First time CPU buyer and installer.

[nihonto]

My computer is aging But I'm still trying to keep up until I get a new system. I'm currently upgrading from 512mb to 1.5gb of ram. In addition to that I've found that I can even afford a new(er)(ish) CPU :O!

So what I'm basically wanting to ask is, are my CPU choice's good/better than my current setup, or am I wasting time and money by spending anymore money on this system. Also, are there better CPU's for the price out there that I missed?

And after all that, how do I install my new processor? Kinda asking a little much, I know, but I'm trying to learn. I know you need thermal paste.. but what kind? how much? Where do I put it(lol)? and anything else I need to do.


I currently have a AMD Sempron 2600 using socket 754 running at 1.6Ghz.


AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice 2.0GHz 512KB L2 Cache Socket 754 Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103606

AMD Sempron 64 3400+ Palermo 2.0GHz 256KB L2 Cache Socket 754 Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819104231

Not much else to choose from as socket 754 is not new anymore. :\

If you needed to know what I use my pc for.. basically everything. From movies to games to most anything else.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[killz86]

The Athlon 64 3000+ would beat the sempron

Because it has 512K and the sempron only has 128k or 256k.


So the Athlon 64 3000+ would be the best choice.

you could get a AMD Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego 2.2GHz 1MB L2 $93.00

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103622

and get a socket 939 mobo.

or if you have the money get a FX-55 for $199 with a free 250gb hdd

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103526

 

[nihonto]

Actually those deals make me sad that I'm on a budget of around 100$, I could always skip the ram. But 512mb isn't enough for me.

So I guess I'll stick with the AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice.

Now.. how do I install it? Lol. Shouldn't be too hard and I'm not a total n00b.

 

[killz86]

listen to jack he knows what he is talking about.

 

[nihonto]

Thanks. I thought I'd have to flash my Bios. One last noobie question. By backup, do you mean I can save all my current information, or do I have to basically format my harddrive and reinstall my OS.

Thanks again, doesn't sound too hard. Basically everything I had expected.

 

[killz86]

no you dont have to reinstall your os to change your cpu. when you install a new mobo is when you have to reinstall your os

 

[nihonto]

Oooo.. Yea I'm just upgrading my processor, not getting a new motherboard. So just skip the OS stuff? That would save me A LOT of time as I have most of my 250gb harddrive filled, lol.

 

[killz86]

when i put a new cpu in i did not need to reinstall my os i am %100 sure you dont need to reinstall your os

 

[nihonto]

*sticks out hand*

Yes, I have a DVD burner so I'll just burn it all there. I also have a spare 10GB partition I could copy it to too.

But what about what Killz86 said about not even needing to reinstall my OS? If I can actually skip this then I would much rather prefer that. I'm lazy.


And If I DID have to reinstall my OS, do I need to save or backup my validation file(s) or anything? Or does backing up my documents and settings already do that for me? I basically got this pc with only a XP upgrade disc and everything installed already.

 

[killz86]

you dont need to reinstall your os. if you was changeing the mobo yes. but not for a cpu.

 

[nihonto]

Thanks again guys. I'll post more later if I have additional problems or questions.

Now.. how do I flash my BIOS? >

j/k, I can figure that out on my own.. I think. lol