Hiya, Im looking to switch from an Intel based machine to an AMD based machine. I am going to run the ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe MoBo with dual Asus 6600GT video cards. As I do the research to find what CPU I am going to use I come across different cores. What is the difference between the AMD cores? (Sledgehammer, Clawhammer, Venice, ect.?) I don't plan on overclocking or too much tweaking. Basically plug and play. I am wanting to use the AMD Athlon 64. I am a MMORPG gamer and am looking to get the most for my buck. Thanks for your help in advance. Brian
Sledgehammer and Clawhammer are the earliest versions of the A64. I believe these come with 1MB L2 cache. Newer cores, like Winchester and Venice come with 512kB L2 cache. However, memory controller performance and compatibility have been improved along the way, so take that into consideration. Another thing about the newer cores like Venice, is that they have gone to a smaller manufacturing process at 90nm instead of the 130nm process. As far as gaming is concerned, they're probably not going to notice a difference between the cores at the same speed grade (i.e. 3000+). I'd go for the retail box instead of the OEM version of the CPU. The retail box includes the CPU, heatsink and fan, a 3-year warranty from AMD and instructions. The OEM version just includes the CPU and whatever warranty you get from the place of purchase, typically 30-90 days. You have to buy the cooler for it as well. Make sure you're getting a Socket 939 CPU as that's what the motherboard uses, and what AMD's long-term/performance socket is for the mainstream. Socket 754 is the designated value socket, and while Athlons for it do exist, you'll be limited to the 3400+ at the top of the chain and look at Sempron's for your future CPU upgrades on that platform. Nothing wrong with that, but if you're wanting an Athlon in your future, make sure it's S939.
