Member Avatar for NiTeHaWk4787

Hey, does anyone know if theirs a noticable difference between regular AMD 3500+'s with Newcastle cores compared to the 3500+'s with a 90nm core (Winchester)? Thanks.

  • 2 Contributors
  • 5 Replies
  • 104 Views
  • 1 Day Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

Dani AI

Generated

Brief context: asked whether the two 3500+ variants differ, and already covered performance and identification. The notes below add practical buying, verification and post-install checks so the CPU you pick actually works well in your board and gives long‑term trouble‑free service.

Before you buy: confirm the exact socket and the motherboard vendor CPU support list (and whether a BIOS update is needed for later steppings). Decide if you want retail (boxed) or OEM: boxed CPUs usually include the cooler and full packaging; OEM chips can be cheaper but often lack a cooler and returnable packaging. If buying used, check seller feedback, ask for clear photos of the top of the heatspreader and the pins (bent pins are common failure points on PGA AMD parts).

First install and verification: update the motherboard BIOS first if an update is available. Install the CPU with a known-good cooler, use fresh thermal paste, and boot with minimal components to confirm POST and that the board detects the CPU. Run a memory check (memtest86+) and a CPU stress test (Prime95 or OCCT) while monitoring temps and voltages with a hardware monitor. If it fails early, reseat cooler, reapply paste, or test another stick of RAM before returning the CPU.

If you plan to overclock or keep the system long term: take small steps, watch VRM temperatures on older boards, and prioritize lower running temperatures for reliability. Don’t choose based on a marketing sticker — validate the part and return policy instead. These practical checks complement ’s identification tips and avoid surprises after the purchase.

Recommended Answers

All 5 Replies

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If you mean a difference in performance then no, there's not ;)

Member Avatar for NiTeHaWk4787

Any difference at all minus performance difference?

Member Avatar for Catweazle

If you mean visual difference, for identification purposes, then you'd need to remove the heatspreader to see it. The die core of the Winchester is about 40% smaller. If you are trying to identify which processor core you have, it'd be best to check the OPN code on the processor. For the Newcastle cored 3500+ that is ADA3500DEP4AW and for the Winchester core 3500+ it is ADA3500DIK4BI

Does that help?

Member Avatar for NiTeHaWk4787

Yup, I was just wondering because i'm buying one but wasnt sure which to choose from, I think ill get the 90nm because it has a "Enhanced by SP2" sticker on the box lol.. nah but I guess since its newer and a smaller core might as well get the newer technology it works like the other 3500+ no compatibility issues.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

Better purchase because it should run cooler, I'd consider. 67 watts as compared to 89 watts ;)

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.