Rank: I'm new around here
Joined: 9/13/2009
Posts: 1
|
Hi everyone, I'm a total newb here and have some questions.
1) I've read that clock speed is no longer the primary indicator of cpu speed as developers are trying to make use of new technology to get as much as they can from current speeds.
If this is the case, then what should an average Joe like myself look for when buying a coomputer/cpu?
2) Is the motherboard I have on my computer (it has an AMD sempron 3200+ CPU) going to be a compatible with an intel CPU? How do I find out what my motherboard is and what it is and isnt compatible with?
3) Can I change my cpu without affecting my hard disk? Will everything run normally once I just switch my cpu around?
Thanks.
|
Rank: Expert
Joined: 5/29/2008
Posts: 688
Location: Lismore NSW
|
ok well first get hold of a program such as CPUID its free and will tell you your motherboard type and all about your CPU and other various hardware. It will not effect your hard disk if you change the CPU as long as your connectors are all there like SATA and all. it will run normally when you switch the CPU around assuming that the CPU is a compatible socket type and is installed correctly. as for the AMD to intel thing i would say it would be ok but im not 100% sure  are you an average joe? it all depends on what you want to use the computer for.
We are all born ignorant but one must work hard to remain stupid
|
Rank: Elite
Moderator
Joined: 7/11/2008
Posts: 1,164
Location: Mackay North QLD
|
Intel and AMD processors haven't been compatible since socket 7 was replaced in the mid to late 90's so that's not an option Lexis
Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from.
Ask questions. There's no such thing as a stupid one, just stupid answers. (mostly)
|
Rank: Technician
Joined: 7/11/2008
Posts: 221
Location: Gippsland, Victoria
|
Hi Lexis,
your sempron 3200+ should be a socket am2. this is good for you, as an upgrade may be as simple as plugging in an athlon X2. this is a dual core processor, which will enable your pc to handle multiple tasks much more efficiently, e.g. listen to music and browse the web simultaneously. Also, am2+ processors are backwards compatible, which means that a phenom X3 or X4 will also work on your mobo. these are newer than the athlon x2s, and have more cores.
other wise you could get a new mobo, cpu and ram. this option is trickier, as it would probably mean removing old and installing new drivers, to be able to use the same hard disk without losing data. but it is possible.
another option is to install more ram, as this is usually a fairly good way to get a quick performance boost.
Hope this helps,
If it can't be fixed with old fencing wire, buy some new fencing wire...
|