Topic: Motherboard & (Multiple-Core) Processor Questions

[MysterD]

I don't know if I will actually go through with it or not, but a thought popped in my head after upgrading the video card -- that if I could get a mobo and processor for pretty good price, maybe it'd be worth a change. Plus, never changed either of those before.

So, I figured I would ask you guys about your knowledge on this stuff.

So, guys -- what's good out there for mobo's and processors out there?

Now, what do you actually recommend for a mobo? What companies do you like for mobos?

If I do intend to upgrade this current PC, I'd prefer to most definitely go Intel w/ the processor, since this PC is indeed a Intel. What do you think is probably the best bang for you buck and all? What's good for the Intel Duo double-cores? What about the Quad cores?

Since I'm curious, what's decent from AMD for their processors?

I currently have a 450 W supply. Would I possibly need to change that for any of those processors and mobos? Would I have to change my RAM when putting in a new processor and mobo, too?

I've never ever done a mobo and/or processor upgrade. So, how is changing those parts these days?? Do you have to go through BIOS and everything??? Are there drivers that come w/ the parts? What do you really have to do software-wide, besides replace the parts internally hardware-wise??

Any info you could provide would be great, thanks.

[gpw11]

Are you at a point where you actually think you need a new CPU?  If so, I'd go dual core (quad is a bit too expensive and slower in applications that aren't multi-threaded until they can get clock speeds up), Intel is a solid idea, drivers do come with mobos and I'm pretty sure CPUs (although your board and windows should recognize the cpu without any).  450W should be fine as long as it's a decent brand, and if you're doing this you should probably do a full clean install of windows.

As for what to get, Idol and I have pretty much the same setup (Gigabyte motherboard...can't remember the model number, and a e6750), and I haven't had any problems.  I've gotten my cpu up to 3.4 GHz for emulation purposes on stock cooling and it's been stable.  You are also going to have to upgrade your ram most likely.

[scottws]

To touch on what gpw11 said about doing a clean install of Windows after upgrading the motherboard: yes do that.  At the very least you have to run a repair install or it won't work right.

If you upgrade the motherboard, there's a good chance you have to upgrade your RAM too.  Almost all motherboards are DD2 and some are DDR3 now.  I imagine you have DDR... no?  Not compatible with DDR2 or 3.

[MysterD]

Are you at a point where you actually think you need a new CPU?

I have a 3.2 Ghz HT Processor.

I don't think I'm entirely ready yet -- I mean, the only game requiring a Double-Core is Assassin's Creed PC right now.

If so, I'd go dual core (quad is a bit too expensive and slower in applications that aren't multi-threaded until they can get clock speeds up), Intel is a solid idea, drivers do come with mobos and I'm pretty sure CPUs (although your board and windows should recognize the cpu without any).  450W should be fine as long as it's a decent brand...

Good to know.

As for what to get, Idol and I have pretty much the same setup (Gigabyte motherboard...can't remember the model number, and a e6750), and I haven't had any problems.  I've gotten my cpu up to 3.4 GHz for emulation purposes on stock cooling and it's been stable.

That's good -- that it's been stable and all.

You are also going to have to upgrade your ram most likely.

Ick.

To touch on what gpw11 said about doing a clean install of Windows after upgrading the motherboard: yes do that.  At the very least you have to run a repair install or it won't work right.

Ick!

If you upgrade the motherboard, there's a good chance you have to upgrade your RAM too.  Almost all motherboards are DD2 and some are DDR3 now.  I imagine you have DDR... no?  Not compatible with DDR2 or 3.

I have DDR2 RAM.

[gpw11]

Yeah, I'd personally wait if you're not having performance problems. Keep the money aside and maybe add to the fund.  Then when you really want a multi-core CPU get what you want at the time, upgrade to 3-4 GB of dual chan. RAM (depending on OS) and have some cash left aside for Spore.

