAM and PSU etc. will support it.Bear in mind that the faster AMD CPUs are very power hungry and very often people fit such CPUs only to find that the system is unstable due to a lack of PSU ability.Dave

I suggest you focus on the help offered in ALL comments offered so far, and not get caught up on sideline statements/queries that seem to trigger a nasty-like streak in you. We are trying to help each other here, and Michael's response offered a valid alternative to consider. Heck, I think even I offered an opinion directly related to the original query. I'll say it again - go for the Barton core CPU as it 'tis much betterer.Gary

Hi Gary,"...go for the Barton core CPU as it 'tis much betterer."That being said, he needs to make sure his motherboard/BIOS combo can handle the Barton (512K of L2 cache). His present system is built on the Thoroughbred CPU (256K of L2). Some motherboards won't handle both.Regards,Greg

We are trying to help each other here, and Michael's response offered a valid alternative to consider. Heck, I think even I offered an opinion directly related to the original query.You did offer a valid opinion, Gary. Thank you. I'll bear your technical advice in mind; just don't try to instill your views of forum etiquette on me. I just asked for an opinion between 2 items and got one for someting not even mentioned. It just wasn't helpful, and still isn't. I have some information finally that I asked for and am willing to leave it as such. Let's drop this.