To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

My system specs are:
athlon xp 4000 CPU
asus a8v-e deluxe mobo
2 gig twinned low latency ram
asustech nvidia geforce 6800 ultra
2x75 gig 10k rpm raptors in RAID 0

I would love to upgrade both my graphics card and my CPU but she who must be obeyed isn't going to allow that so my question is:
Which will give me the most speed improvement (games and apps)?
I'm thinking a dual core athlon 4800 CPU is probably the best idea (cost wise.....otherwise I'd go for the FX60 if it wasn't almost as much as my monthly mortgage payment :D ) but the new 7800 512mb GPU's look mouthwatering as well.
Any ideas?:)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

General apps, the CPU will make the biggest difference. Gaming, the GPU will probably be most noticeable,

It will depend on the specific software whether it will be noticeable enough to be worth it. Older games like MOH won't really do much at all. Modern games like COD 2 will use a better GPU and a better CPU. Indeed the CPU, dual core may imporve gaming a bit as one core runs the game whilst the other runs antivirus teamspeak and stuff. How much that is noticeable compared to crisper graphics I dunno.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

CPU without a shadow of a doubt.The nvidia 6600gt is good enough to play 90% of games adequately.The gfx you have is plenty good enough better than the 6600gt.Remember this a lot of new games coming will support and use dual core ;)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

As I suspected.....it looks like a x2 4800 is imminent then (unless I can find a FX60 for less than an arm and a leg) :D

......or does anyone have any other recommendations?

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Agreed CPU.

I don't care what anyone says, my gpu is superb, but I noticed an improvement in a game when the load was taken off the CPU and put onto the GPU by a patch. Not sure why that was in the first place, but heck, what an improvement. So I'm guessing the better the CPU the better?

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Stand up and be a man. Get both! (and prey she doesn't notice) :)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

If I was Ramrod I'd be worried about where the <snip> was likely to be placed if your advice is followed :p:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

It might leave him more time for gaming :shocked:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Interesting spelling you used there, you meant to write pray but wrote prey--which is what I would be if I got both! :D

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ermmm...........take a look here.........worth a risk?:erm: :erm:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Dunno but I so want your disposable income if you can spend that amount of cash on PCs :)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

What about this?:shocked:

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I'm serious, what do you people think about buying a cpu from China? :disturbd:

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Especially when the sellers feed back is hidden (but it's 100%) :confused:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Its way risky dude but its upto you lol

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

lol.........when you say 'way risky' are we talking about taking a walk through Woolwich after dark while wearing a Rolex, or are we talking about it being just a bit of a concern? :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Ying tong ying tong ying tong ying tong piddly pie po.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

That's just what I was thinking. I'm in the wrong job :rolleyes:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Git! :D

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I don't know what to do! :cry:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

The question is why do you think you need to upgrade ....again ????

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

That should be easy - his PC is getting on a bit now - it was in the top tier when he built it, but isn't anymore. No doubt Ramrod wants to keep up with the Joneses (or Zingles)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Long barge pole touch wouldn't - rearrange as you see fit!

Not only private feedback, but only registered since 29 Dec!

Can't see anyway they can get legit AMD processors in China for £100. In Jan, the Reg review priced it at $1000 - the maths don't add up.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

What do you mean 'again'.....I haven't upgraded either cpu or gpu since I built this pc.......and I still don't know what to do regarding tat auction :banghead:

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Are they made in China perhaps? Maby the guy has a 'back door' in the factory? But yes, I generally feel that if it looks too good to be true then it generally is....

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KP's actually :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Speaking of interesting typos, I think you have just answered your own question :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

:D I wondered if anyone would notice, Freudian slip perhaps.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

IMO, at that price they are either stolen, rejects (failed testing) or fakes - probably the later!

Even if I had the money to spare, personally I couldn't justify the £270 diff between a 4800 X2 and and FX60. (OCUK prices)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

"Tell me about your mother" :naughty:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Thats what I was wondering about....

Absolutely! The FX60 is just not justifiable at that price!

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It's odd, there is a rash of chinese athlon xp's FX60's and 4800's for sale on ebay atm.....

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I actually live in the nicer (read gated) part of Woolwich, however feel free to walk by Firepower the Royal Artilery Museum after dark... ;)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Personally, I think that is a little worrying...

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Might be worrying. But the price is right:D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Just got a reply from the winning bidder.....the seller wants western union or cash transfer so he is backing out.......

