Triple-Core Processor and Windows XP

M

MonoKing

New Member
I might fix/modify my computer with a new motherboard and CPU....

I am looking at the AMD Phenom 8450 Toliman 2.1GHz AM2+ Triple-Core

Is this like with 64 bit that only Vista can get full potential? Or will it still be really good if I use XP??
 
Yes XP will work fine with a Tri core. But the 8450 for a 100 bucks is a waste. For the same price you can get like a X2 6000 that will smoke it. The only Tri I think that is any good is the 8750 but your still kinda of in between a rock and hard place because the 9550 Quad is about the same price. If you looking at lower end Phenom I would just get the 9550.
 
So X2 6000 is a dual-core but BETTER???

Is the $40 extra for the quad-core ALOT better?


How do you modify Windows XP to run better on multi-core CPU?
 
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MonoKing said:
How do you modify Windows XP to run better on multi-core CPU?
Click to expand...

as far as i know xp will support up to 32 cores and you dont need to change anything but if you change your motherboard you will need to format your disk and put windows back on.
 
So in the end, what is ultimatly better? I dont mind spending 10 extra bucks if its worth it.

8750BE (tri-core)

or

9550 (Quad-core)

I assume lower end quad-core?

Did i mention I dont really use this for gaming. Mostly intense graphic design (photoshop, illustrator) and as a media workstation...
 
Well from what I hear the 8750BE really overclocks well for AMD, seems to get to 3ghz somewhat easy. If your using a program that will use all 4 core the 9550 would do well. But the one 9550 I installed could only get to 2.5ghz without really cranking up the voltage. So its really a toss up.
 
Im not really into over clocking.... kinda afraid of it....dont think I need it either...

I will most likely go with the Phenom tri core 8750...

You guys recommend any motherboards? Im looking for something with at least one firewire port and an eSATA....around $100?

I have always used ASUS...I have no idea what other brands are good quality...
 
I just found this CPU. It looks cheaper and faster...But maybe I am wrong???? Its a:

AMD Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3GHz Quad-Core
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That quad CPU is an older B2 stepping, they had a nasty bug that could -in extremely rare circumstances- cause system lockups and the fix could reduce performance up to 20%. Again, considering the performance loss I would say even a higher-end Athlon would be better for the price... look into the 8x50 and 9x50 series CPUs. (That "50" instead of "00" at the end tells that the chip is a newer B3 stepping which have the bug I mentioned fixed).
 
MonoKing said:
I just found this CPU. It looks cheaper and faster...But maybe I am wrong???? Its a:

AMD Phenom 9600 Agena 2.3GHz Quad-Core

VS.

AMD Phenom 8750 Toliman 2.4GHz Triple-Core

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103295&Tpk=AMD%20Phenom%20X3%208750%20Toliman%20Black

SO CONFUSING!
Click to expand...

Like said above the 00 series had a TLB bug that would cause the processor to lock up if all the L3 was loaded up. In real life nobody has reproduced it in a desktop with a Agena core, but it did come up in test on the Barcelona Server core in the Lab. And with the bios patch to correct it killed 15 to 20% of the performance. Regardless the 50 series B3 stepping was a more stable processor and overclocks better.

Stick with the 8750BE or the 9550.
 
Thank you everyone for your input.

So I think I will get the 8750 tri-core!!

Im looking at ASUS M3A78-T Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131331

I think it looks good...but then again, I dont know all the little secrets like many of you...

I chose it because I have an external drives. One with eSATA, one firewire....

GOOD COMBO????



p.s my current RAM is DDR 400...I guess I need to upgrade this too?!
 
Not a bad board, has onboard video plus you can run a single card, Nvidia or AMD/ATI card. Or run 2/3 AMD/ATI cards in crossfire. Yes you will need DDR2 memory, get either DDR2 800 or 1066
 
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Ok so another question...

I assume 1066 is faster than 800 (DDR2)..

Would it be better to get 2GB RAM of 800 or 1GB of 1066? (Those prices are about the same)
 
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