upgrading a Socket A AMD processor

[nevermind1534]

You can get an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ from newegg for only $35.99. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20-%20Desktops It's what I used in my parents' computer, and it works just fine. The whole thing (including 2 gigs ram) from an old 2.5GHz Celeron only cost $100, and was, in my opinion, well worth it. I did use the existing DVD drive, and a better hard drive from a computer I got out of the trash, though. The [Cooler Master] case (and its crappy power supply) was also free with a mail in rebate and a combo deal with my motherboard.

[Vexxx_2007]

Okay, so i've totally got my heart set on upgrading my motherboard, cpu and memory to make a much faster and more modern gaming rig.

Though i'm faced with many choices of what to upgrade to and even more questions that i would like answered, if anyone knows.

First one is, can i go into a SLI or Crossfire setup by buying a new board?

Next, Can i switch cpu manufacturers? My current one is an AMD and I am hopeful to try out an Intel device. If not, no big deal, there's lots of AMD fishies out there.

third, is it possible to do this under $250?

and final, Can i still keep my hard drive, optical drive, peripherals, blah-blah etc? or would i, for example, need to get a SATA hard drive, or just an adapter of sorts?

any further knowledge of this would be appreciated very much!

[nevermind1534]

You can get an SLI or Crossfire compatible board that is compatible with either Intel or AMD. Motherboards still have one IDE channel, so you would be fine with your current drives. You would need new memory. It's possible to do it for under $250 if you stretch your money. AMD is cheaper than Intel. My offer that I made on your current hardware is still up for taking. Let us know if you need any help putting together a list of hardware to buy.

[Vexxx_2007]

I see.
I'm certain i could make this happen with under $250 dollars, maybe even $200.

Normally, I would go all out, but I need to stretch my money to save for a new car. Someone I know is selling a mustang

But that's aside from the point. DDR2 memory is ridiculously cheap as of lately, and some Athlon X2 procs go for $50-$60. I'm sure the biggest one is gonna be the motherboard.

and whenever i buy this stuff, I'll keep you in mind, Nevermind, when it comes to getting rid of these old pieces of hardware.

[nevermind1534]

I say, get this processor, and this RAM if you're willing to deal with the rebate.

[Twigsoffury]

well it depends on the bus speed of your motherboard.


If it's a 333mhz FSB then the best supported cpu would be a athlon xp 2800+ Thunderbird core.

if its 400mhz then its a Athlon xp 3200+ Barton core edition. (alot faster then the thunderbird core)

if its 266mhz then the fastest supported cpu would be a 2400+ Thunderbird.


Hope this helps.


Its cheaper to buy a whole stack with the cpu inside then it is the cpu itself now.


But a 4200+ socket Am2 is 35$ and a DFI board is 46$ add a 10-15$ 1024MB stick and your up and running a whole hell of alot faster, for cheaper.

ive seen people asking 150-160$ for barton socket A's

[nevermind1534]

If it's a 333mhz FSB then the best supported cpu would be a athlon xp 2800+ Thunderbird core.

I just bought one of those new off of zipzoomfly. It was cheaper than an open box one.

[FuzzyPlushroom]

If they'd made a 2800+ Thunderbird, it'd be able to heat your house. The similar-sounding "Thoroughbred" core was used from about 1700+ through 2700/2800+, originally running alongside the Palomino (which replaced Thunderbird), then replaced by the Barton, which was basically a Thoroughbred with 512k of L2 cache, rather than the 256k of previous Socket A (and later Slot A) Athlons.

Outside of the pedantic name-correcting, though, you're correct, and you said pretty much what I would've. +rep