UPGRADING

[klaatu51]

Today I got a new cpu and mobo and want to install them but someone told me I can't do
a simple swap. I'm upgrading from an ASUS P4PE 2.4GHz to a ASUS P4800-Deluxe 3.0GHz.
Do I have to reformat or reinstall first? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Sorry if this is
the wrong board but none exactly fit this question.

klaatu51

 

[nick1985]

reformatting is always the best idea.

 

[klaatu51]

Thanks. Since I haven't done that since the DOS days, how is it done now and when
should I do it, after the new stuff is in or before?

Thanks

 

[mechBgon]

That will be a nice upgrade, particularly if you have two matching memory modules so you can use dual-channel mode. You can reformat and reinstall by booting from your Windows CD and running Windows Setup (assuming you use Windows).

 

[klaatu51]

Thanks for the reply. I take it to mean I simply put it together and then boot from the CD? As for the
memory, I will be using the two PC2700 sticks that I have. I know it will limit it a bit but I am strapped
after this purchase. Thanks for the help.

klaatu51

 

[apoppin]

Actually, you may not "have to" reformat.

IDEALLY, you should . . . but Win may set up without much performance penalty . . . back up all your files and try it (if you are pressed for time for a reformat).

[ edit: BTW, since your FSB is now200, your PC2700 memory may not run at the default 1:1 . . . you may need to set it 5:4 in your BIOS]

2nd edit: what is your OS?

 

[klaatu51]

Right now I am a little unsure about messing around in the BIOS too much....I know just enough
to really mess things up so I will try to be sure things are running smoothly before I try
adjusting memory settings. As for the OS it is XP Home.

klaatu51

 

[apoppin]

Originally posted by: klaatu51
Right now I am a little unsure about messing around in the BIOS too much....I know just enough
to really mess things up so I will try to be sure things are running smoothly before I try
adjusting memory settings. As for the OS it is XP Home.

klaatu51

XP may be able to handle the transition without reformatting.

Anyway, was your last 2.4ghz CPU - 533FSB (4x133)?
If so, your PC2700 would be well-suited for its quad-pumped 133FSB.

However, your CPU - 2.8C (800FSB - 4 x 200) - NOW requires PC3200 and your RAM may not be up to it (at default - 1:1). You may NEED to go into BIOS to adjust the CPU:RAM ratios - if it isn't adjusted automatically.

(somebody correct this if I didn't explain it right)

 

[mechBgon]

I think his motherboard will look at the SPDs on the memory and realize that it needs to do the ratio itself, by default. By the way klaatu51, is your board the P4P800 Deluxe or the P4C800 Deluxe?

 

[klaatu51]

apoppin,
The manual says that it works but at only 320MHz instead of 333MHz. Actually it says it
"MAY" run at that speed. This "MAY" just be a language translation issue so only time will tell.
I will read the manual before I start the process. Must be getting old if I read the manual first.

klaatu51

 

[klaatu51]

mechBgon,
Sorry for the confusion...it is the ASUS P4P800-Deluxe, not the "C".

klaatu51

 

[apoppin]

weird double post.

 

[apoppin]

klaatu51, I am not ahamed of being old . . . and I HAD to read the MB manual when I did my last build (last month - also a P4 2.80-c/Abit IC7/2x256MB PC3500) . . .

The last time was a PIII Tualatin Celeron @1.5Ghz . . . (I didn't need the manual then)

A LOT has changed in the BIOS and especially for o/c'ers.

BTW, I did a Soyo MB to an MSI MB and Win2Kpro recognized the HW changes and set up perfectly . . . so you never know.
(HOWEVER, for best PERFORMANCE, it is always best to reformat for these big changes)