A few quick questions about upgrading~

Michael

Michael

Active Member
I currently have an Athalon64 3500+ (2.2GHz) on a FOXCONN MCP61SM-AM (Socket AM2/940) and I'd like to upgrade to a dual core cpu.

I'm curious what variables I should consider when upgrading, such as;

1.) Will I need to format my system after the new cpu is installed?

2.) If I go to a dual core, from a single core, is it plug 'n play?

3.) Might I need to update the BIOS to go to a dual core cpu?

4.) I see there are literally a few dozen options for the AM2, how do I know which ones to consider?


That being said, I have read the CPU 101 thread, and these are the questions I couldn't resolve after reading it.

If I left anything out that needs to be noted, please feel free to ask and I'll post it :)
 
makmillion said:
I currently have an Athalon64 3500+ (2.2GHz) on a FOXCONN MCP61SM-AM (Socket AM2/940) and I'd like to upgrade to a dual core cpu.

I'm curious what variables I should consider when upgrading, such as;

1.) Will I need to format my system after the new cpu is installed?

2.) If I go to a dual core, from a single core, is it plug 'n play?

3.) Might I need to update the BIOS to go to a dual core cpu?

4.) I see there are literally a few dozen options for the AM2, how do I know which ones to consider?


That being said, I have read the CPU 101 thread, and these are the questions I couldn't resolve after reading it.

If I left anything out that needs to be noted, please feel free to ask and I'll post it :)
Click to expand...
1. If you're just changing the CPU, then no, you won't.
2. If your motherboard natively supports it, then yes.
3. It's possible, but I believe most AM2 boards support the X2 series, check the Foxconn website to make sure.
4. They do have several options for the AM2 platform, even just the X2 series. I would look into the 65W versions because they run cooler, but it's completely up to you. Generally, the higher model number of X2, the better it will perform.
 
Thanks for the prompt reply, [-0MEGA-]!

How do I find out if my board natively supports dual core? I've located foxconn's website, but my model isn't listed.

I've read of people putting the X2 4000+ (940) in this mobo, but I'm not sure if that's the right processor for me.

I see that there is the X2, the 64 X2, the X2 64 FX and the Opteron. Will any of these potentially work with my board?
 
makmillion said:
Thanks for the prompt reply, [-0MEGA-]!

How do I find out if my board natively supports dual core? I've located foxconn's website, but my model isn't listed.

I've read of people putting the X2 4000+ (940) in this mobo, but I'm not sure if that's the right processor for me.

I see that there is the X2, the 64 X2, the X2 64 FX and the Opteron. Will any of these potentially work with my board?
Click to expand...

If people put an X2 4000+ in your motherboard, then it supports dual-cores and will work with any AM2 X2 processor.

The X2, 64 X2, Athlon X2, are all the same. The full name is the Athlon 64 X2. They have FX versions, which are enthusiasts CPU's.
 
Thanks for the help so far, these are the processors I'm now considering.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+(65W) Windsor 2.4GHz

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz

Obviously there is a difference in speed between all of them, and the cheapest one has the lowest L2 cache at 512kb x 2, the others are 1MB x 2 L2.. but, only one of them runs at 65w, am I correct?

How will it effect my system if I choose to go with a higher wattage cpu?

As for the L2 cache, my current cpu runs at 512kb, for reference.

If I'm not mistaken (and I don't believe I am) this is the cpu I currently have installed. It fits every spec that CPU-Z pulled up. This doesn't have the 65w stamp on it either, am I to assume it runs at a higher wattage?
 
Similar, but no.. my board has gigbit ethernet, 5.1 HD audio built-in with support for 8 channel audio available, and my board looks slightly different.
 
Anyone have anymore input?



EDIT: I'm pretty sure I don't want the 6000+, due to the 125w rating. I'm planning to use the cooling system that comes with the cpu, if that matters when choosing.

I'm considering these options;

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Windsor 2.6GHz

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz

Is there going to be a noticable difference between 2.6GHz and 2.8GHz? ...all other specs are nearly identical, and the benchmarks I've seen suggest that the difference between the two is small.

I'm coming from a 2.2GHz single core Athalon 64 (as noted in the OP), which has a 67w rating.
 
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I really do think you will be good with the 6000. But if you I had to pick between the two, I would pick the 5600. You'll really enjoy the dual core. But that extra 200mhz won't really make a difference.
 
just make sure your motherboard supports it sometimes they support certain processors at a limited clock speed and certain wattage. i would email them to be positive so u wont be mad if it possible dosnt work.. just to be positive
 
When a cpu has a 125w rating, does that mean it'll require 125w from the psu?

I believe I have a 250w psu..
 
I just looked and in certain places on the sticker it says it can output 425w, however, the rated output is 250w MAX.

Why do I need to upgrade it, though? I don't have much in my case, just an optical drive, the SATA II HDD, the mobo, 4 sticks of RAM and the cpu.. I use onboard video and audio.

The current cpu requires 67w, according to AMD.. do you think that a leap to 89w will be ok for now?
 
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