Author Topic: Upgrade Quandry (Read 239 times)

bockko · « **on:** January 22, 2005, 02:12:32 PM »

Hello all, I'd like to tap your experience as I ponder a cpu upgrade. I am currently running a P4 2.4c, which runs pretty well, but does slow down in busy areas. I could easily plug in a 3.0 or 3.2 gig P4, but I am concerned about the heat issue. I could also go the athlon 64 route, but the $$ of buying mobo and cpu and perhaps ram isn't high on my list.

how do the 64's run vs. the p4's? I'd like to end up with no hiccups or slowdowns during combat in furbals, smoke etc. I am not an AMD guy, but the benchmarks for the 64's sure do impress.

Last Q: do you get a big bang going socket 939 vs 754?

thks!

Hajo · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2005, 04:26:43 PM »

Just built the Athlon64 3400....rated at 2.2 but runs at 2.4

Benched it against Pent4 2.66, 2.8, and 3.1s'

Beat all 3 in passmarks performance test.

The Athlon64 3400 is a 754 socket.

But...always use what you are comfortable with. I'm familiar with the AMDs so I build them. Never been disappointed. And I'm sure the Pent users will say the same.

Just shop for the best buy.

Kev367th · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2005, 05:35:14 PM »

The 939 vs 754 bang for you buck isn't really the argument anymore.

939 is the current and future -
1) 754 will NOT see dual core AMD64s.
2) 754 does not support dual channel memory.
3) Higher clockspeeds will be limited to 939 only

RAM - As long as you have quality DDR400 CAS2 ram there is a good chance it will work on the current 939s.
The only time you definately need new ram is for the socket 940s.

Could also argue that AMD 64 bit is becoming so popular, that Intel is releasing their own (kludged) 32/64 bit CPU very soon in an attempt to regain some of the market.

As for P4 vs AMD64, for the cost/performance AMD64 works out better.
Then again I am slightly buyest (check sig).

bockko · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2005, 10:20:35 PM »

thanks guys; any limitations with running win 98 vs. xp?

Just a note: never play with heat sinks and arctic silver when drinking wine; boy, that cpu and heat sink gets hot when you forget to plug in the fan power plug!:rofl

blackfalcon4 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 23, 2005, 07:43:19 AM »

What mobo you running now?

What vid card also?

If they are up to par then I'd say upgrade the cpu.

If your worried about heat then change the cpu heatsink/fan along w/cpu and possibly the case for better cooling.

If your intent on changing mobo/cpu the I'd recommend the AMD64 setup

Run an OC FX53 myself all detail as high as will go w/ no hits, runs or errors

Edit: suggest you use XP, you can setup a dualboot for 98 if you want to.