Is Opteron Underutilized in a Desktop PC Without 64-bit Windows?

In summary, the Athlon 64 FX is a highly praised CPU for its performance in gaming, graphics, and other intensive tasks. It is more expensive than the Athlon 64 due to its unlocked overclocking capabilities and compatibility with the faster HyperTransport bus. However, if you do not need the 64-bit feature, the Athlon 64 can provide similar speed at a lower cost. The Opteron 1xx series is another alternative, but it is cheaper due to being locked and may not have the same level of performance as the Athlon FX. Without utilizing the 64-bit extensions, the Athlon 64 may not be fully utilized.
  • #1
Saint
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Can I use Opteron to configure a desktop PC?
 
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  • #2
Why Athlon 64 FX is more expensive than just Athlon 64 ?
 
  • #3
Saint said:
Why Athlon 64 FX is more expensive than just Athlon 64 ?

In short, it's better. :biggrin:

According to AMD fans, it's simply the best CPU you can get for your PC. It was made for cinematic purposes - great for games, graphics, photo/video editing.

On PCWorld, the fastest PCs are always running the FX but they get lower ratings due to the higher price.

http://www.pcworld.com/reviews/article/0,aid,117417,00.asp

Can I use Opteron to configure a desktop PC?

I've heard of small businesses doing this. The FX or basic AMD64 should have more than enough speed for tough computing tasks. If you want 64-bit technology, go with one of those.
 
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  • #4
Athlon 64, Athlon FX, Sempron, Opteron

Saint said:
Why Athlon 64 FX is more expensive than just Athlon 64 ?
The FX is sold unlocked for overclocking and also plugs into socket 940 which uses the faster HyperTransport bus. The Athlon 64 plugs into the old and slower socket 754, unless they are the newer more-expensive ones which use the new HyperTransport-enabled socket 939 (which also has the added speed advantage of not requiring registered memory). Also, some of the Athlon 64 models only have 512K of L2 cache.

If you want Athlon 64 speed, but don't need the 64-bit feature, you can choose the higher-end http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?catalog=343&DEPA=1&submit=property&mfrcode=0&propertycode=&propertycodevalue=6355 which are basically Athlon 64s with their 64-bit instruction sets disabled (look for the ones that say, "FSB: Integrated into Chip" -- the other ones are just relabeled Athlon FXs).

Also worth mentioning is that the Opteron 1xx series is a cheaper (because it comes locked) alternative to the socket 940 Athlon FX.
 
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without 64-bit Windows, does it mean Athlon 64 is underutilized?
 
  • #6
without 64-bit Windows, does it mean Athlon 64 is underutilized?
That seems to be a tautology. The answer is, "Yes. If you are not using the 64-bit extensions to the instruction set, then you are not using the 64-bit extensions to the instruction set. Generally, it might be said that if you are not using something then you are not using that thing."
 

Related to Is Opteron Underutilized in a Desktop PC Without 64-bit Windows?

1. What is an Opteron processor?

An Opteron processor is a type of central processing unit (CPU) designed and manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). It is commonly used in server and workstation computers for high-performance computing tasks.

2. Can Opteron processors be used in desktop PCs?

Yes, Opteron processors can be used in desktop PCs. However, they are primarily designed for server and workstation use, so they may not be the most cost-effective option for a standard desktop computer.

3. What are the benefits of using an Opteron processor in a desktop PC?

Opteron processors offer high performance and multitasking capabilities, making them suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and data analysis. They also have multiple cores and support for virtualization technology.

4. Are there any drawbacks to using an Opteron processor in a desktop PC?

One potential drawback is that Opteron processors may be more expensive than other options for desktop PCs. They also consume more power and produce more heat, which can be an issue for smaller or less ventilated computer cases.

5. How do Opteron processors compare to other processors on the market?

Opteron processors are generally seen as a strong competitor to Intel's Xeon processors, which are also commonly used in servers and workstations. They have similar performance capabilities, but the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference and specific needs for the computer system.

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