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I've finally upgraded to an X2 dual core, Socket 939 4400+, (I even managed to get the best stepping by sheer luck), and now I need a refresher on how to optimise it.

I'm downloading some drivers and utilities from AMD as follows at the moment:

AMD Power Monitor Version 1.2.3 - AMD Power Monitor displays the current frequency, voltage, utilization, and power savings of each core on each processor in a system.

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer Version 1.1.4 - The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction.

AMD Processor Driver Version 1.3.2.0053 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (x86 and x64) - Allows the system to automatically adjust the CPU speed, voltage and power combination to match the instantaneous user performance need.


I'm not to concerned about the functionality of C&Q throttling, as I've never used it successfully with my overclocks as yet.

Lastly, I need a refresher on utilising two cores in FSX to best effect.

Sorry to drag up this old subject, but I want to get my old system working as best it possibly can, so I need some solid info with regards to this specific hardware.

Its been a while since I played with AMD

The only items I used were the dual core optimizer and the driver

Driver installed first and optimizer installed second


and also, if you are not on WindowsXP SP3 x32 or WindowsXP SP2 x64 you need the Windows patch for multicore. The mentioned service pack versions already have the patch in them.

With FSX if you are on FSX SP2 there is nothing to do.. SP2 upgrades the affinity detection system and FSX will deal with the cores correctly. If you are not on SP2 then use this in the config:

[JOBSCHEDULER]
AffinityMask=xxxx

how you figure out the value is with binary

Decimal             Binary
1  = 1 core          0001
3  = 2 cores         0011
7  = 3 cores         0111
15= 4 cores         1111

input the correct binary value for xxxx

Done.

That was simpler than I expected, thanks to the Windows updates I guess, (and your help!).

With FSX if you are on FSX SP2 there is nothing to do.. SP2 upgrades the affinity detection system and FSX will deal with the cores correctly.

Would I need to re-install FSX or will it simply use the new cpu correctly?


Thanks very much Nick.

Now, I tried the same AMD driver, optimizer, and Windows hotfix too, but I saw reduced performance in FS9 at standard clocks. Did I miss something? (I installed the Windows hotfix first, then the driver, then the optimizer, rebooting when requested.)

My 3Dmark scores were as follows.

With 2001se: ( to represent older games)

Windows only = 29,514
After hotfix only = 28,898
With hotfix & AMD driver = 28,850
Hotfix, driver,

Done.

That was simpler than I expected, thanks to the Windows updates I guess, (and your help!).

With FSX if you are on FSX SP2 there is nothing to do.. SP2 upgrades the affinity detection system and FSX will deal with the cores correctly.

Would I need to re-install FSX or will it simply use the new cpu correctly?


Thanks very much Nick.

no.. it should detect on FSX boot

[quote]Now, I tried the same AMD driver, optimizer, and Windows hotfix too, but I saw reduced performance in FS9 at standard clocks. Did I miss something? (I installed the Windows hotfix first, then the driver, then the optimizer, rebooting when requested.)

My 3Dmark scores were as follows.

With 2001se: ( to represent older games)

Windows only = 29,514
After hotfix only = 28,898
With hotfix & AMD driver = 28,850
Hotfix, driver,

I just realized.. I posted to enter the BINARY value... you enter the DECIMAL value for the binary number

sorry

Have not used the setting in over a year


so for a dual core it would be =3

and thats only if you are on RTM or SP1. If you installed the SP2 patch which I highly suggest, the entire jobscheduler entry is not needed

Congo,
How well does your system run FSX?  I have a similar MB set-up and am considering upgrading CPU, Memory  and VC.  VC will be 8800GT or GTX and CPU will be what ever the bst for my MB I can get.  This is a temp upgrade until I can redo the whole system.  Just curious to see if it will be worth the effort.

THX
Joe

Hi Chief,

I've been running FSX satisfactorily on my machine for quite some time, but that was with a 3700+ cpu overclocked up around 2.8ghz with some fast DDR ram. You won't get performace like I get with stock speeds and setup.

I haven't tested the 4400+ on FSX properly. I'm having some real issues with FSX

Thanks Congo.  A total core replacement is what I figured you would say.  I will just have to do some more research to get up-to-date on the current technology.  The stuff like what I currently have is where my experience in performace enhacing characteristics is.  I will see what deals I can come up with and see what I can do.  If I were to clock my CPU i would ave to invest in some additional cooling which just adds more cost to this upgrade.  

This real estate mess has got all of my extra cash frozen so I am trying to make do with three year old technology.  It has been good but after playing FEAR i discovered my where my limits are. :-/

Thanks again.

This real estate mess has got all of my extra cash frozen so I am trying to make do with three year old technology.

I hear you there.

Your mainboard is very similar to mine with nearly the same bios options.

If you really need to stick with the current PC, try to lay your hands on a 3700+ San Diego CPU or a 4400+ X2 Toledo dual core, (ebay?).
The Sandy will overclock on your mobo close to 2.8ghz without any cooling required.

Even if you do find it needs a cooler, the coolers available will usually have mounting parts for socket 939 and socket LGA775 for Intel based cpu's, so the cooler can be migrated to a new system later.

Overclocked, the Sandy is a huge upgrade for you. I used to have a 3500+ and it was lame next to the 3700+, big difference. The 4400+ is basicly two Sandy's under one hood, but they don't go quite as fast.

You can buy a whizbang Video card too, it can be moved into the next PC if you want to do that.

There are much better cards out there than the 8800GT and they are pretty cheap, but they may be bottlenecked somewhat by the rest of your current hardware.

So yeah, overclock a 3700+ and get a cheap 8800GT perhaps, (or GTX if you get one cheap) and this would be a relatively inexpensive interim solution.

The only problem I can see is if you have a weak PSU, then that may be overcome by buying a GOOD psu that you could use in the next rig as well.

The graphics card choice is your's, personally I'd wait until building the new system before I spent big on a video card. The 8800GT or similar (9800gt - same card, new name?) is pretty cheap now and it will be a vast improvement over your present card. I ran a 6600GT, then a o/clocked 7900GS, and now an 8800GT. Big steps.

At least you do have the option of a cheapish upgrade without dumping too much money into an old system, You could still use the newer components in a new rig later on, except for the CPU, but you should be able to find a 3700+ Sandy really cheap now.

Make sure the 3700+ is socket 939 if you get one.

Compatible models are:

ADA3700DAA5BN =

Thanks for the info, Congo.  I will see what I can find.  I never had CFS2, only CFS.  I have been looking for CFS3 for cheap.  I run FS9 now butI need to do a reinstall.  It is all corrupt from something, so I figure now is a good time to do an interum upgrade.  

One question.  You say the 4400 X2 is basically 2 Sandys, so why wouldn't it be better to go with that instead of a 3700 Sandy?  Does it have to do with the fact that the X2 won't clock as much or is it the expense?  

The good 939 duals are limited to the 4400+, the 4800+, the FX60, and a one or two Opterons with suitable multipliers.

The 3700+ offers a little more core speed (usually) but that is probably offset by a little help with the second core on the duals, at least with FSX.

Thanks again, Congo.  I found some 3700+ Sandys on ebay as well as new from pricewatch fro around 30-40 dollars and they are the boxed retail versions.  I will see if I can slide it by the wife.  I just had to get a new North Bridge cooler so maybe I can slide this in as part of the "fix".    ;)  

[quote]I just had to get a new North Bridge cooler so maybe I can slide this in as part of the "fix".