athlon 64 x2 or opertron
 

i am interested in getting a new cpu and i would like to know what is the better option to get..... the athlon 64 x2 3800 or the amd opteron 148?

What are you planning on doing with this pc?

gaming and well regular computer stuff

From what i read, the biggest difference between the two is how much memory the processors can support, and the opteron can be used in 1, 2, 4, or 8 processor set ups where the 64 can only be used in single processor setups. If your not going to run over 4 gig of RAM and not going to be running multiple processors (I can't really think of a reason a gaming rig would need more than 4 gig or more than one higher end processor), then go with the 64

so the opertron isn't a "budget" cpu like how the celeron?

No, Opteron is designed for servers that need lots of CPUs and the various memories.

ah ok it is designed for servers

this question came to mind becuase i was noticing that so many people had a opteron as a cpu for their computer

you are thinking of the socket 940's, he's looking at the socket 939. the two are COMPLETELY different.

the 940's CAN support more than 1 processor.
140-154 - single core, 1-way (meaning 1 processor only)
165-180 - dual core, 1-way

240-254 - single core, 2-way (meaning 2 processors)
265-280 - dual core, 2-way

840-854 - single core, 8-way (meaning up to 8 processors)
865-880 - dual core, 8-way

the 939's are a different story. they only come in the 1xx series...so only one processor per system. these opterons work on MOST 939 boards, but you'll probably need a bios update.

also, the 939 opterons also support regular pc3200 memory, while the 940's require ECC memory. so, with the 939 opterons, you'll be getting a max of 4gigs.

but...back to the question:
the socket 939 Opteron 165 is the best equivalent to the x2 3800. they have two differences.
165 - 1.8Ghz, 2x1Mb Cache
x2 3800 - 2.0Ghx, 2x512Kb Cache

the two perform just about the same though.

the only real reason to go for the 165 is if you are looking to overclock. these guys are a beast, and can frequently hit 2.6+Ghz, which would be like having the FX-60 (dual core, 2.6Ghz, 2x1Mb). you'd have a $1000 processor for a fraction of the price.

i would definately go dual core for a new system.

good call asusdevil83, i think tomshardware got into the naming scheme a month or so ago. if your going to game get the athlon 64, 939 pin. ideally the opteron is the best for overclocking, but spend that time and money on your video card instead, and ram

asudevil, or anyone else, any experience with dual 265's on various boards? Stability, memory compatibility, voltage & frequency controls, etc. My own setup will be cautiously maximized for mysql, file, and builds. I do need to test a couple configurations (workstation vs. big RAID) so may just order & experiment.

I do not work with enough SMP boxes these days. :(