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Right, I'm all set to get the AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4800+ when I notice that my mobo (asus A8V-E Deluxe) 'doesn't support dual core cpu's'....allegedly........but if that's the case, why does it support the FX60 and a couple of dual core opterons......according to this mobo/cpu support page? :confused:
I have asked this over at the ASUS forums but no answer as yet....:(

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

:bump: Any ideas anyone? :)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Google found this thread at arstechnica. They decided against trying it. A lot of dosh if it don't work!

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Yep, I found that one as well and have likewise decided against trying it. The thing is that the mobo seems to support the FX60 which is dual core....so why the hell won't it support the 4800? :confused:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Also found this thread

Somewhat confusing!

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Ring overclockers, and speak to their techs... theyre pretty good :tu:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Oh cr*p! Now I'm confused! :disturbd:

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....and they are closed for staff training till 1PM today! :cry:

The thing is that I have a 4800 turning up sometime today from Dabs and I don't know if I should just refuse to sign for it and send it back now :mad:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

hmmm.....

Have you done a bios update on your board? what version are you now running..... i would of thought it would be fine.... to be honest...... however....... :(

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I'm running 1012 atm...brand spanking new bios

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I'm bluddy confused atm.....

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

You could give Asus a call on +886-2-2890-7121 and ask them... if anyone should know, it's them.

Just found a German number for motherboard support... +49-2102-9599-0. Might be easier to get hold of them.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Ahh, simplicity IS the key :tu:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Cheers m8.........listening to German tech support hold music atm.......:rolleyes: :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Which is............................ ??? just curious :shrug:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

That is more than my mortgage!! :shocked:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

every single skt 939 mother board will support a dual core cpu with the correct bios ive said it over and over again in this forum.....
Should have just bloody asked me

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

The place I used to work at had German offices, and they had some banging techno music for people who were on hold. :dmonk:
ps - just don't mention the war :erm:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Why do you think AMD made this chip skt 939 in the first place?? It was cuz the architecture is in place for its support......

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

So why do asus claim that it won't?:confused:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I think he's more concerned about Asus than AMD.

ahh, beaten to it.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Same old elevator muzak:(

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

cuz there wrong

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Thats what I'm suspecting.....just can't get through to anyone at mobo tech support to confirm that (horses mouth and all that) I wonder how much listening to german elevator muzak is costing me atm?:D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

The 939 architecture may support dual core, but some versions of the VIA K8T890 didn't - article here.

So if Rammie has a fixed version he's OK (suggests there may be a label on the board), otherwise :( If ASUS did ship some with a fix and some without, they would be unable to give a blanket 'A8V-E Deluxe supports x2'.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

ive heard that before and researched it and found they can ???

Didnt rammy say it supports the FX60 ??? if it supports one it supports all surely

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Thats what you'ld think....

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Speaking to a German tech atm.......

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Who was very nice but not very useful......he looked at the webpages that I have looked at and couldn't really add any more to the discussion.....:(
It would appear that the mobo won't support the 4800 but will support the FX60 :disturbd:

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As things stand atm. I don't really want to fit a £450 cpu to see if it'll work or not....:disturbd: :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I cant see how that can be the case dude.Both the chips are pretty much the same in design the main difference is clock speed and an unlocked multiplier on the FX60
There is conflicting information on the web ive found instances where a guy has used an ECS motherboard with the via 890 chipset who says the 3800 x2 works fine in 4 machines

Pop up here and try my 3800 x2 lol lol

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no mention of a problem here

http://www.via.com.tw/en/resources/p...d-dualcore.jsp

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another istance showing support http://www.epox.com.tw/eng/news_content.php?serno=47

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http://www.amdzone.com/modules.php?o...rtid=61&page=1

This link maps the chipset and shows support ^^^^^^^

http://www.techspot.com/vb/all/windo...echnology.html

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

trouble is that those articles are post April 2005......I got my mobo early April '05 so I might have an older version of the chipset.....

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

NO dont buy a cheap graphics card from China, its not worth it in the long run just to save a few quid, many factories are churning them out,

Of course these guys have 100% feedback and hide their feedback havent you thought why.. its because they have made ONE transaction, probably bought something cheap for a quid just to get feeback

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Just buy and be damned, if it doesn't work I'm sure somebody would like an early xmas prezzie :dozey: :D :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Yep.....I reached that conclusion as well......but I now have a new worry du jour :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

or just buy the se mobo
The via links are not post April are they?
Looks to me that if your board does not support Dual core then its the only board in existance with a 939 skt that does not

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

lol.....i just don't want to drop half the price when I resell it :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

http://www.amdzone.com/modules.php?o...rtid=61&page=1

this link maps the chipset from its first release no mention of any problem.If the Asus board does not work with dual core then its something asus have done wrong

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

WTF, you want ME to buy my xmas prezzie :p: :disturbd: :Yikes:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

You wont resell it you will buy a new mobo and do a rebuild.Tell you what if it dont work bring it up here one Saturday and ill do the rebuild for you.The cpu will still work even if its only as 1 core

If worst comes the worst you will have a board and chip to sell someone.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

So it would appear.....