[JacksRag(e)]

Basically, you're looking at almost a new computer if you want to switch out the mobo and cpu.  You'll need new RAM for sure, and your power supply might be ok, but you may look at upgrading that too since it isn't very future proof.  
CPU-wise, you should probably go dual core, I don't think the quad cores are that big of a deal yet.  Maybe the Intel E6850?  
For your mobo, I recommend Asus.  I'm a big fan of their mobos.
Other than that, you'll need to back up your hard drives and do a fresh install of Windows as scott said.  
The cpu won't need a driver, but you may need to upgrade the mobo's bios if it's outdated.  Apart from that, I can't think of anything else.

[gpw11]

Oh, and the other thing is you may or may not need to get new hard drives.  SATA/SATA II are fine, but if you're running the older standard (EIDE?), chances are you're only going to have one connector. 

I agree with hoob.  CPU+MOBO = full PC upgrade pretty much.  Start saving the cash for when you need it, keep an eye on parts and when it comes down to it get a new case (left this out last time) if you feel like it, new mobo, and new CPU.  The upside of this is that you're not really rushed and you can decide when the time comes if you want to get an SLI motherboard.

[scottws]

So people really consider SLI motherboards?  I'm sorry but I still think buying two videocards is completely ridiculous.

But yeah, Intel didn't even include a IDE controller in the P965 spec.  Asus hacked on a JMIcron IDE controller onto my P965-based motherboard but it's not a standard thing and is considered just that: a hack.  I ended up getting a SATA CD-ROM drive.

[gpw11]

My Gigabyte has one IDE connector, so I can hook up two drives total, but it's a bitch.  It's located in a really fucked up place so none of the cables I can find will reach my IDE HDD and my DVD-RW at the same time.  The old HDD went in the trash. 

And yeah, I assume people still consider SLI.  At least people at Anandtech and NCIX.com (where I buy my shit) do because they seem to talk about it a lot.  I'm with you though - it's retarded and I'm fully against the very notion of it.

[MysterD]

Oh, and the other thing is you may or may not need to get new hard drives.  SATA/SATA II are fine, but if you're running the older standard (EIDE?), chances are you're only going to have one connector.

Both of my HD's are SATA -- Seagates, to be specific.

I agree with hoob.  CPU+MOBO = full PC upgrade pretty much.  Start saving the cash for when you need it, keep an eye on parts and when it comes down to it get a new case (left this out last time) if you feel like it, new mobo, and new CPU.  The upside of this is that you're not really rushed and you can decide when the time comes if you want to get an SLI motherboard.

I wasn't sure if it'd be worthwhile to do a CPU+MOBO upgrade.

But, if I'm gonna have to change RAM and then reinstall Windows again, yeah -- sounds like it'd be worth looking into eventually getting a new rig entirely.

And yeah, I assume people still consider SLI.  At least people at Anandtech and NCIX.com (where I buy my shit) do because they seem to talk about it a lot.  I'm with you though - it's retarded and I'm fully against the very notion of it.

I'm guessing SLI is probably not a bad idea once your vid-card is aging and you want to throw a second card (or more) of the same card in since it'll probably be dirt-cheap by then -- and of course, if your card still meets most game's minimum requirements.

I do appreciate all y'all guys and help and advice and whatnot.

[scottws]

See I think with SLI that's not even a good option.  Why spend even $100 on a card that will be obsoleted soon?  I mean sure, you're getting a speed boost that will help some games by adding a second card, but you do not double your performance and chances are that there are features that the cards will not support like a new shader model, higher VRAM requirements, or a higher DirectX or OpenGL version in the near future.

The money is almost always better used towards a newer card that is likely to be just as fast as two older cards in SLI configuration and you won't have to worry about it going obsolete as soon as the two SLI cards will.

To me, SLI is for crazy people that like to waste money.  Well, it's not a complete waste.  There is no question top-of-the-line cards in dual- or tri-SLI will be awesome, but it's ridiculously expensive.  It might make more sense if you did indeed double performance, but you don't.  It's not anywhere near that.

[gpw11]

Thats the thing.  Usually, by the time the second price drops in price enough to make it any where near reasonable, the money is better spent elsewhere.