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I'm going dual core...

R

rmh636

Junior Member
I've decided I want to step into the world of dual core...

Ever since I built my current rig ~2 years ago, I haven't been keeping up with hardware. What is it going to take to upgrade my existing system for dual core? I know I'm going to need a new motherboard and the cpu itself obviously, but what else am I forgetting?

Here are my current specs:

AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3800+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.4GHz
Asus A8N-E motherboard
Corsair 2048MB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GT 512 mb
SB X-fi Xtrememusic

Could you please recommend the best dual core cpu and compatible motherboard options, as well as recommend a new power supply? Any other ideas are welcome, too.

EDIT: I don't have a preference either way of Intel/AMD, I just want the best performance for gaming and video editing.

Thanks for the help.
 
Unless you are really looking to be low-budget I can't think of many compelling reasons for restricting your upgrade to dual-core.

If you are upgrading from single-core and are looking at a new mobo and ram anyways then why not jump into a low-priced quad-core like Intels Q6600 for ~$280?
 
You got a good rig as it stands.

With a few tweaks a 10-20% OC would give you a nice kick - but if dual core is where you wish to be an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Toledo 2.2GHz would be nice upgrade option for $80. Your system would not be noticably faster but would be much smoother especially if you are the multi-tasking type. You could probably get a nice 10% OC.

If yah want to 'shoot the moon' an Opty 165 around $100 would get you dual-core but would need a 33% OC to get to 2.4ghz - that should not be a problem 'cause most folks get 2.6-2.7ghz without breaking a sweat . . .

You will not need a new motherboard for these upgrades.

 
Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
You got a good rig as it stands.

With a few tweaks a 10-20% OC would give you a nice kick - but if dual core is where you wish to be an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Toledo 2.2GHz would be nice upgrade option for $80. Your system would not be noticably faster but would be much smoother especially if you are the multi-tasking type. You could probably get a nice 10% OC.

If yah want to 'shoot the moon' an Opty 165 around $100 would get you dual-core but would need a 33% OC to get to 2.4ghz - that should not be a problem 'cause most folks get 2.6-2.7ghz without breaking a sweat . . .

You will not need a new motherboard for these upgrades.
Click to expand...

Thanks man. I had no idea my A8N-E supported dual core.
 
Check the Asus website for updates to your BIOS.

The BIOS version already on your board probably supports dual-core, but it desn't hurt to check with the manufacturer.
 
Originally posted by: betasub
Check the Asus website for updates to your BIOS.

The BIOS version already on your board probably supports dual-core, but it desn't hurt to check with the manufacturer.
Click to expand...


The Asus A8N-E supports up to Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4800+ and Opteron Dualcore 185 since bios 1011

edit! verify Socket 939 cpu! :thumbsup:
 
I have a X2 3800+ @2600mhz running at stock volts!...I love it...runs great ....for a cheap upgrade...get an Opty or one of the 1mb cache X2's.. They are cheap now.
 
I think I've decided to go ahead and order that X2 4200.

One more question, though. Right now I'm running a 430 watt power supply. With my video card and the soon to be dual core cpu, do you think that's bottlenecking my system at all? Is there any way to check?

If so, I'll be looking for a new PSU. Are there any you could recommend for now that will be able to sufficiently power a DX10 system later this year? I don't want to have to buy another one.
 
939 Athlon 64 3800+ = 89 watts
939 Athlon 64 X2 4200+ = 89 watts
🙂

7950 GT = 61 watts
8800 GTS = 106 watts

Watts = Amps x Volts
Amps = Watts/Volts

mobo = 3-5 amps
HDs = 2.8 amps
DVDs = 3 amps
Sound = 1.5-2 amps
ram = .9 amps/stick
fan = .25 amp/each
USB = .5 amp/device
card reader = 1 amp

I think I remember some cameras @ 2 amps

edit opps!
a good power supply is 80+% efficient so you have to multiply your total by .8
A crappy PS should be replaced!
(probably 70%)
 
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