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X2 Questions - Software.

BoomAM

BoomAM

BoomAM

Soldato
Joined
5 Jul 2003
Posts
16,206
Location
Atlanta, USA
Hi.
After the AWESOME new X2 s939 prices on OCUK, ive just ordered myself a nice new X2 3800 to replace my current 3000 Venice.

What software do i need, and what should i be aware of, going dual core?

Am i to asume that the upgrade is as simple as replacing my old cpu, putting the new'en in, and then Windows will pick up that theres two cores?

Im sorry if these have been answered before bty. :)

Thanks in advance all. :)
 
No extra software required - all you need to do is install the AMD driver from their website (or manually add the switch '/usepmtimer' to the 'boot.ini'.

Procedure:

Turn computer off
Remove old CPU
Insert new CPU
Boot up
Windows will ask for a restart
Voila.

That's all there is to it (assuming you have XP) - then install the driver as I say and use as normal.
to confirm windows sees them both, run Task Manager and then look under the performance tab which should show two boxes on the right under CPU usage history.

If not, then you probably need a BIOS update or to enable the second core in your BIOS.
 
I have been reading up on this and if you are a gamer the established procedure seem to be:

1 - Install the AMD CPU drivers
2 - Install the MS hotfix KB896256
3 - Install the AMD Dual Core Optimizer

Plenty more detailed instructions are available if you have a search.
 
Thanks.
So what whats with all these dual core hotfixes, special drivers, ect; that i kept hearing about? Do i not need any of those?
 
IT Troll said:
1 - Install the AMD CPU drivers
Click to expand...
I cant find those. There doesnt seem to be any X2 drivers listed on the AMD website, just normal drivers for the A64?

2 - Install the MS hotfix KB896256
Click to expand...
By 'hotfix' do you mean the registary editing proceadure listed here, which appears to just apply to people wanting to save power on laptops. There doesnt appear to be a DL for that specific hotfix that i can find.

3 - Install the AMD Dual Core Optimizer
Click to expand...
Found that.
 
Installing the amd cpu driver is essential and makes a noticable difference. The hotfix isnt easily downloadable as its not supported and does lead to system instabailities. The Dual core optimiser appears to be amd's official version of the ms hotfix. It doesnt appear to do a lot and again can lead to system instabilities and ive uninstalled it due to constantly crashing my planetside game.
 
Yes that is the best guide I have found. The fixes are required to address a timing issue which affects many games when running on dual core CPUs.

SP2 isn't required for dual core CPUs but it is a prerequisite of the MS hotfix.
 
I wondered that as i'm only showing one graph in task manager?

It would still only show up as one graph with just the optimizer installed.When clicking the option for one graph per CPU i would still just have one graph.


Sorted it. :)

Download AMD CPU driver & AMD Optimizer.Run AMD CPU driver then reboot & then run AMD Optimizer & reboot.Then go into task manager click performance tab & then click view then CPU history then change to one graph per CPU.

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer
AMD Athlon™ 64/FX Processor Driver for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Version (x86 and x64 exe) 1.3.2
 
Last edited:
Thanks for pic, just the one cpu history showing for me. Bios is up to date, it's an Epox 9NPA+SLI

Amidar how did you sort it ?

Still only showing the one Usage History :mad: the view option is greyed out but one graph per cpu.
 
Last edited:
deadeyedic30 said:
Thanks for pic, just the one cpu history showing for me. Bios is up to date, it's an Epox 9NPA+SLI

Amidar how did you sort it ?
Click to expand...

Have a look at my above post as i have amended it.
 
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