What shall I do about a new CPU?

P

publiusdiamond

New Member
I currently have an AMD Athlon 64 3200. I'd like to upgrade in about a month or so, what would be the wisest option? Is an AMD 64 Dual Core processor a wise choice or should I go the whole hog andget an AM2 X2, with a new motherboard (I'll need one, won't I?) and will I be able to use my existing RAM on a new board (It's DDR) or will I have to buy DDR2 RAM (What's the difference anyway?)

Thanks in advance.
 
I would just buy a better processor to fit your current socket (939?), and then save so you can get a brand new build later down the road.
 
its really up to you how much you want o spend and such. Personally i just upgraded my A64 3200 to an A64 4000, its an extra 0.4ghz and gives me a noticeable difference. Happily able to play most game on medium to high settings. Currently running command and conquer 3 lovely.

The A64 4000 only cost be £20 from a friend but i think they retail at about £60 ($100 ish)

otherwise go for a dual core if you think you might need it, stump up to an x2 4600 or so and you should be happy but you will be looking at a higher cost. The socket 939 X2's are more expensive than the newer AM2 X2's at the moment.
 
The problem is, if I kept my mobo and got another CPU (either a 939 X2 or another single core like you did) I'd still be stuck with my old RAM sockets (DDR, not DDR 2) so I'm probably going to go for a new AM2 mobo and processor which takes DDR2 RAM, and get some brand new RAM for it.

Thanks!
 
fair do fella, i've stayed with my old mobo and DDR ram, all running fine here.

if your going to change the mobo, processor and ram then it might be worth looking at the core 2 duo options too though, might be able to get a similar deal but a faster processor that way :)
 
Thatsw what i did - got a socket 939 X2 rocesor o i didnt have to buy new DDR 2 ram and stick with my DDR - i regret it now as i couold have got an AM2 4600 X2 for less than i got my 3800X2 for :(
 
publiusdiamond said:
The problem is, if I kept my mobo and got another CPU (either a 939 X2 or another single core like you did) I'd still be stuck with my old RAM sockets (DDR, not DDR 2) so I'm probably going to go for a new AM2 mobo and processor which takes DDR2 RAM, and get some brand new RAM for it.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'm in the same situation as you....I got my PC almost 2 years ago with a s.939 board and i would like to upgrade to a dual core processor now.Thing is if you don't want to spend too much money just go for an Athlon X2 now....cause if you're planning on changing the mobo,RAM,CPU(that's practicly a new rig) i think you should consider going the Core 2 Duo route cause you'll get better performance for the money.
 
Thanks for the help guys; I think I'm gonna consider an Intel Core 2 Duo.

Just to clarify, I will have to completely install Windows afresh won't I? In which case, I've got a 160gb hard drive which isn't the bootable drive, but just used to install games and stuff on it. I can leave that alone without having the data wiped, can't I?
 
cryption said:
i would get another AMD in your shoes, the new dual cored on the AM2 socket are sick
Click to expand...

but if its a complete replacement of mobo, cpu, memory etc then if a core 2 duo is within budget then theres a good chance of getting better performance from going intel. It all really depends on how much money is being spent to be fair.
 
i was considering the same thing since i have the 939 as well.

i think upgrading to a dual core 939 would be the cheapest way to do it, since if you go for intel or am2, then you'd have to replace mobo, cpu, and ram. On top of that, 939's aren't that much different from am2's.

Later on, you could upgrade ur video card and leave it as that.

IMO, abandoning the 939 combo would be a waste of money cuz you've probably paid more than $300 for it (cpu, mobo, ram)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top