Alpha 21264 1.22 GHz processor

Advantages: Cheap, silent, easy to overclock
Disadvantages: Heatsink can be a bit fiddlly to install

...With the right motherboard this cpu can be overclocked to 3 GHZ with no problem. Even on a cheap motherboard (abit ip95)i have overclocked to 2.2GHz just by raising the fsb by 10% The processor is excellent for anyone building a cheap HTPC teamed up with 1GB DDR/DDR2 ram and a cheap pci graphics card this will run windows vista ultimate with ease. The dual core enables you to run multi applications without any slow down of the pc. It is nearly silent with the supplied fan and heatsink and even overclocked it run cooler than my previous cpu (pentuim 4 2.8) I have benchmarked this processor against a E4300 and can see no difference in performance in everyday use. Installation couldn't be easier altought the clips on the the heatsink can be a bit fiddly.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Cheap, Power,
Disadvantages: L2 Chache size

...what's good? Price Performance per pound Overclocking ability What's not so good? Lack of L2 Cache sometimes begins to show I bought this processor when a 1.8 Ghz Duron I orded was dead on arrival. I have to say, for the price I paid (£25 - OEM) is a complete bargain! It runs smoothly as long as you treat it the way it deservers. At the end of the day, it's a budget processor, not a flashy new Athlon 64. I doubt it would have enough grunt for the latest games, but for what I ask it to do (audio and MIDI editing, running a lot of soft synths, etc) it's absolutely flawless. I run it with a bog standard Coolermaster cooler, and it's never gone past 32 degree's, which I reckon is pretty good! On a couple of occasions, I have found myself wanting a little more power, for example encoding tracks to MP3. I guess this is where... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great overclocking potential
Disadvantages: Not world-leading performance

...I bought this CPU a year ago, and it was a 3700 KAB1E stepping, one of the gems of this CPU is its massive overclocking potential, with the KABxE series being the pinnacles, as such i have maintained an overclock to 3.07 GHz, making this faster than the £500 FX57 CPU, all for free! This CPU is 2.2 GHz with a 200 MHz FSB like all Athlon 64's and has a multiplier of 11x, however you can lower this but not raise it. This CPU isn't too quick anymore, but for a budget single core its nice and cheap, and can still put up a fight when overclocked, and is a great upgrade if you have a socket 939 motherboard as you can upgrade your CPU without needing a new Mobo/Ram.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful