EM64T and CPU/Memory/XP Question

[FLFlyGuy]

I currently have a P4 3.4 GHz (series 550) in my computer and 4 GB of Ram, running XP Professional (I didn't know windows wouldn't let me use it all!)  Windows only sees 2.87 GB of that.  This processor does not support EM64T, which I learned about while researching the 3.8 I mention below, but I do not understand everything about it.

I am seriously considering picking up a P4 3.8 GHz (series 571) to replace this 3.4 hoping for a good enough bump to help FSX.  This processor does support EM64T.  

If I get this processor will it allow Windows to see/use all of the 4 GB of ram?  Or is XP Professional, being a 32-bit OS the limiting problem?  ???

I will probably get it regardless, but if it would allow me full use of my ram I'll get it even quicker!

Thanks in advance for your help.

[NicksFXHouse]

1. Its Windows causing the problem

2. XP x64 requires an x64 processor and supporting motherboard to install, or it will refuse to install.

3. XP x64 will recognize and run up to 16terabytes of memory

4. 4gigs of memory is a waste,,, the most the system will use with FSX is 2 gig. 3 gig is fine especially with VISTA however 4 is only needed for server applications and professional video editing stations. Your system will never use 4 gigs of memory in FS9 or FSX, ever

[FLFlyGuy]

Thanks...kinda what I thought.  I did notice a slight improvement going from the 2 gig to the 2.87.  I don't use any programs to shut down anti-virus, etc., so maybe that helped.

Also, FSX was working fine before adding the add'l memory except that the instant replay would freeze up, instantly.  After I installed the additional ram it now plays as it should.  

The ram I have is the DDR2 PC2-4200 and truth be told, it did not seem any faster than the older memory I had in a previous system.  Actually, it seemed a tad slower...maybe that's just my perception.  

I know the 3.8 GHz won't be a huge improvement, but again it will probably be just enough to help.  My vid is a BFG GeForce 7900 GTOC (256MB) so I guess moving up to a 512 and maybe something a little more expensive would be about all I could do to improve FSX experience.  Thoughts on that?

[Mees]

If you consider moving up to 512 i'd buy another 7900GT for SLi, but you might want something else.



I also assume your CPU is single core, so you might not want to do that upgrade at all, i'd go for a new motherboard and a E6400 immediately...

[DizZa]

Instead of getting the P4 571, get the Pentium 4 671. OR better yet, but a Core 2 duo and a new motherboard. That will be way cheaper than getting a 3.8ghz, slow, overpriced Pentium 4.

[ctjoyce]

P4 chips are only a few months away from becoming celerons.

The E6400 is a waste. Its just a clock speed that makes it more expensive. Go with the E6600 or the E6300. If your motherboard dosn't support the Core 2's then a 950 Presler is a nice bridge.

Cheers
Cameron

[cheesegrater]

I am seriously considering picking up a P4 3.8 GHz (series 571) to replace this 3.4 hoping for a good enough bump to help FSX.  This processor does support EM64T.

With your system I would consider a CPU upgrade, however upgrading from a Pentium 4 to a Pentium 4 won't help.

Core 2 Duo are the best processors right now. The E6300 is something like $183. It goes up from there.

If you are short on money I wouldn't buy anything less than an Athlon 64, or Pentium D if you don't want to buy a new mobo.

[DizZa]

P4 chips are only a few months away from becoming celerons.

The E6400 is a waste. Its just a clock speed that makes it more expensive. Go with the E6600 or the E6300. If your motherboard dosn't support the Core 2's then a 950 Presler is a nice bridge.

Cheers
Cameron

I thought they WERE Celerons?

[GeForce]

The E6400 is a waste. Its just a clock speed that makes it more expensive. Go with the E6600 or the E6300.

Well, matter of opinion. What you're really paying for is the higher multiplier (8 instead of 7).

Jon

[FLFlyGuy]

Thanks for all the recs.  I won't be building a new system until the DX10 cards and Vista are out.

Right now the only option I have without switching m/b is the 571 chip.  Pentium D just doesn't make sense for me.  From the reviews/tests I have read there really wouldn't be a whole lot of difference.  I would pay for a new chip AND a new m/b, which is still at 800 FSB and probably not much improvement over the 571.

Nah, I'll just drop the 571 into present m/b.  I'll then "retire" it to backup status when I build a Core 2 Duo system.

[NicksFXHouse]

good choice

In about 90 days allot of the questions will be answered and money will be much better spent.