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New CPU?

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by xiviergaming

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For things I plan on partaking in for the future I am going to need a new CPU..atm I have a amd athlon 4600+ it has 2.4 GHz.

I'm looking to upgrade this. Wanting to do this will I need to replace my Mobo as well? Or could I just upsize with out going quad core or something of that sort and keep the mobo?

4 replies

by thechas

Let's step back and take a look at some realities here.

Typically, you get back about 25% when you install a faster CPU. That is, if the new CPU has double the clock speed of the old CPU, you will only see about a 25% increase in real performance.

From a cost versus value standpoint, the best way to increase performance is to maximize your RAM and RAM speed.

Further, for a quad core, (or even a dual core) to speed up the system, both the OS and the application need to be written to take advantage of the multiple cores.

If you are running the 32 bit version of XP or Vista, install 3 GB of the fastest RAM that works with your motherboard and call it good until you are ready to switch to a 64 bit OS.

Chas

by xiviergaming

I have 6 GB of the top Ram for my Mobo atm.

I have 8 all together, it just seems to work better when I have 6 in.

So what next...and one main thing is a game I'll be playing before too long, the min system requirements in 2.5 GHz, and mine is 2.4 GHz...I know it not a huge deal, but I don't want it to be lagging and choppy to make it a head ache to play.

by thechas

I suspected that your goal was a gaming rig.

1. Which version of Windows are your running?
32 bit or 64 bit?
If you are running the 32 bit version of Windows, your RAM above 3GB is just sitting there using power.

Well, if the RAM is running in Dual Channel mode, it might work with Windows the same as 3GB of normal RAM.

Next, your graphics card plays a big role in game performance. However, once again there is the 32 bit OS limitation. With the 32 bit versions of Windows, large amounts of graphics RAM start limiting the amount of usable system RAM.

As to a faster CPU, it really is hard to say how much that .1 GHz in raw speed difference will make. Keep in mind that AMD rates your CPU as performing the same as a 4.6 GHz CPU.

Check the motherboard manufactures web site, and determine what is the fastest CPU that will work with your system. Make sure to pay attention to both motherboard and BIOS versions in relation to supported CPUs.

Also, unless the game specifically states that it supports quad core CPUs, stick with a dual core.

Chas

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