Help me find the fastest processor to go with my motherboard

[warning]

I have the Asus A7N8X Deluxe motherboard: Linky.  It's an nForce 2 motherboard and it works just fine for me.  I don't intend to replace it anytime soon but I would like to upgrade the processor.  I currently have an AthlonXP 2100 in it.

For those of you who are hardware gurus, can you tell me which processor would be the fastest I could put in this mobo?  I'm guessing the XP 3000 but I'm not sure.

I always order from Newegg.com so if you have a Newegg link to the processor I'll give you 1,000 extra points.

Thanks!

[stiffler]

I think it will depend on the revision of you motherboard.  If it is not revision 2 then it will have trouble with the 3200+ (link).

Use CPU-Z and check the "mainboard" tab.  It should tell you what revision you have.

You want a retail or OEM CPU?

3200+ Retail
3200+ OEM
3000+ Retail
3000+ OEM

[warning]

Here's what CPU-Z says:
Model: A7N8X2.0
REV 2.xx

I don't mind OEM.  The 2100 I have now is retail but OEM is no biggie.

[unbreakable]

the only difference between retail and OEM is the inclusion of a fan in the retail boxed version.

[warning]

So my mobo would run either the 3000 or the 3200?  I only thought it could handle the 3000.  Cool.

I'm guessing the fan I'm running on the 2100 would be sufficient.  I never found the retail fans to be all that great so I put my own on.

[unbongwah]

the only difference between retail and OEM is the inclusion of a fan in the retail boxed version.

Retail CPUs also come with a 3-year warranty; OEM CPUs are typically only 30 days.  Some retailers offer up to a year warranty on OEM CPUs if you buy a heatsink with it - but that's through the retailer, not the CPU manufacturer.

I'm guessing the fan I'm running on the 2100 would be sufficient.  I never found the retail fans to be all that great so I put my own on.

Retail heatsink / fans are generally adequate for regular use; you usually only want a third-party HS if you plan to overclock and/or your case gets pretty hot inside.

I personally always go with retail CPUs, largely for the warranty: the cost difference is often negligible; and while I've never held onto a CPU for a full three years, I think 30 days is much too short a warranty.  I see the retail heatsink as a freebie.