[darkangel]

At the moment I have a 1.6Ghz AMD XP processor and i want to get a faster one, I am looking at the AMD XP 2.20Ghz CPU but I am unsure if it is worth it. I don't know if i should wait a while until the prices of AMD64 comes down but it would have to come down a lot for me to afford it becuase i will also have to buy a new motherobrd and RAM but with the AMD XP i can just get the processor and that will be it.

So my questions is should i get a 2.20Ghz processor or should i wait until AMD64 comes down in price and is it worth getting the new AMD XP CPU?

Thanks

[Reefsmoka]

Definatly wait. You wont notice much difference from 1.6 to 2.2 in all seriousness. Yes you will feel a little bit faster, but not some ridiculas amount. I'd definatly go with the 64-bit, because its suppose to be becoming main stream in the next 2 years, so it might save you some hassle.

[floppybootstomp]

imo, awkward choice.

If you go for the XP3200 @ 2.2Ghz, it's a 400fsb processor and it needs a motherboard capable of supporting that speed and also memory.

If your board supports that chip and you have at least PC3200 memory I'd say yes, it's worth forking out a hundred quid on a new processor.

But if you only have PC2100 or PC2700 memory then a Gig of Crucial or Corsair Value Select is around £120.00 atm.

It's likely your motherboard will take the XP3200 but even so you're talking about £230.00 (inc. shipping) for an upgrade which, although beneficial, doesn't really represent good value for money in increased performance.

To offset the cost a little, you could sell off your old processor and memory. The chip will sell fast but the memory may take a little longer to sell, not much demand now for anything less than PC3200.

In a year's time, AMD XP based systems will be old hat, maybe sooner. But these systems will still be used for a year or three yet as they're damn fine processors and no slouches.

If you do decide to go 64 Bit, go for a 939 socket based board and do some research on motherboards as there are still problems with some sckt 939 boards.

[psd99]

i reckon u should stay away from AMD 64 yes they r powerfull correct me if im wrong but AMD 64 aint supported in Windows XP
so ur actually wasting ur money there.

go for XP 3200 ir XP 3000! XP ROCKS!!! providing ur mother board can support em for for em!!!

[psd99]

here check the Athlon Barton 3200 on the page:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...k_Only_25.html

good price or what? if my motherboard supported it id get it today!

[Reefsmoka]

Originally Posted by psd99

i reckon u should stay away from AMD 64 yes they r powerfull correct me if im wrong but AMD 64 aint supported in Windows XP
so ur actually wasting ur money there.

go for XP 3200 ir XP 3000! XP ROCKS!!! providing ur mother board can support em for for em!!!

I'll correct you then, AMD 64 chips are 100% compatible with windows XP 32 bit and will be 100% compatible with windows 64 bit.

[floppybootstomp]

AMD 64 chips also run cooler than XP Chips. The 64 bit chip would be a better choice, imo, it's all down to available budget, really.

All Windows OS's will run OK on a 64 bit chip based system, AFAIK, it's just that as yet, again AFAIK, there is no software to take advantage of 64 bit.

[Thermaltke]

Originally Posted by Reefsmoka

I'll correct you then, AMD 64 chips are 100% compatible with windows XP 32 bit and will be 100% compatible with windows 64 bit.

Hense why i downloaded Windows xp 64 bit from microsoft to try out with my brand spanking new 64bit 3500+ so wait untill christmas and i'll be updating you on what I think.

[darkangel]

rite sounds like it would be better to wait until 64bit get going more, cos I don't think it is worth spending a £100 on getting a 800mhz faster pc so have to wait until the price of AMD64 comes down. I saw that it would work on XP but what about games? Do all games run on 64bit processing? I get the concept of 64bit but I don't get why the top speed of AMD64 is less than 3 GHz. 32bit to 64bit is double the processing power so why isn't the speed higher.

I know AMD64 will rule over pc but I just don't get why??

I am new to all this so try not to insult my intelligence

Thanks

[Thermaltke]

well correct me if im wroing but your comparing it to an intel, its intel chips that have their processing speed as thier name e.g 3ghz, its other things on an AMD that makes an AMD xp2000+ as good as a 3ghz intel, just because of then name doesnt mean thats the speed, overall you have to look deeper into AMD's structure to find it's real secrets. Now i cant tell you by hand what it is that makes it as good but im sure theres a few others that can.