Processor change - simple question

THE_MIDDLEMAN

Hi,

I have an Athlon 64 3000+ on a Gigabyte GA - Kns Pro mobo.

939 socket.

Can I change the processor? Insert a new Athlon 64 with a faster proc speed?

If yes will the heatsink paste have solidified? Any tips to move the processor out without damaging the mobo?

/want to increase my rig speed for online gaming.....;)

Joe_Bloggs

The manual and lots of other stuff is here regarding the processors you can use and possible bios upgrades to support them. So much work is done by the graphics card in games these days. Is the processor really at fault ? You may as well get a tube of heatsink compound as you can't reuse it from a processor.
Why not list the specification of your machine and the games you play. Perhaps others can find the bottle neck and suggest ways forward.
J_B.

niceguyrichy

as regards the cpu paste, if it's well stuck I do the following; unscrew the fan and take it off, then use a hairdryer on the hottest setting on the heatsink for a couple minutes

works a charm for me every time (heatsink and cpu can get really hot though, so watch your fingers)

bigglesinc

If you're looking for gaming improvements Graphics are usually the first thing to change. What GC are you using?

THE_MIDDLEMAN

Cheers so far.

Current Spec

Athlon 64 3000+
ATI 850 XT PE
1 Gig Ram
Gigabyte 3d Coller pro heatsink
Gigabyte Ga KNS -Pro
550 PSU
2 meg connection

3 x 3.5 " Intake fans

System is ok, GFX is good but I want to increase frame rates and 3d Mark score - Last one was 6218

Amalea

I can't find your specific motherboard on the list available on the gigabyte website-please can you let me know which one it is on this page:

http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_List.aspx?VenderType=AMD&CPUType=socket+939

THE_MIDDLEMAN

Amalea wrote:

I can't find your specific motherboard on the list available on the gigabyte website-please can you let me know which one it is on this page:

http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_List.aspx?VenderType=AMD&CPUType=socket+939

what diff will that make? its a 939 socket mobo from giga byte in the KN8 series???

Amalea

I was asking so I could check see what components your motherboard can support to help you choose what to upgrade. It may not be the CPU (processor) that would be the best thing to upgrade in order to get better framerates, or at least any significant difference that you can notice.

jpe20

Only tip I have (read from another forum) is to run the processor hot b4 removing the HSF. Seems that the HSF comes away from the processor easier that way.

I'd buy a AMD 64 4400x2 as it has 1MB cache per core (2MB total) worth an extra 200MHz. Though I would try and source one soon as I think they are no longer being produced. AMD for economic reasons decided to not to make the 44(8)00x2 for AM2. Annoyed me!!!!! Anyhow I think the 4400x2 s939 or 4800 is an excellent chip. The main thing that will increase framerates is your graphics card. If you are only looking for a little extra in frame rates or 3dMark scores then overclock your CPU and Video Card.

Omega Drivers are the ones used to improve ATI cards (used instead of the ATI catalyst drivers).

Off to eat my dinner!!!

HTH
Jules

T4i

Changing your CPU won't make a huge difference in 3DMark, the CPU score will go up slightly but you won't ever see it in game.

Get a beafy GPU instead.

Amalea

Depending on the games being played increasing to 2gb of RAM can make a big difference too.