Hi, I have a Micromaxx computer, with a AMD Athlon XP 1800+ (1.53ghz) I am interested in upgrading to a new processor, I've upgraded gfx card and memory so processor is now lagging behind. I think I'm right in saying that I would need a 754pin or Socket A processor, but I really don't want to spend and then find out it doesnt work. I think I would want an AMD Athlon 64 3200, 3400 etc, but can you explain why the clock speed is much lower than say a equivalent priced Intel processor. Ones 2.2ghz, the other is 3.0ghz. Is that relevant as I always thought it was all the clock speed but do I think wrong. Thanks Any help extra to the subject is very welcome. Cheers!
AMD CPUs do more per clock cycle so an AMD CPU at 2.2ghz is as fast as an Intel at 3 or 3.2 ghz. The diffence is due to different CPU architecture and that AMD's have an onboard memory controller right on the CPU. So CPU speed isnt all about ghz, which is what i thought untill i did some research. what price range are you looking at for your CPU.
Clock speed is not a reliable indicator of performance anymore. AMD CPUs perform much better than Intel CPUs at the same clock speed, thus only the 3GHz Intel ones can compete. If you're looking for a upgrade, I'd stray away from S754 or Socket A. They're both outdated, especially SocketA. You're better off getting a Socket 939 motherboard with an Athlon 64 3000 or higher. That'll give you more upgrade options if needed.
If you're looking for a straight CPU upgrade with what you have, then you may see if you can find an Athlon XP 2600+ with a 266MHz FSB. However, if you have a few hundred to spend, then I'd go to a Socket 939 platform.
Cheers guys, really appreciate your help!! I'm going to have a look at motherboard bundles, how easy are they to install? I'd be interested in getting one that can have my RAM that I use at the moment so I could add it all together and of the motherboard bundles I have seen, they are without gfx card, as I have a 9600xt which I am very pleased with. My RAM, I cant find out what type it is quickly, although I did order a 512mb extra which worked perfectly. I think its SDRAM, as I had to not get a Dimm model as it wouldn't work A few ideas http://www.savastore.com/productinfo/product.aspx?catalog_name=Savastore&product_id=10275596&pid=40 http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/specpage.html?MBB-643451 I'm in the UK, willing to spend approx £200 if it were on a motherboard bundle EDIT - Just been looking around a bit more. http://www.digit-life.com/articles2/roundupmobo/athlon-64-3400.html This sounds very good for me, and its socket 754, just another idea to throw into the pile. Thats if my Computer has socket 754 not A
Motherboards aren't terribly difficult. Of course, this is assuming you read the directions. These days most things are auto-detected, and if you have to set any jumpers, there's usually just a few. Just make sure to power the motherboard on outside of the case first. Things you may want to factor in on the upgrade; -Power supply. What you have in your current machine is probably not going to be enough to run an A64 setup. -RAM: you need to have PC3200 DDR for the A64 route. If you go to Intel you'll need at least PC3200 DDR2, possibly faster.
Sorry I dont really understand what you mean by power supply, and I take it you mean my current RAM would not be compatible with a new motherboard I were to get
The power supply you have is probably less than 350W, and thats short of what you need to run an A64 system. For what you'd need, you're looking at anywhere from $60-100, depending on the particular unit you get. For the RAM, even if it is DDR, it's likely to be PC2100, and you'd need PC3200 (unless you want to throttle down your performance). If it's plain SDR SDRAM, then you have no choice but to get new RAM.
So would a power supply comes with the new motherboard, and it is theoretical to use Ddr Sdram with the new processor even if it wouldn't increase performance greatly (I wouldn't buy any new of that. I just want to waste the old memory) EDIT Finally found some decent AMD Athlon XP's, the most recent I could find on other sites was 1800 (my one) but I found a 3200+ which sounds good. If the 3200 means it is as good as a 3.2ghz processor of equivalent quality (intel) And I wouldn't need anything extra for that eh? Here it is http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=62051 Can you also help me out with what these are? http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=51760 Cheers
The Athlon XP 3200 isn't quite as fast as a P4 3.3GHz, an A64 is however. It will be good for most things though, and gaming won't be too bad with it. I would actually recommend this Abit NF7-S ver2. Its very good and has great reviews and overclocking potential. http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=63401
Unless a store is offering a power supply with the motherboard, no, motherboards don't come with a power supply. AMD's PR ratings for the Athlon XP are based off what the clock speed of the original Socket A core, Thunderbird, would need to run to offer the same performance. It is NOT related to the performance of an Intel processor. It was part of a marketing strategy to gain a larger customer base. People were basing the entire speed of the computer on how fast the CPU clock speed was, and Intel had that game in the bag.
Well guys, thanks for your help. I think this will be my last query. Would it be fine to just buy the Xp 3200 that I showed you, and a fan. I would love to get a new motherboard but I would want to use my old Ram and I doubt I could do that. Any little extras on top of my suggested buy and any last comments would be great
Well, without knowing what motherboard you have, it's a little hard to say yes. Probably the easiest thing to do is download something like Everest Home Edition or SiSoft Sandra and see what it says you have as the chipset. The other alternative is to contact your PC's manufacturer and find out how fast of a CPU you can put in there. It's silly to buy a CPU and not know if it's supported first.
Maybe it would be a better idea to buy a Mobile Athlon XP if you really want to stay with Socket A. However I had the same problem 2 months ago. My Athlon 1700+ died and I had to choose, stay with Socket A or change. I chose the first solution and after 2 weeks sold that crap and bought AMD Athlon 64 3000+ (Socket 939) and overclocked it from 1800 to 2533MHz and bought a decent ASUS A8V Deluxe mobo. I don't regret. I will be enough for some time... And I spent only 280USD.
The main issue is what CPU's that motherboard supports. I don't know about you, but I want to make sure the CPU I get is able to run at full speed in the motherboard.
I have heard of but never come across mobile versions of stuff. Would it be too much trouble to give a quick explanation of them. They sound good Big B, I'm gonna have look at those programs and Ill report back soon
I guess they are hard to get now in shops, but you may try ebay or internet shops. In Poland you can get Athlon XP-M 2800+ which runs at 4000+ for 100USD, and this is certainly higher price than in USA. Athlon Mobile are Barton core Ahtlons but running at 266MHz FSB and unlocked multiplier, so if your mobo enables you to change FSB and multiplier you can try to overclock it much more than a desktop version. Of course many of Athlon Mobile processors have lower Vcore (1.45V or even lower). I'm not able to write more, but I remember that lots of people were extremely satisfied with their overclocking capabilities.
yeah i remember reading an article a long time back saying how the mobile cpu's were going to make a bigger appearance as they run on a lower vcore and had much better overclocking capabilites...they sound like a good idea, you'd need good cooling though if you wanted to push it really far...
