Computer CPU Processor Question

[Ithryndil]

The sucky thing is that I have read that this model comes with a 939 socket, yet the processor is a 754 processor. Is that possible?

This is what it says about my motherboard:

Motherboard ID 05/13/2005-RS480-SB400-6A666M4HC-00

I am about 99% certain this is my motherboard

 

[Nick]

no, thats like sticking AM2 on a 939

 

[Ithryndil]

Yea, well that makes sense. So in the long run if I were to upgrade my motherboard, it would be smart to upgrade to one with an AM2 socket and get an AM2 processor. Correct? I think, in general, the AM2 processors are cheaper than the Opteron. I assume this is simply because they are new and that's what companies are making.

 

[Ithryndil]

Well I apologize for all the questions...but I have a new set. Seeing as it would take more money than I have to build a new computer, I would like to try a slow upgrade which might eventually lead to a completely new computer altogether. I currently have 1 GB of RAM, and if I were to build a new computer I would go with 2 GB of RAM. So, since I want a new motherboard for a new processor, I need to get ram that is compatible with my ancient motherboard and any new one I get. I currently have motherboard. I have been looking at getting this motherboard to replace my old one. It's the same size so it ought to fit in my case. The RAM I would like is the Patriot 2GB, but I need to know if it's even compatible with my motherboard, and if so, if it's compatible with that other one I am looking at. From what I can tell it looks like it will be compatible with both motherboards, but I would like confirmation. Now after I get the RAM, I can work on getting a new motherboard and processor.

So the main question here is the RAM compatible with both motherboards? Also, would I be better off in the long run getting a bigger case so that I am not so constrained on size? I was looking at this case for a possible candidate or perhaps this one. To be honest I am not quite sure what to look for in a case or necessarily a motherboard. Anyhow, I hope I am not too much of a nuisance with these questions.

 

[b1gapl]

The RAM is not compatible with both motherboards. Only your current one. You need DDR2 RAM, to be compatible with the AM2 motherboard, that you chose.

 

[Ithryndil]

So are motherboards becoming larger lately? I noticed mine is 9.6" X 9.6" and others are 12" X 8.6" If I were to build a compute I wouldn't necessarily have to get a new hard drive? Could I use the one from my old computer (with all my stuff on it). Or is there compatibility issues there as well?

 

[b1gapl]

Your motherboard is a Micro-ATX form factor. The 12" x 9.6" motherboards, are ATX form factors. You don't need a new hard drive, but you would have to reinstall Windows, when you install the new motherboard.

 

[Ithryndil]

Ok...I am trying to see what I wouldn't have to get for a new computer to try and get an idea how much building one would cost. And could I also use the cd drives from my old computer? It's looking like it will be impossible to upgrade this one, at least to anything that I want (which is what was said earlier in the thread), so I would just like to get an idea on what I would need. So, which type of motherboards are better?

 

[b1gapl]

Well for AM2 motherboards, and depending on your budget, I would suggest either the Biostar TForce TF7025 or Gigabyte M61P-S3.

Yes, you can use the same CD drive.

 

[Ithryndil]

Ok. Thank you for all the help. And for the Gigabyte motherboard I will need a new case. I am not sure what a good case would be for around $100. I would like to get a new case, however, that was any future upgrades won't be constrained by space. Yes it will be bigger, but I can easily live with that.