Upgrade 5400 to 6400+

L

lenny77840

New Member
Gateway GT5432. Currently I have a Athlon 64 x2 5400+ @2.6GHz w/2x512mb L2 cache running @ 90 watts on a ECS mobo 6100 (MCP61P AM2)

I found a CPU 6400+ @3.2 GHz w/ 2 x 1MB cache @ 125WT
for $119.



Is it worth the upgrade...I only have about $700 in the box now.
Will the increase in wattage be a factor and will I be able to tell a difference
doubling the L2 cache
I am not planning on keeping the computer for more than another year or so.


Windows XP 32Bit Pro
5400x2 @2.6 GHz
3.5 GB 800MHz Memory @1.8v
500GB HD @ 7200 RPM
9800GTX 512MB GPU
500WT Pwr Supply


MOBO:
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006157R/4006157Rmv.shtml

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Pr...=1&DetailName=Specification&MenuID=46&LanID=9

6400+
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103290
 
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Personally, I don't think it's worth the upgrade. I went from a 4600+ to 6000+, and while it was somewhat noticeable, I have to admit it wasn't much. I might say yes if you were keeping the computer longer than a year...plus, quads are getting cheaper and everything seems to be moving away from duals soon.
 
You would notice a larger difference moving up from a 2.2ghz to 3.2ghz cpu like what was seen here between builds going from a 3500+ single core to the 6000+. The 6400+ wasn't available when going to order the cpu from newegg at the time.

Coming in January a newer set of Phemon X series quads will be out for their initial high prices there. If you were planning a new build that would be a consideration. But if you intend to stay with the Gateway for another year why not? You'll still see Windows load faster plus improve performance overall.

Just note that you would be moving into a 125w cpu that will tend to run a bit warmer. On the 6000+ here also a 125w model a Zalman CNPS9700 full copper sits on top of it in the Antec 900 case. You will want a good cooler like that provided the case has room.
 
You would notice a larger difference moving up from a 2.2ghz to 3.2ghz
Click to expand...
You would.
Gateway GT5432. Currently I have a Athlon 64 x2 5400+ @2.6GHz w/2x512mb L2 cache running @ 90 watts on a ECS mobo 6100 (MCP61P AM2)
Click to expand...

And IMO it's not worth it. In everyday tasks, the speed increase won't be noticed. When it comes to gaming, the performance usually relies on your graphics card, which is good enough already. I would say, just stick with what you have. Surely, extra 6ooMHz and souble the cache wil be noticed, but it's not really worth it... if you want to upgrade, I would look into Phenom quad/tri-cores, I've seen some of the highest-clocking 8x50 trios (I think 2.6GHz?) being sold for something between $100-$150 and they definitely perform way better than your current Athlon, and will outperform even the 6400+ when it comes to multitasking (single/dual-threaded apps would perform about the same).
 
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Well I went from 4400 2.3GHz to a 6000 3.1GHZ 2 days ago and was noticeable. It may not be AS noticeable with a 5400 but there will be some things that will be faster. The things that will be faster will be really noticeable. Like opening CPU-Z. IE. Firefox. Opening 'My Music'. Computer start up is much faster. I'd personally upgrade but I wouldn't upgrade to a 6400, I'd upgrade to a 6000.

You currently have a 2.6GHz CPU. You might be upgrading to a 3.2GHz CPU. So there's a 600mhz difference.

Say you had two computers. One computer with a 0GHZ cpu and one computer with a 0.6GHZ cpu. There would be a greater difference wouldn't there? That's how I look at things like that.

One thing that will be downgrading is the wattage of a 6400. It runs at 125W. If I was you, I'd buy the 6000 3.1GHz 89W processor. There's a 500MHz difference between the 5400, 9W difference and it can be easily over clocked to 3.2GHz.
 
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Thanks

Yeah, I found a couple that were a lil cheaper that ran @ 89 wt
It seems since adding my graphics card the games are putting 10-15%
more usage on my cpu than before
But thanks for the advice.
 
Dam New arrival, 2x1MB L2 Cache 89W

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA6000CZBOX - Retail
Processors Type: Desktop
Series: Athlon 64 X2
Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech: 90 nm
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
Model #: ADA6000CZBOX
Item #: N82E16819103233
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

OR

Open Box: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6400IAA6CZ
Processors Type: Desktop
Series: Athlon 64 X2
Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech: 90 nm
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
Model #: ADX6400IAA6CZ
Item #: N82E16819103290R
Return Policy: Open Box Item Return Policy

Both under $90
 
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Not worth it at all in my opinion. The increase in processing power won't be worth what you will pay upgrading from an Athlon 5400 to a 6000 processor. Save your money and wait for the new Phenom processors and get a new motherboard in several months.
 
lenny77840 said:
Dam New arrival, 2x1MB L2 Cache 89W

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor Model ADA6000CZBOX - Retail
Processors Type: Desktop
Series: Athlon 64 X2
Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech: 90 nm
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
Model #: ADA6000CZBOX
Item #: N82E16819103233
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy

OR

Open Box: AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6400IAA6CZ
Processors Type: Desktop
Series: Athlon 64 X2
Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech: 90 nm
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
Model #: ADX6400IAA6CZ
Item #: N82E16819103290R
Return Policy: Open Box Item Return Policy

Both under $90
Click to expand...

