CPU Upgrade

[Bubblehead]

Need anyone's critique on this. Got an AMD Athlon XP 2600+mounted on an Asus A7N8XRev.2 Deluxe mobo, 1 G RAM, ATI Radeon 9800 Pro, running 2.1MHz, WinXP OS. For a couple of C-notes, I can get me a 3200+. My Bios version is OK. Socket is OK. The 3200+ is  Model 10 Barton however while the existing processor is Model 8 Ahtlon, if this makes any difference. Is this a a sensible move?

Thanks.  Bubblehead  

[4_Series_Scania]

I think you'll see an improvement, however, you'd see a better improvement by upgrading the 9800 to a 6600 / 6800 card.

Otherwise, the 3200 will be happy with your Asus A7N8X setup.  :)

[congo]

Hi Bubblehead,

I answered a couple of similar threads like this one recently.

To get the full potential from such an upgrade you will need 2 x 512mb PC3200 DDR RAM modules running in dual channel mode on the 400mhz bus speed that an AMD XP3200+ runs at.

The RAM needs to run "in sync" at the same speed as the front side bus to obtain maximum system bandwidth.

The added processing power of the 3200+ will be substantially complimented by the switch from your present 333mhz (ddr) Front Side Bus speed to the new FSB speed of 400mhz.

The 2600+ cpu you have is an older generation CPU which has an unlocked multiplier if I'm correct. (model 8 )
That cpu had limited overclock potential due to heat issues arising from the manufacturing process. It is also

[Bubblehead]

Congo:

Thanks for the input. Gave me good options. I'm not ready for the 64 bit system yet because I'm  still do not fully understand the SLI/PCI-Express bit plus what  components do I have to replace other than the mobo and the CPU if I go that route.  My existing RAMs are matched 512M DDR 400 MHz already. I will go for the 3200+ upgrade at present but I am already listing component  specifications on my next system  (64-bit) which hopefully should last me 3-4 years down the line. You know as the saying goes, "There are only two types of technology, the EXPERIMENTAL and the OBSOLETE". Question: What other peripherals should I be concerned about other than the mobo, CPU and RAM if I decide to go 64-bit? Can I still use my video card (ATI Radeon 9800 Pro AGP) ?

Bubblehead

[congo]

The only components you require are the 64bit CPU and mainboard for a 64bit upgrade.

You only need to choose a 64bit chipset (socket 939) that has an AGP slot.

An "nForce3 Ultra" chipset will do the job nicely I believe.
Here is an example:
http://tw.giga-byte.com/MotherBoard/Pro ... ra-939.htm

There are via chipsets as well.

I not sure if there is an nforce4 board with AGP, I haven't seen one yet.

Many will whine about AGP, but it will be some time before PCIe graphics become the standard, and when they do, you will have better video card and mainboard upgrade options to choose from, no doubt at better prices as well. Right now there is a little bit of a premium on the new technology.

There is nothing wrong with AGP graphics in the current software environment.