CPU question

[sheepsteak]

I have a Asus KT266A motherboard and an Athlon XP1600+. I am wanting to upgrade the CPU but I haven't been following the hardware scene lately so I'm a bit low on knowledge.

My question is since the new Athlon XPs are 333MHz FSB will they work in my 266MHz board? Will they function at the lower 266MHz or am I limited to the highest 266Mhz XP?

 

[Jonty]

Hi sheepsteak

As far as I am aware (although I've never tried it) you should be able to run a 333Mhz FSB Athlon processor in a motherboard which only supports up to 266Mhz FSB. Providing your BIOS settings are correctly configured, everything should be fine, although you obviously won't be running the CPU at its stated maximum performance level.

A little while ago AMD introduced an updated Athlon architecture codenamed Barton, which runs at 333Mhz. Many motherboards required BIOS updates before these processors would run correctly, so if you end up purchasing a Barton chip (the website should make it clear what you're buying) then make sure first that your motherboard can support these chips. Otherwise, stick to the older Athlon processors, codenamed Thoroughbred, which run at 266Mhz (and 333Mhz higher up the range) but which your motherboard should automatically support.

Kind Regards

Jonty

P.S. I may, of course, be way off in what I've said above, since I've never tried what you're suggesting. If that's the case, could someone reply putting us both straight

 

[sheepsteak]

Thanks.

I read a few articles on Tom's Hardware Guide after my first post and I'm not sure whether to go for a KT400 board now since AMD have just released the 3200+ XP which runs at 400FSB. There are only certain KT400 boards that can run the 3200+ at 400FSB, apparently the 2nd revision of the latest nForce is one of them.

So I still can't decide whether to just get the most powerful 266MHz XP and keep my KT266A board, or, to get a new KT400 board that will be able to take 3200+(and higher) in the future?

Then again I thought the Athlon64s were out soon?

Decisions, decisions...

 

[Jonty]

Hi Sheepsteak

You're facing the age old 'should I upgrade now?' decision hehe. I believe the fastest AthlonXP running at 266Mhz FSB is around 2400+, which isn't too slow, and quite budget friendly (~£61).

Personally, and this is just my own subjective view, I wouldn't upgrade to a KT400 and/or 3200+ Barton. Basically, AMD's high end chips really aren't worth the money right now, and only the 3200+ CPU runs at 400Mhz (all the rest still operate at 333Mhz or below).

Furthermore, as you rightly say, the Athlon64 processor will be out soon (September). Many members of these forums agree that it will take a long time before these A64 chips and compatible motherboards really take off, but neverthless this new kit will instantly age AMD's current products.

But, whatever I say, the decision is still yours Personally I'd wait, just buying a new processor and/or RAM etc. to boost your current system. That said, I'm sure others will advise you (try searching these forums, for there are a lot of 'new kit advice' posts of late).

Kind Regards

 

[(Shovel)]

Originally posted by sheepsteak
Thanks.

I read a few articles on Tom's Hardware Guide after my first post and I'm not sure whether to go for a KT400 board now since AMD have just released the 3200+ XP which runs at 400FSB. There are only certain KT400 boards that can run the 3200+ at 400FSB, apparently the 2nd revision of the latest nForce is one of them.

So I still can't decide whether to just get the most powerful 266MHz XP and keep my KT266A board, or, to get a new KT400 board that will be able to take 3200+(and higher) in the future?

Then again I thought the Athlon64s were out soon?

Decisions, decisions...

One thing with regard to this, be careful with your motherboard research. You've got yourself a bit confused here, and you don't want to make a mistake.

You mentioned the KT400. This is a VIA chipset motherboard, the 400 coressponds to the maximum DDR memory speed (DDR 400Mhz/DDR PC3200) rather than the CPU FSB, which I belive is topped out at 333Mhz (though I don't know what the status of Barton support is, quite probably a BIOS update required).

The nForce2, is nothing to do with KT400. It's a different chipset, this time made by nVidia. It is widely regarded as the top chipset of the moment with various different flavours available to cover the level of user. Again, DDR400Mhz/DDR-PC3200 is supported, but again, the FSB for processors varies. Out of box I belive they all support 333Mhz Bartons - certainly the latest revisions (e.g. the Rev 2 Asus A7N8X). Newer models and probably BIOS updates will allow support of a 3200+ AXP.

However, once you get up to that range, AMDs processors tend to become bad value, as Jonty says.

In fact, at that range, you could consider a Pentium 4 option with the "Quad Pumped" 800Mhz bus, 2.8GHz models are sub £200 and the top Intel 875 and 865 chipset motherboards are around sub-£100-£130 depending on your chosen variant. Due to AMD price rises, Intels middle/top end is becoming competative again

 

[Jonty]

Well spotted, (Shovel), I guess I wasn't paying attention

Sorry sheepsteak

Kind Regards

Jonty

P.S. I'd also second (Shovel)'s suggestion of a Intel-based setup

 

[sheepsteak]

I think I'll go with the AMD XP2400+ 266FSB. I have 512MB of PC2100 DDR and a GF4 Ti4200 so that should be fine for the moment. Then when the Athlon64s become mainstream I'll look into a motherboard upgrade and associated trimmings

The new CPU should get the Half-Life 2 juices flowing anyway

Thanks again for the replies.

