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rk25123

macrumors regular
Original poster
Aug 17, 2010
167
27
I can get a used W3690 for the same price of a new W3680 (little less than 600€)... Which one should I get?

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
I know that, if they were both new it would be a no-brainer, but since the W3690 is used I'm kind of leaning towards the W3680, so that I'd have warranty.

Sorry, I didn't read carefully enough, I thought they were both used. Since there's not much speed difference, I'd probably go for the new chip.
 
I bought a used W3680 two weeks ago, no issues at all with the used chip. I would go for the used W3690.
 
Like others, I'm not afraid of used CPUs. I'm more concerned with the seller, and would base the decision on that.
 
Interesting, most people suggest the used one... Are these CPUs that reliable? What if it has been used on 100% load for years? I know it's not a car, but doesn't a CPU wear out a little due to heat? Plus the new one would have Intel's 3 years warranty...

So, it's new with 3 years warranty vs used, no warranty, but 0,13 GHz faster. In other words, peace of mind vs just a bit more power.
 
I also bought a used W3680, works perfectly fine. Been 3 weeks without a power down, absolutely stable
 
I can get a used W3690 for the same price of a new W3680 (little less than 600€)... Which one should I get?

Thanks for the suggestions!

W3690s used were selling for less than $600US. They also came in some Dell T3500 workstations. You could probably find the dell for cheaper and swap CPUs and then you could have an extra fully functional workstation.
 
Interesting, most people suggest the used one... Are these CPUs that reliable? What if it has been used on 100% load for years? I know it's not a car, but doesn't a CPU wear out a little due to heat? Plus the new one would have Intel's 3 years warranty...

So, it's new with 3 years warranty vs used, no warranty, but 0,13 GHz faster. In other words, peace of mind vs just a bit more power.

CPU failure is very rare, but it seems to concern you quite a bit so maybe just go with the new W3680? In your situation I'd get a used W3680 as I don't think the clock speed is worth it, nor would I be worried about the reliability of it.
 
I upgraded to a used W3690 from ebay and I have had no issues at all running for a month and a half.
 
Like others, I'm not afraid of used CPUs. I'm more concerned with the seller, and would base the decision on that.

Seconded. I'm struggling to think of a single CPU that I've bought used that's failed on me never mind just for Mac Pro that wasn't DOA. Touch wood none of them I've bought for the towers ever have arrived not working from Europe, the states or Asia!

If budget is king the w3670 work fine and are much, much cheaper used than the 80-90 chips.
 
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