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Thanks for the offer.......I'm angling after a FX60 if Aesha lets me have one oops:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

well imo if it works with the fx60 then it will work with the 4800 X2 I see no reason or logic at all in why it will work with one and not the others.The memory controller is the same.The incompatability that Asus mention is with what they call core logic.The FX60 will in my opinion react the same way with this core logic as any other X2 cpu.I cant see any way the FX will "cure" the core logic problem

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I know, I know....have you had a look at the cpu/mobo compatability page......it's really wierd......

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

It dont make sense to me at all.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Same here.....the thing thats worrying is that they are quite specific about it......but what they are specific about doesn't make sense (as you say)

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Overclockers tech support didn't know either.....

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

rammy if you buy it from a online retailer then you have 10 days to return it so longs as the original packaging is intact and get a 100% refund or exchange.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I thought it was 7 days under the distance selling regulations

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Most places allow 10 days to CTA but you are right with the 7days.

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Yep, overclockers are happy to take a 'used' cpu back within 11 days, unfortunatly, I purchased mine from dabs who insist on the returned product being fit for resale which would mean cleaning it up again to pristine condition before sending it back......:disturbd:

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---------- Post added at 14:06 ---------- Previous post was at 13:54 ----------

You know what? I'm going to bluddy well give it a go when it turns up! :disturbd: :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

That's the spirit, Rammy :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Ahha, the lion roars.......................at last :tu: :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Yeah.....the worst case scenario is that I break a few pins....no worries! :erm:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Nah, the worst case scenario is you have to clean it up and ship it back to 'em. Will cost you a few quid in shipping, and some time to clean the gunk off the CPU, but that's a small price to pay for keeping us all entertained this afternoon ;)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

worst case is you buy a new mobo and sell your board and chip.I could offer you a fair deal if your willing

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I was thinking about that but wouldn't it involve dismantling and rebuilding my RAID 0? Or is it as simple as just unplugging the SATA's and plugging them into a new mobo?

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I'm so glad I'm of some small use to you lot here.....even if it's just for entertainment :D
If it turns up today (and it should) then I'll be in a position to put it in my PC from about 9pm tonight and be testing it by 9:15 or 9:20.
How do I know if it's running in dual core mode? Just by looking in hardware properties and seeing if 2 cpu's show up there?

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Post will see 2 cpus. You may have to install a processor driver x64 bit driver found here http://www.amd.com/us-en/Processors/..._13118,00.html

Hit ctrl alt delete and performance and if its working you will see 2 cpu graphs.

As for the raid array thats a good question maybe if you buy the se mobo or one with the same sata chipset maybe itll recognise it.Take a ghost image of the os first burn to dvd or spare hdd,then if you have to rebuild array just recover the ghost image bobs your uncle fannys your aunt

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

:tu: Nice info/link :)
Still waiting for the cpu.....

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Well I'm sorry about this lads but I am calling this evenings scheduled entertainment off. The reason being that I had a gander at the AMD site regarding what mobo's are compatable with the 4800 X2 and that also indicates that my mobo isn't.
So what we have is asus, amd, tech support and most of the web saying that the A8V-E deluxe doesn't support the 4800....I suspect that were I to try it in my box the chance of it working as a dual core is slim:disturbd: :D

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

then offer me your board and chip for a fair price and grow some balls ;)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

I did grow some.....I'm getting an FX60 :cool:
Just do me a favour m8 and go to asus uk and double check for me that the A8V-E Deluxe will support the FX60 in dual core mode.....'cos I really don't trust myself on this one. :disturbd:

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

it does say it supports it :)

and ill buy your old chip and board if it doesnt :)

Re: To CPU or to GPU.....that is the question
 

Cheers m8.....it is a nice board, I just can't believe that I picked the one 939 board that has a question mark over most dual core support :rolleyes:

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Just a quick question......the AMD Opteron UP 165 Dual Core San Diego 1.8GHz 2MB Cache (Socket 939) is touted as being able to be easily o/c'd to FX60 speeds......any comments?