CPU/BUS/RAM upgrade query

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nrg_wp

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So my CPU is a bottleneck:
current specs:

K8N nforce4 board - 939socket
3500+ AMD
2GB ram @ 400mhz (200mhz bus)
8800GTS (not going SLI)


I REALLY dont want to break the bank, so my questions are:

1) What is the fastest CPU for my board i can get?
2) Is it worth changing all my ram to at least 800mhz, to run bus at 400mhz?
3) If i go core duo, say a E4300 cpu, which board should i get? MUST i get new ram?

Currently it looks like R3-R4k to go basic board, E4300, 2GB, all to run at an FSB of 800....

thx
 
1) It should say in the book u got with your motherboard what is the fastest processor it can support.IF u don't have the book go look on your motherboards brandname web-site.I think your motherboard is a msi board if am not wrong.

2)Yes i would say it is worth it since it is double the speed.Normally upgrading ram from like 333 to 400 is dumb cos u won't really see any performance difference there will be a performance boost but not big enough one for u to realize.But going from 400 to 800 yes that would make a difference.

3)I would say go for a gigabyte or asus board both of them supply very good boards.Ram it depends what kind of ram u using if it is ddr1 ram then yes u will have to get new ram cos all new boards has ddr2 and some has ddr2 and ddr3.

Good luck with your upgrade
 
1) Your motherboard would support any 939 pin AMD CPU, BUT, you wont find any new 939 CPUs for sale, since everything's moved over to socket AM2 quite a while ago.

2) Your memory is DDR-400 i presume, you wont be able to put DDR2-800 in your board, since the CPU and motherboard only support DDR1.

3) Finally, i'd rather let someone else recommend a specific board, but I'd recommend something with an Intel P35 chipset. Yes you will have to get new ram, since everything is now DDR2 based, and on the high end DDR3 is starting to appear.
 
thanks guys

what is the advantage of the P35 chipset? it is a bit more than the others. Remember im not building a monster, just a nice little upgrade.

below is some prices i just grabbed from my company's supplier list...
thoughts?


PI-LE4400: E4400 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.06Ghz E4400, Intel Core 2 Duo, LGA775, 2.0Ghz, 800 FSB, R980 EX VAT

RT-GB800: 2048mb DDR2/800 = R900 EX VAT

MJ965GDG: JET 964 GDAG - Core 2 Duo (Conroe) LGA 775, Intel 965G Chip, VGA,Gbit Lan, 4xSATAII, 3xPCI, 1xPCI-E 16x, 4xDDR2 800, 1066FSB, = R690-00 EX VAT
 
that is a price for 2gb (950) ex vat btw.
that is a cheapo board. was just the easiest thing i found
 
nrg_wp said:
thanks guys

what is the advantage of the P35 chipset? it is a bit more than the others. Remember im not building a monster, just a nice little upgrade.
Click to expand...

The boards with the P35 are more expensive but it is a very good chipset and works well for overclocking.

below is some prices i just grabbed from my company's supplier list...
thoughts?


PI-LE4400: E4400 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.06Ghz E4400, Intel Core 2 Duo, LGA775, 2.0Ghz, 800 FSB, R980 EX VAT
Click to expand...


If you can afford it rather go a step up and get one with the 1066FSB or even 1333 and that will have 4MB level2 cache rather than the 2MB.

RT-GB800: 2048mb DDR2/800 = R900 EX VAT
Click to expand...

Its a better idea to get 2x 1GB sticks to run in dual channel than 1x2GB which is what this looks like, unless im mistaken.
MJ965GDG: JET 964 GDAG - Core 2 Duo (Conroe) LGA 775, Intel 965G Chip, VGA,Gbit Lan, 4xSATAII, 3xPCI, 1xPCI-E 16x, 4xDDR2 800, 1066FSB, = R690-00 EX VAT
Click to expand...


Try go for a board that supports dual channel ram, it wont be much more expensive.
 
i may be wrong but im sure every single board made today support dual channel

might be wrong

also the 965 chipset was the king of overclocking before the p35
 
killadoob said:
i may be wrong but im sure every single board made today support dual channel

might be wrong

also the 965 chipset was the king of overclocking before the p35
Click to expand...

Naa on my pricelists there are still alot that do single channel only.
Rather be safe than sorry :)
 
Hmmm. You can get 2 sticks of A-grade standard 1gb for +/- R700, +/- R1100 for an E4400, and +/- R1000 for the Asus P5kpl. Thats R2800, not bad. This is in Cape Town.
 
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