AMD Turbo Core technology

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

Assuming the CPU works correctly in the motherboard, does AMD Turbo Core technology depend on anything else in the PC to work correctly?

I'm stretching the window on what an older Dell Optiplex 740 SFF can do. I've already upgraded from an Athlon X2 to a Phenom X4, to a Phenom II X4 successfully. Now I'm wondering if a Phenom II X4 960T with Turbo Core will work. The motherboard is a Dell and has no capability to adjust any settings.

k1114 · Oct 2, 2016

Usage, temps, power, although with desktops power isn't really an issue.

clutchc · Oct 2, 2016

Turbo mode in the Ph II X6 is processor-centric. Meaning it is the CPU that handles it, not the chipset.
If your motherboard accepts the six core and there is a BIOS update for that CPU (if needed), it should work as expected.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

I'm not sure I understand what you mean.

This Small Form Factor desktop only has a 275w power supply. The existing CPU is 95w and the proposed 960T is also 95w, so I'm guessing this is not a problem.

Here's the issue. There is a 95w 3.3Ghz Phenom II X4 that I'm comparing to the 95w 960T 3.0Ghz Phenom II X4 with 3.4Ghz in Turbo Core mode. To get ultimate speed, even by .1Ghz, which would be better? Will the 960T even go into Turbo Core mode in a PC not designed for it?

The Dell BIOS was not designed for a Phenom II CPU let alone one with Turbo Core. So your saying unless the BIOS is designed for Turbo Core it most likely not go into Turbo Core mode?

clutchc · Oct 2, 2016

I'd go with the X6. It will turbo to 3.4 GHz, and you will have the extra cores for highly threaded apps. Besides, the X6 is a true AM3+ CPU as opposed to the 940 which is an AM2+.

k1114 · Oct 2, 2016

It doesn't run that high with all cores used so you might see a drop in performance since you are going from 3.3 to 3.0.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

clutchc :

The only app I'm concerned with is Windows Media Center. Do you know if this is "highly threaded"?

elbert · Oct 2, 2016

You would really need to look up the bios CPU support list. Unfortanatly I cant find the list but the 2.2.7 bios was updated after the 960T thuban launch. Its the CPU I currently use which I got lucky and mine unlocked to a 6 core. Good luck if your want the CPU to unlock also as that could be problem if the bios doesn't support that option.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

elbert :

How did you unlock a CPU with the Dell BIOS?

elbert · Oct 2, 2016

ken h :

All my PC's are self builds. Its highly unlikely the dell offers the function. Generally tho OEM only lock the overclocking options. So I didn't rule out the unlocking of cores.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

elbert :

ken h :

All my PC's are self builds. Its highly unlikely the dell offers the function. Generally tho OEM only lock the overclocking options. So I didn't rule out the unlocking of cores.

Got it, thx.

k1114 · Oct 2, 2016

What performance issues are you having in windows media center? Video hardly uses any cpu so wouldn't make a difference.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

k1114 :

When the guide update is loading it can slow down using the TV tuner (flipping channels) and using the guide itself. Sometimes the guide won't load.

k1114 · Oct 2, 2016

Check the temps and usage of everything?

elbert · Oct 2, 2016

ken h :

Could be a problem with media center. You could try XBMC and see if works better with your tv tuner. Also I highly suggest the ustv vod addon that give you access to every channel from the internet. XBMC kodi can be used as a pvr also if you want to record your tv tuner content.
https://kodi.tv/

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

k1114 :

Yes, everything is fine.

k1114 · Oct 2, 2016

If usage is fine then cpu isn't the issue unless there was some misunderstanding and cpu usage is high. What were the usage and temps?

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

elbert :

I've loaded Win7 on a number of machines for use with WMC and it's performance is directly related to the hardware capabilities. Each time I add memory or a faster CPU, performance noticeable improves.

I use a CableCard and HDHomeRun Prime and want the best video quality, so streaming isn't an option.

I'm aware of the kodi option and at some point was seriously considering it but with the end of life for CableCards perhaps in the not so distant future, I'm reluctant to tackle learning of all the ins and outs of another interface software; WMC & I are on intimate terms at this point.

A big part of the issue is that the PC I'm using is still also being used for MS Office, Internet browsing, and other misc. computing tasks. What I should do is simply dedicate it to WMC and dump all the other software including anti virus and malware.

ken h · Oct 2, 2016

k1114 :

Sorry I didn't give you a better answer.

When things slow down or stop responding, the CPU usage is very high. Temps get higher but are within the specified limits.

elbert · Oct 2, 2016

ken h :

elbert :

I've loaded Win7 on a number of machines for use with WMC and it's performance is directly related to the hardware capabilities. Each time I add memory or a faster CPU, performance noticeable improves.

I use a CableCard and HDHomeRun Prime and want the best video quality, so streaming isn't an option.

I'm aware of the kodi option and at some point was seriously considering it but with the end of life for CableCards perhaps in the not so distant future, I'm reluctant to tackle learning of all the ins and outs of another interface software; WMC & I are on intimate terms at this point.

A big part of the issue is that the PC I'm using is still also being used for MS Office, Internet browsing, and other misc. computing tasks. What I should do is simply dedicate it to WMC and dump all the other software including anti virus and malware.

I can understand that. XBMC is a bit hard to fingure out. You could optimize the services to reduce a lot of windows overhead. Here is a complete list of what you can turn off. If your not sure how to advanced system care's boost mode will shutdown the services you dont need.
http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-7-service-pack-1-service-configurations/

http://www.iobit.com/en/advancedsystemcarefree.php

AMD Turbo Core technology

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