EDIT: One more thing. If I upgrade my CPU will I have to reinstall Windows XP? I wouldn't think so but I've heard people say that you should do.

 

[(Shovel)]

If you aren't changing motherboard you may well find that XP will be ok with it all - in the same way that overclockers don't have to reinstall when they change the frequency XP should just say "OK then". Motherboards are a different story, but since you aren't swapping that, it ought to be fine

The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work and you have to reinstall. Take a back up before fitting - as you should be all upgrades - and you'll be fine

 

[Jonty]

Sounds like a good plan of action An Athlon XP 2400+ OEM CPU is available for £56.90 inc. VAT exc. delivery from eBuyer, or £61.10 inc. VAT exc. delivery from Overclockers UK. Alternatively, you can buy the same CPU in its retail form (which includes a 3 year warranty and a heatsink etc.) for £67.21 inc. VAT exc. delivery from eBuyer (whether you need all that is debatable, though).

As (Shovel) says, everything should be fine with regards the upgrade and I would guess you wouldn't have to reinstall everything (although do a backup, again as (Shovel) highlights, just in case ). In terms of activation, XP should allow six items of hardware to be changed before you encounter any problems. Some people doubt this figure, but even if you do hit a spot of bother, Microsoft have a special (freephone, I believe) number where you can contact them directly and quickly resolve matters.

Kind Regards

 

[(Shovel)]

Yeah, reactivation isn't an issue. If the software says "No Rah!" then you phone up, feed them some numbers, they feed you a number back, no questions asked whatsoever.

 

[throdgrain]

Ive just done this m8, changed from a xp2000 (266) to a xp2600 (333).
It didnt work.
Check your board info very carefully, I ended up buying a new mobo too.

/edit Oh , btw they do make a xp2600 at 266 too, though they are as rare as rocking horse shit Im told, however could be an answer ...

 

[sheepsteak]

I just looked at the Asus site and took at the latest BIOS releases for my board (A7V266-E). It says in the latest one:

"Added support for AMD Athlon XP2600+"

So that must be the 266FSB one you said is rare. Anyway, as I said earlier I'll go with the 2400+.

 

[Jonty]

Sorry to hear you had trouble, throdgrain. After having a quick look, I did manage to find the 266Mhz FSB 2600+, but it cost £158.42 inc. VAT exc. delivery from Komplett! Insanely priced, but as throdgrain says, they're now extremely rare (at the time of writing there are only six left). Anyway, the 2400+ sounds like the way to go

Kind Regards

 

[adams901]

anyone used http://www.thecoolingshop.co.uk?

they have a heatsink I want http://www.thecoolingshop.co.uk/tcs/comersus_viewitem.asp?idproduct=648, but I dont wanna part with my cash and never get the goods.

 

[Jonty]

Hi adams901

That store is probably okay, although I have to confess I've never heard of them. If the transaction is done securely, then your details should remain safe, and most credit/debit cards (although of course check first) come with some sort of fraud protection to keep you safe.

That said, stores I do know of, also stock the Zalman CNPS7000 CU (I assume this is what you're after, the link you gave errored when I tried it). Overclockers UK, for example, have it for £46.68 inc. VAT exc. delivery (although there are probably stores with it cheaper than this).

Kind Regards

 

[adams901]

thx jonty, the only reason I shortlisted them was because it is the cheapest @ £39.83 INC VAT with free delivery.

 

[Embattle]

Remember folks, always use Credit card with purchases

 

[adams901]

Originally posted by Jonty
Sorry to hear you had trouble, throdgrain. After having a quick look, I did manage to find the 266Mhz FSB 2600+, but it cost £158.42 inc. VAT exc. delivery from Komplett! Insanely priced, but as throdgrain says, they're now extremely rare (at the time of writing there are only six left). Anyway, the 2400+ sounds like the way to go

Kind Regards

He could always buy the 333MHz FSB 2600+ for £77.77 and then buy my Asus A7V8X KT400 motherboard for £50 Total: 127.77

 

[(Shovel)]

Originally posted by Jonty
Hi adams901

That store is probably okay, although I have to confess I've never heard of them. If the transaction is done securely, then your details should remain safe, and most credit/debit cards (although of course check first) come with some sort of fraud protection to keep you safe.

Credit cards will usually have fraud protection of some sort, as Embattle hints however, Debit cards do not. I only have a Debit, and while I do use it, I wouldn't use it with a unknown merchant "just in case" - for purchases from people I know are reliable (Dabs, Komplett, Play.com etc) then I tend not to worry.

 

[Jonty]

Ah, wrong again Think I need to take a break. My sincere apologies for any confusion caused.

Kind Regards

 

[lovedaddy]

Mastercard have the better protective cover for the consumer.

No excuse for not having one really, they are the business =)

 

[throdgrain]

Originally posted by adams901
He could always buy the 333MHz FSB 2600+ for £77.77 and then buy my Asus A7V8X KT400 motherboard for £50 Total: 127.77

I have the 333 xp2600 and a nice new motherboard to go with it instead