Dear Silent PC Gurus,

I am about to buy a Compaq Presario desktop with an Athlon 64 chip. I need to decide between the 3200+ or 3400+ chip (both 1MB L2 cache, Clawhammer). Will the 3400+ be hotter and therefore noisier, or should both be about equal in noise? By the way, I know that Compaq implements the Cool 'n Quiet feature.

Any advice / help will be appreciated!

Thanks,

Don

Hello Don:

First off, welcome to SPCR!

Secondly, is an OEM system, yes the 3400+ might be a smidge hotter, but I can't think it would be more than a degree or two. Depending on the case and the design of the mobo, you might be able to swap out the stock HSF with one that will be quieter and cooler, too. But as far as the possible extra heat being the tipping point...I think the price difference would be a more important choice.

Dear Neil,

Thanks for the advice on the Athlon 64 3400+ versus 3200+. The price difference is only $90, so it seems to be worth it.

What would recommend for the high speed fan? From your note, I infer that you need to know the motherboard and case before you can offer advice on the fan. When my Compaq Presario SA4000Z desktop arrives, I'll post a note giving details of the mobo, case, fan, etc. Would you then be willing to advise me?

Thanks,

Don