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Athlon 64 to Dual Core for Vista?

akumar1978

akumar1978

akumar1978

Associate
Joined
23 Jan 2007
Posts
8
HI OcUK, my first thread

Awaiting arrival of Vista Ultimate 32bit OEM and was just thinking of upgrading my CPU but not sure if its going to make much difference.
Present system is:
A8N 32 SLI Deluxe, Athlon 64 3500+, 2GB DDR RAM, 256 ATI Radeon 9600XT, 500+ GB HDD (SATA)
Was thinking of upgrading the cpu to a Athlon 64 X2 dual core ie 4200+ etc. Even though they are phasing out these processors thought if i could improve my system for Vista then i would want to update the CPU, but then it could be pricey, so is it worth just changing the mobo and to an intel dual core, and so which one?
Just a bit cautious about installing the OEM before making a decision on the CPU; even if i did, to see how it would go on my present system, would Vista still run on changing the CPU after?
Havent done any overclocking believe it or not but think i should learn so some pointers would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers folks!! Your thoughts grateful!

A :D
 
If I were you, I'd save-up & upgrade when you can afford to go for a completely new C2D rig. In the meantime, you'll be able to use Vista Ultimate (with Aero) on your current system. I've just installed it in on my AMD XP2800+, 1GB DDR, 128MB FX5900XT, 80GB HDD (IDE). It ran fine, it didn't feel slow or sluggish. It just ran :)
If you do decide to try Vista on your current PC, dont worry about upgrading later, MS will allow you to re-activate your copy of Vista, you just might need to call them (although my WinXP never refused activating despite upgrades).
My 2 cents
 
thanks,
Wasnt sure if changing to a dual core would make much difference but i think i will give it a go with my current spec. May upgrade the CPU or change mobo and go to Intel!
Will let u know how i fare

Taa
 
Then again with a 4200 X2 and an upgraded graphics card you have a system that would be good enough for another 1-2 years.
 
unde4d said:
If I were you, I'd save-up & upgrade when you can afford to go for a completely new C2D rig. In the meantime, you'll be able to use Vista Ultimate (with Aero) on your current system. I've just installed it in on my AMD XP2800+, 1GB DDR, 128MB FX5900XT, 80GB HDD (IDE). It ran fine, it didn't feel slow or sluggish. It just ran :)
If you do decide to try Vista on your current PC, dont worry about upgrading later, MS will allow you to re-activate your copy of Vista, you just might need to call them (although my WinXP never refused activating despite upgrades).
My 2 cents
Click to expand...

Just so you know Vista OEM isn't like XP OEM they are far stricter about upgrades.

With OEM you can change pretty much everything and they will be fine.

But if you change your mobo then theres a very good chance you won't be able to activate, even if you ring. Especially if you move to an entirely different platform.
 
I was just thinking the same thing about this activation methods, what happens if you have to format a few times during upgrading say 5 times in 1 year does that mean it will activate fine over the internet after a clean install? Or as long as you don't change the motherboard it will re-activate itself.

Confusing stuff.
 
Last edited:
I'm in the same boat as you akumar1978, got a opty 144 @ 2.6 does everything I need. I don't watch films while playing games, or burn things at the same time so can't see the need for duel core today.

However, like you, worried about vista and should I splash out £350 just to go conroe, for a performance increase I am unlikly to see/use on the every day things I do. I also have 2GB of RAM and a 7900GS so my likely route will be £99 for a opty 165, nock it up to 2.6/2.8 and sit back for 18 months, then see what goodies are availible then.
 
Cheers for the input guys,
I am sure i wont have any problems upgrading the CPU and keeping the same motherboard with regards to OEM activation, but will look into upgrading my CPU for my present s939 before i miss out. Forgive me for saying but i may even go for a Apple Mac at a later date, or just bash out a load of dosh o a nice Intel Duo.
Will be installing my Vista tonight so will see how it goes.
With regards to the dual core, i believe only the 4400 and 4800 X2 has a 1mb cache, the others have 512. Problem is cant find a 4400 and the 4800 is pretty expensive, so i may opt for a 4200 and settle for the lower cache - only a 100 zudbergs!.
Tend to multitask on my computer such as download torrents, photo work, burning dvd's, and very rarely gaming - problem is the Xbox and PS3 are just too damn fine for that purpose which i will be investing in next.
Let me know what you think about which Athlon dual core to go for. Your right may not much difference with *** dual core but would rather have that back up power, Also can anyone recomment a decent Nvidia PCI-E graphics card...my ATI is ok but dont think the radeon 9600XT is that up to scratch!
Cheers guys
 
I'd just go for the X2 4200, the extra cache isn't a big deal.

As for a graphics card I can't work out what format you need, AGP or PCI-E. You list a PCI-E motherboard but then list an AGP graphics card in your original post. If it's AGP then the x1950 pro from ATI is the sure choice for £135. For PCI-E the x1950 pro again is a good price/performance choice at £111, if your set on nVidia then the 7950 series offer good performance for about £160 or a 7900gs for £110.
 
If you must have 1mb cache, then the opty 165 is the cheapest option with most going to 2.6 some over 2.8.
 
Will look into the 4200+ but then i may as well wait till after i have installed vista and see how the system fairs as i install more apps onto it. I dont think changing my cpu will void the licence so as long as that is not an issue then i can do it later.
I have a PCI-E ATI card, will look into those you recommended.
Just seen the Athlon 64 4000 single core, for £55...my god how prices change! May get that and overclock it!

Regards
 
akumar1978 said:
Just seen the Athlon 64 4000 single core, for £55...my god how prices change! May get that and overclock it!

Regards
Click to expand...

I had a 4000+ Single core and it wouldn't go above 2.7ghz, even with 1.7v running through it, but many people on here have good ones that do 3gig on stock volts! I got mine from a competitor though and it was from an old batch, the ones from OcUK are from the newest batches usually...from whenever I've bought processors off them.
 
I don't see the point in you getting another single core CPU. Your not going to get a huge boost over your current one from it. Is your current CPU overclocked?
 
Ronaldo said:
get your self a Opteron 165/170/175 and OC it and maybe better GFX card and you will be sorted no need to upgrade.

check my spec
Click to expand...

Quoted for truth. My Opty isn't as good as his but 2.8Ghz at stock volts isn't too sad.
 
Havent considered the Opty before but will look into it. Havent overclocked my system. OcUK have just reduced te price of a 4200+ X2, a consideration. As long as Vista and installed apps run relatively smoothly with a single core then i will stick with what i have ,a 3500+ .but then if its going to start chugging along then i can either upgrade to a dual core, 4200+ is a reasonable price to pay, or cna learn to oveclock what i have.
Will install Vista tonight. I think somebody needs to teach me overclocking, lol.
 
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