Why don't you go for the 3.1 6000 89W? The one you're describing above is the 125W but you've put 89W. If it was the 89W it would be:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Brisbane 3.1GHz Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
Processors Type: Desktop
Series: Athlon 64 X2
Hyper Transports: 2000MHz
L1 Cache: 128KB+128KB
L2 Cache: 2 x 1MB
Manufacturing Tech: 65 nm
64 bit Support: Yes
Hyper-Transport Support: Yes
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
 
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lenny77840 said:
I really don't have much room in my micro case for a cooler will need a good small one either way hopefully under $50
Click to expand...

I would just get a new case. Most decent computer cases will run you under $50. If you want to upgrade don't go halfway. Go all the way. Small upgrades will nickel and dime you to death and in the end you won't see much more processing power.
 
Whether a Phenom or 6000+ or even 6400+ the upgrade may seem like a nickel and dime way to go when you could save for a new build. But that won't be until when?

I know where lenny77840 is coming from there from having seen 3 different cpus go on one older Socket A build the 2600+ then 3000+ then 3200+ with the last seeing a considerable boost at the time even over the 3000+ with only 200mhz difference there. The recommend for the 89w 6000+ would be an idea since you are working with a prebuild and limited space for the time being. The 6000+ here however is the 125w model seen at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773
 
PC eye said:
then 3000+ then 3200+ with the last seeing a considerable boost at the time even over the 3000+ with only 200mhz difference there.
Click to expand...


I have built quite a few out of both and have owned a few of both. There is not a 200mhz difference between them. The XP 3000 was 166/333mhz FSB 2.166ghz and the XP 3200 was a 200/400mhz FSB 2.2ghz, (only 34mhz). And there wasnt that much of a performance difference between them. The XP 3200 should have never got the 3200 performance rating it had. Really the only difference was going to the 200/400 FSB, but it didnt help it any.
 
Say you had two computers. One computer with a 0GHZ cpu and one computer with a 0.6GHZ cpu. There would be a greater difference wouldn't there? That's how I look at things like that.
Click to expand...
You can't really compare them like that... for example, from 2.6GHz to 3.2GHz you would see around 20% more raw CPU power, which isn't that much at all. However, from 0GHz (or for the purposes of thie example, 0.1GHz) and 0.6GHz you would see a 500% increase in performance, which is 50 more than jump from 2.6 to 3.2 - it's different.
 
hackapelite said:
You can't really compare them like that... for example, from 2.6GHz to 3.2GHz you would see around 20% more raw CPU power, which isn't that much at all. However, from 0GHz (or for the purposes of thie example, 0.1GHz) and 0.6GHz you would see a 500% increase in performance, which is 50 more than jump from 2.6 to 3.2 - it's different.
Click to expand...

Yep.

With my 5000+ @ stock 2.6 to 3.2, i notice a difference in bootup and some apps, but internet, and msn, and most things aren't too noticeable... gaming is the only place i really see a big difference. there will be a whole new load of CPUs comin out soon, i'd just wait no matter what, you'll either get a new nice processor, or an older one way cheaper.
 
6400+

I decided to go ahead and get the 6400+ for $89 the $30 off the orginal box
helped me decide tooo. I just got the Corsair rebate checks in... dam they dont bs about 10 weeks. Hell I might just throw a 10k rpm hd and keep the dam thing..lol

Thanks for everyones help and let me know if any needs a 5400+ it will be on eBay for $25
 
Update

$100 later......
i got an Antec 300 and a Zalman 9700 cooler.
Evrything hooked up fine...just waiting on the New 3.2 processor Tuesday!
I am planning on running it around 3.5ghz
I put 3 120mm antec 3way Blue LCDs all on low.
I love the new case and alot of room.

The temps on the new cooler are amazing went from 50C idle to 27C
60C full load to 40C
I am running my 2.6 around 2.8ghz
 
lenny77840 said:
$100 later......
i got an Antec 300 and a Zalman 9700 cooler.
Evrything hooked up fine...just waiting on the New 3.2 processor Tuesday!
I am planning on running it around 3.5ghz
I put 3 120mm antec 3way Blue LCDs all on low.
I love the new case and alot of room.

The temps on the new cooler are amazing went from 50C idle to 27C
60C full load to 40C
I am running my 2.6 around 2.8ghz
Click to expand...

congrats! new builds are like ecstasy! lol
 
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