Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > Help upgrading my old Phenom System

Help upgrading my old Phenom System

Forum CPU & Components : CPUs - Help upgrading my old Phenom System

Tom's Hardware: Over 1.4 million members in 6 different countries available to answer all your high-tech questions. Sign up now! Its free!
Ask the community Add a reply
Word :    Username :           
 
rich9cinti   09-08-2009 at 03:34:16 AM

Here's my current system I had since 12/12/2007:

Phenom 9500 w/ MaxOrb Cooler, MSI K9A2 Platinum 790FX MB, Corsair 4 x 1GB PC8500 Dominators, 2 x Sapphire 3870's Crossfired, 1TB HDD(WD500GB x 2), Toughpower 850W PSU, Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Professional Series, Apevia Jupiter G Full Tower.
Bios is still original 1.1 and 3870's running on Driver Packaging Version 8.43-071016a-050244C-ATI
Provider ATI Technologies Inc.
2D Driver Version 6.14.10.6734
2D Driver File Path System/CurrentControlSet/Control/Video/{F66E37FC-D775-438D-9735-E9E1B40346B3}/0000
Direct3D Version 6.14.10.0540
OpenGL Version 6.14.10.7055
Catalyst® Control Center Version 2007.1016.2138.36845
AIW/VIVO WDM Driver Version 6.14.10.6238
AIW/VIVO WDM SP Driver Version 6.14.10.6238
Overclocked thru Bios FSB 232 (DDR2=928mhz) Posted all ok @ 2.552Ghz. Phenom 9500 @ 2.552 3870CF 860/1251 CatAI Advanced Dominator 4x1GB @ 5.5.5.15.20.2T. 3DMark06 = 13,700. :sleep:


OKAY... I don't have $2,000 every two years for a new build so I need help... really bad.
I never updated BIOS and Video cards ever... always afraid of trying to fix what is not broken.

I'm thinking about getting an AMD Phenom II 955 or 965 BE and possibly getting a 4890 crossfired down the line. I need someone to walk me thru it all since it has been sooooo long since I did any major pc work...
QUESTIONS:
1. Do I need to reset all default settings in my BIOS to factory specs to delete all of my OCing settings before dropping in the new CPU?
2. Must I update the BIOS to the newest for my MB first??? How do I do it???
3. If I decide to keep my 3870's, should I reset all settings to default first?
4. Should I update the drivers on the cards? and how so?
5. Should I CF or just get a new single powerhouse card? If so, what kind?

Please add more instruction if you have any. I haven't done any OCing since March of 2008 since none of the games really needed it but now am feeling like my system is falling behind on what's out there.

Thanks in advanced!!! :sol:

Add a reply
Sponsored Links
Register or log in to remove.
dkev   09-08-2009 at 05:32:38 AM
- 0 +

One issue, the cpu you want is a AM3. You have an AM2 mobo. Not sure if it will work. And yes you need to reset everything you have oc'd. Also New vid cards will be out this month so wait and see what comes out and what you can afford. You should always keep your vid card drivers updated. Just goto ati.com and download latest catalyst drivers.

Reply to dkev
godless   09-08-2009 at 05:45:20 AM
- 0 +

hey, ur setup is just like mine. replaced my phenom 9500 with the 955 a month ago. you will need to update bios. easiest thing to do with msi live bios update.

 

1. i didn't reset any setting. the mobo will recognize the new cpu and default.
2.yes do update the bios
3. do not reset the gpu. there is no point for that.
4. always update the graphics drivers.
5. i'd wait for the hd 5850 or 5870

 

btw i used to oc my phenom to 2.6-2.7ghz range . now it's 3.8-4.0ghz range


Message edited by godless on 09-08-2009 at 05:46:05 AM
------------------------------ Phenom II 955 @3.8 ghz|MSI K9A2 Platinum|500Gb Seagate 7200.11|2Gb OCZ Ram|Diamond HD3870 @800Mhz|CM 690|OCZ 700Watt |Scythe Mugen 2|
 Reply to godless
rich9cinti   09-08-2009 at 06:45:13 AM
- 0 +

Thanks so much kdev & godless! Trying to squeeze as much out of this and I will wait for the new cards! Update bios with the 9500 then drop in the new 955 or 965, right. I did some reading, my MB is supposed to be a AM2+ and others were able to get the 955 to work... like godless stated. Thanks for the info!


Message edited by rich9cinti on 09-08-2009 at 06:50:29 AM
Reply to rich9cinti
jitpublisher   09-08-2009 at 03:57:10 PM
- 0 +

An AM3 CPU will work on an AM2+ board.
An AM2+ CPU will not work on an AM3 board.
Yes, definetly wait for the new GPU's, even a single one of the 5800's coming out will spank your Crossfired 3870's.

Reply to jitpublisher
wisecracker   09-08-2009 at 04:56:26 PM
- 0 +

The K9A2 Platinum is the greatest motherboard evah! :D

The 965 will probably work but not be recognized. You don't need it, anyway.

Snag a 95w Phenom II X4 945. At stock volts with your clock at 230MHz you'll be running 3.4GHz+ with the IMC/NB at 2300MHz.

Make sure you install the latest BIOS ---- HOWEVER, if you are running v1.5 you might lose NB VID adjustment when you update to v1.7. That might hold back your IMC/NB a bit, but even if you have to drop to 240x9 you should be okay.

I've got a 2400MHz IMC/NB and 3.4GHz at 1.33v (940BE) --- I'm thinkin' you could go 3.6GHz/2400MHz with a bit of extra volts to the 945.

Reply to wisecracker
rich9cinti   09-09-2009 at 07:20:50 AM
- 0 +

Glad I posted this thread, getting lots of good info

Reply to rich9cinti
Ask the community Add a reply
Tom's Hardware > Forum > CPU & Components > CPUs > Help upgrading my old Phenom System
Go to:

There are 1146 identified and unidentified users. To see the list of identified users, Click here.

Forum map
Bestofmedia Forum ©
2000-2009 Bestofmedia Group
Page generated in 0.656 seconds
Sponsored links
  • Ask the community now
  • Publish
Ad
Related Topics
See all relatives topics
They won a badge
Join us in greeting them