Hi guys. Im having a conomdrum or whatever its called in english ..
Do i toss in 2GB more ram on my old computer and try to overclock it a bit with or without adding a new fan or just skip the upgrade and buy a new computer.. (im waiting for intels new plattform really..)
The spec of the computer is listed further down (dump taken from cpu-z)
I got a nvidia 8800gt and using a stock CPU cooler bundled from AMD. I got a 500w powersupply so that shouldnt be a problem..

So the question is: Is this a lost case?
Will the memory be a problem (RAS spec and so on)?
Do i need to upgrade the FAN even before i begin? or is the memory more critical than the cpu-fan in the beginning?

best regards D


AMD 4200X2

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CPU-Z version 1.46
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Processors Map
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Number of processors 1
Number of threads 2

Processor 0
-- Core 0
-- Thread 0
-- Core 1
-- Thread 0


Processors Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Processor 1 (ID = 0)
Number of cores 2 (max 2)
Number of threads 2 (max 2)
Name AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Codename Manchester
Specification AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4200+
Package Socket 939
CPUID F.B.1
Extended CPUID F.2B
Brand ID 5
Core Stepping BH-E4
Technology 90 nm
Core Speed 1004.7 MHz (5.0 x 200.9 MHz)
HT Link speed 1004.7 MHz
Stock frequency 2200 MHz
Instructions sets MMX (+), 3DNow! (+), SSE, SSE2, SSE3, x86-64
L1 Data cache 2 x 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L1 Instruction cache 2 x 64 KBytes, 2-way set associative, 64-byte line size
L2 cache 2 x 512 KBytes, 16-way set associative, 64-byte line size
FID/VID Control yes
max FID 11.0x
VID range 1.100 V - 1.400 V
Features XD
K8 Thermal sensor yes
K8 Revision ID 4.1
Attached device PCI device at bus 0, device 24, function 0
Attached device PCI device at bus 0, device 24, function 1
Attached device PCI device at bus 0, device 24, function 2
Attached device PCI device at bus 0, device 24, function 3




Chipset
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Northbridge NVIDIA nForce4 rev. A3
Southbridge NVIDIA nForce4 MCP rev. A3
Graphic Interface PCI-Express
PCI-E Link Width x16
PCI-E Max Link Width x16
Memory Type DDR
Memory Size 2048 MBytes
Channels Dual
Memory Frequency 200.9 MHz (CPU/5)
CAS# 2.5
RAS# to CAS# 3
RAS# Precharge 3
Cycle Time (tRAS) 8
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 11
DRAM Idle Timer 16
Command Rate 1T


Memory SPD
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DIMM #1

General
Memory type DDR
Manufacturer (ID) (0000000000000000)
Size 1024 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)
Part number M2G9OA8ATTAG081MAM
Serial number 09C92689
Manufacturing date Week 67/Year 05

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Registered no
Buffered no
Nominal Voltage 2.50 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 200
CAS# 2.5
RAS# to CAS# delay 3
RAS# Precharge 3
TRAS 8


DIMM #2

General
Memory type DDR
Manufacturer (ID) (0000000000000000)
Size 1024 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)
Part number M2G9OA8ATTAG081MAM
Serial number E6C5268D
Manufacturing date Week 67/Year 05

Attributes
Number of banks 2
Data width 64 bits
Correction None
Registered no
Buffered no
Nominal Voltage 2.50 Volts
EPP no
XMP no

Timings table
Frequency (MHz) 200
CAS# 2.5
RAS# to CAS# delay 3
RAS# Precharge 3
TRAS 8

Monitoring
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mainboard Model KN8 SLI(NF-CK804) (0x415 - 0x430C0890)

I can tell just from the specs that it would be better to just buy a new pc. My PC once had almost the same things in it, and let me just tell you, it's not really worthwhile to upgrade. I had not recieved any noticeable increase from upgrading and the CPU was the main bottleneck for my gaming. I ditched it for an Opteron but in your case you might be itching to get a new computer. And I think you should too. The AMD Athlon 64x2 family was not as powerful as I wanted it to be. And should I mention that motherboard is way outdated and still used DDR-400, which is about half the clock of most of todays ram, a new computer looks even better with that said. I barely ever tell people to just buy a new PC, but in your case, you should.

If you plan to spend more than $300 in upgrades, it's time for a new computer.

new PC > overclocking (determined through personal experience)

I don't think you should upgrade that rig, since almost all the tech is pretty much obsolete.

If you're prepared to spend at least $300-400, you can get an E7200\E8400 and a decent motherboard, as well as newer DDR2 RAM that will last you long enough until the price on the Nehalem CPUs and mobos, as well as DDR3 kits, comes down enough for them to become an affordable upgrade.

The 4200 X2 90nm will not overclock well. You can push it, but not very few, and even cooling it significantly won't make much of a difference. You'll spend half the cost of a new board and CPU on a better cooling setup and just plain time screwing with it.

Basically, I'd just use your system as-is - and then sell it, using the funds towards a newer machine. I usually do that about once a year. I will take my oldest desktop, sell it off, usually netting anywhere from $200 to $600, then use that money towards the funding of the newer desktop (or in latter years laptops).

CPU is bad for OC. it runs hot underclocked i heard

Hi guys! thx for the responses. Ive decided to toss my old pc to my brother in law and buy a new one..

Asus p5q-c
8GB PC8500 ram
Intel q9550
Nvidia gtx260 gfx card
Chieftect Aegis chassie
Zalman 9700 cpu fan

Aiming to clocking it round 4ghz....

br TE