Athlon 64 to Dual Core for Vista?

[akumar1978]

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

 

[akumar1978]

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

 

[akumar1978]

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

 

[akumar1978]

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]

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.