The axe needs an upgrade

[Araris]

It's a nerfed P35 Chipset as you assumed Clay. It has integrated graphics (but Carpe has an 8600). It has 2 DIMM slots, a PCIe x16 1.1 Slot, and supports up to 45nm CPUs in the 775 platform. I've used that same Gigabyte G31 chipset in numerous builds (the one I built for Winky uses it and he hasn't had a problem with it).

Also I didn't enlighten him to the 90nm--->45nm thing just because I didn't want him to absorb that much information and find it useless. I let him know that it's more than twice as good because it's more efficient (easier way of saying 90nm-->45nm).

Also I strongly recommend Corsair PSUs, they are bar none the best (I think I linked a PC Power and Cooling PSU up top though, they're just as good as Corsair yet can be overpriced). I know that many people use Corsairs, I use a 1000W Corsair to power my build, Winky uses a 650W Corsair, my grandparents are using a 400W Corsair. They are the best, but that's if you want to spend the money.

[Boss Llama]

Ok, here's an analogy for the "wah wah wah" Charlie Brown stuff I was saying about process size:


Both your current processor and the new suggested processor have the same 3.0 GHz speed, imagine them like 2 cars both going 60 mph.

The roads on your old processor, that the car has to take to get from point A to point B, are approximately 130 miles long. The roads on the new suggested processor are just 45 miles long. Going at the same speed, the new processor is going to get there a heck of a lot faster, due to much shorter roads.


Now, in terms of your FSB, why higher is better:

Imagine each car represents an instruction sent by your CPU to something it controls - more instructions = faster computer operation. With the old processor, the roads leading from your CPU can handle between 400 and 800 cars each second, depending on processor version. With the new suggested processor, those roads can handle over 1300 cars per second.


Cache could be likened to the difference between pulling out a road map, versus having GPS when reaching a fork in the road, and when it comes to transistor count, the new suggested processor has a support staff 7.5 times larger than the old processor, making sure things are ready when the car arrives.


It's not a perfect analogy, but close enough to get the idea. Same speed, but way shorter roads, way wider roads, way smarter directions, and vastly more complex possibilities on each trip.

[mr_s]

nice analogy there alizee

[TheCarpe]

I've gone with the parts Araris suggested, PSU included. I'm going to be picking up the case myself this weekend. With any luck, I'll have everything and be able to build on Sunday or Monday. I'm done with these horrible framerates.

Thanks for all your input, guys

[MMX]

regarding cases, i only can suggest Chieftec. already have 2 cases of them and am still happy.

They are not the cheapest ones, maybe also not the prettiest ones. But you don't cut yourself if you replace stuff. Oh and they are a bit heavier, but well. They are really good.

http://www.chieftec.com/office.html

The case DG-01BD-U is the one that i already have twice in two different generations.

[TheCarpe]

I've actually picked out the case already, and will be picking it up during my jaunt to Canada this weekend.

http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.ph ... cid=CS.664

[TheCarpe]

Hokay, round 2 of upgrade time.

We got a double-trouble situation, both with Windows!

See, I got this PC with XP already preloaded into it. From what I've read, it will withstand hardware changes up until you replace the mobo, which I'm doing. When I do so, Windows will sense the hardware has changed, and refuse to work.

Also, to get the most out of my new core, I'm going to need to format, which poses a problem with my pre-installed Windows, as I have no disk to reinstall it with.

So. Technical gurus of the Ville.

How shall I proceed with this sticky situation Microsoft would love to present me with?

[Masakari]

Assuming you have a sticker with your Windows XP serial key on your PC somewhere, you should be able to download a torrent of a copy of XP, burn it, and use that to reinstall (Make sure the torrent you install isn't a cracked one of anything...you're looking for a simple ISO of Windows).

When you install it and go to activate it, it will claim that there is new hardware and not activate it. Then, you simply need to phone Microsoft (Windows should provide you with a 1-800 number to phone them), explain that you had to replace your motherboard, and they'll get the number good again.

[TheCarpe]

[quote="Masakari";p="153346"]Assuming you have a sticker with your Windows XP serial key on your PC somewhere, you should be able to download a torrent of a copy of XP, burn it, and use that to reinstall (Make sure the torrent you install isn't a cracked one of anything...you're looking for a simple ISO of Windows).

When you install it and go to activate it, it will claim that there is new hardware and not activate it. Then, you simply need to phone Microsoft (Windows should provide you with a 1-800 number to phone them), explain that you had to replace your motherboard, and they'll get the number good again.[/quote]

Roger that, I do have a sticker with the product key. I'll look into it, thanks.

[Araris]

Worst case scenario you have to spend $80 to buy an OEM copy of Windows XP from a reseller (Newegg.com, NCIX).

[Masakari]

I should clarify too on something that is a little controversial - downloading a copy of the Windows XP CD is perfectly legal assuming you have your own legal key to go with it. For the most part, when you buy software, you are simply buying a licence for the software, not paying for the physical medium itself.

[MrBlah]

[quote="TheCarpe";p="153347"]
[quote="Masakari";p="153346"]Assuming you have a sticker with your Windows XP serial key on your PC somewhere, you should be able to download a torrent of a copy of XP, burn it, and use that to reinstall (Make sure the torrent you install isn't a cracked one of anything...you're looking for a simple ISO of Windows).

When you install it and go to activate it, it will claim that there is new hardware and not activate it. Then, you simply need to phone Microsoft (Windows should provide you with a 1-800 number to phone them), explain that you had to replace your motherboard, and they'll get the number good again.[/quote]

Roger that, I do have a sticker with the product key. I'll look into it, thanks.
[/quote]

I can always get you a key from my msdn.

[TheCarpe]

I've managed to secure a copy of XP. I'm going to be installing it and other things tonight (drivers, etc). I picked up a new HDD to avoid moving and formatting and am simply starting fresh. I'll put my current HDD in as a slave when I pop in the video card.

With any luck, I'll be up and running tonight

[Boss Llama]

[quote="TheCarpe";p="154411"]I've managed to secure a copy of XP. I'm going to be installing it and other things tonight (drivers, etc). I picked up a new HDD to avoid moving and formatting and am simply starting fresh. I'll put my current HDD in as a slave when I pop in the video card.

With any luck, I'll be up and running tonight [/quote]



Eeeeexcellent