Conroe or X2?

[Margaret]

Well basically I'll be upgrading my CPU and Mobo soon so I'm in a pickle to get a Conroe or a X2, but the problem is I can't afford to upgrade my Ram just yet.

Does Conroe _need_ DDR2 to run properly? I've got PC3200 Geil 4x512MB currently.

If the Conroe will work on my Ram is it a better CPU to get over the X2?

 

[easyrider]

I would suggest jsut selling the lot.

Getting a x2 will be foolish considering how much slower they are compared to conroe.

You could get a conroe mobo that supports DDR1

here

But it only has 2 x dimms so you could not use all your ram.

You will be suprised how much you will get for your ram.

I would bite the bullet and do a full upgrade.

Even if it means you just buying 1 stick of DDR 2 1gig and adding another at a later date.

 

[Margaret]

Okay thanks easyrider, I have came up with this:

(PSU because I'm on a 400w Generic and I think my 7900GTO is slightly underperforming!)

 

[Tetras]

I'd agree with above that best is to sell all that RAM cos otherwise you'd be limited to a motherboard that supports DDR (like the Asrock 775-DualVSTA, about £40 inc VAT):
http://www.asrock.com/product/775Dual-VSTA.htm

Anandtech ran a series of articles based around the 775Dual-VSTA which showed there is little performance hit. There is also a large thread about the board in the motherboard forum.

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2810
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2813&p=1

Definately get Core 2 Duo over an X2 though.

 

[easyrider]

Okay thanks easyrider, I have came up with this:

(PSU because I'm on a 400w Generic and I think my 7900GTO is slightly underperforming!)

Change that mobo for a

Gigabyte DS3
And some Geil ram instead.

GeIL 2GB (2x1GB) PC5300 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit is the same price.

Change the Hiper to an enermax liberty 500 w if you have the extra 20 quid.

 

[Margaret]

Change that mobo for a

Gigabyte DS3
And some Geil ram instead.
Change the Hiper to an enermax liberty 500 w if you have the extra 20 quid.

Righto I got this now:

(Does the Conroe OEM come with a Cooler btw?, trying to save as much cash as possible)

 

[Tetras]

Nope.

 

[Margaret]

Nope.

Ah righto good to know

 

[easyrider]

Thats fine,

The only thing I would change if you can would be the PSU.

I would while you are at it get a OEM version 6300 and a seperate cooler

Artic Freezer or blue orb etc..