Which processor to choose with my motherboard

[dxtr10101]

I currently am using an Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard socket 939 and i have a 2.6G processor. Any ideas on if I should upgrade to a 3000+ single core or get a dual core processor. I mainly use the system for gaming and the latest install was Age of Conan. I want to at least have the minimum system reqs. I was reading that the 3800 (i think) dual core is actually only 2000G processor. Will this be better (dual core) than the 3000+ single core.

Thanks you in advance!

 

[rodney_ws]

If you already have a single core CPU running at 2.6 Ghz in your system, really about the only thing you can do is to go a dual-core setup. Socket 939 chips are no longer made so you'll probably be looking on eBay or other such sites. The fastest Socket 939 CPU ever made was the FX-60. Yes, I believe you're correct about the X2-3800. However, keep in mind that most of the AMD CPUs you'll see now will be AM2/AM2+ processors that will not EVER work in your mothboard. Just make sure you're getting the Socket 939 CPUs if you're determined to upgrade. I had an X2-4400+ (2.2 Ghz stock OC'd to 2.6) and it was a nice CPU... but I bought it 3 years ago. Don't expect miracles by upgrading from a single core to a dual core setup... at least not the upgrade your board is going to allow.

Strongly consider a complete system overhaul before buying any CPU for your system.

 

[dxtr10101]

If i upgrade to an AM2 socket it sounds like i am replacing the Motherboard processor and memory. What am I looking at to get this replaced...rough figures if u can toss them out while i look myself.

 

[mike99]

AMD S939 x2 CPUs are found on Ebay and they are not cheap. Price up AM2 motherboard, 6000 CPU and 2Gb of DDR2 and compare with price of x2 4800 on Ebay. I have x2 4200 and have same position as you. What are you trying to do that is too slow?

Mike.

 

[dxtr10101]

I just installed Age of Conan and the intro movie stutters like crazy (sound only). I upgraded to 4g ram and went through and did a very intense overhall with all my drivers and whatnot after a fresh install of everything. The only thing that i have left not upgraded is the processor. I understand the game is full of bugs but i just want to watch the intro movie at least....

 

[dmoz]

Unless you want to spend a lot more money I wouldn't worry about doing a full upgrade. Just do a bit of scouring on the 'net and find a good, inexpensive dual-core 939. You'll definitely want dual-core for gaming since you'll likely be running Vent/TS, a browser in the background (for looking up stuff) among other things. It'll be a lot faster to switch between those things, and each application will be less bogged down by the presence of the other ones running in the background.

Oh, this is what I used to have before I sidegraded to a laptop: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-ADO4400DDBOX-Athlon-Dual-Core-Processor/dp/B000MNA05U/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1215645335&sr=8-1

Great price and highly recommended. I dunno what those other guys were talking about having to look on ebay.

 

[mike99]

Sorry dmoz, that Amazon link is an AM2, not S939.

Mike.

 

[Wisecracker]

If i upgrade to an AM2 socket it sounds like i am replacing the Motherboard processor and memory. What am I looking at to get this replaced...rough figures if u can toss them out while i look myself.

Without the HD4850 and psu (not a good idea): $234-$240


AMD Budget Gaming Rig

Total w/shipping: $494 ($434 after rebates)

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane 2.8GHz 65W: $87
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103235

MSI K9A2 CF-F V2 AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX: $104
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130172

MSI R4850-T2D512 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3: $198 ($168 AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127359

Antec earthwatts EA430 430W Power Supply: $60 ($30 AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800: $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098


Intel Budget Gaming Rig

Total w/shipping: $500 ($440 after rebates)

ntel E2200 2.2GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W: $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116063

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P45: $117
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345

MSI R4850-T2D512 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3: $198 ($168 AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127359

Antec earthwatts EA430 430W Power Supply: $60 ($30 AR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800: $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098


When you up the X2 5400+ to 3.1-3.2GHz and the e2200 to 2.7-2.8GHz (with stock cooling and maybe a slight bump in voltage) you will have 2 'snappy' systems with a video card that's smokin'


(My standard budget AMD/Intel cut 'n paste for the week)

 

[dmoz]

Sorry dmoz, that Amazon link is an AM2, not S939.

Mike.

That's funny, I found it searching google for S939. My bad I guess.