i want to upgrade my computer from an AMD64 3500+ to an AMD64x2 3800+ computer is a year old compaq with an asus A8N-LA socket 939 motherboard...........i have been trying to research before i buy the new cpu, but when i go to asus' website, they dont list that motherboard. is that motherboard compatible with the dual core processors ( i think it is, but want to make sure), and do i have to do a BIOS update befor swapping cpu's, and how do i do that when asus' website does'nt have that board listed. any help is appreciated
no......i already found a store up here in canada that has 939 64X2 processors. i think your thinking of the FX2 cpu's which you are correct, is only in AM2 socket. i just wish i could get an FX2 processor, without changing the motherboard. anyway, if anyone is interested in checking out there website, its www.tigerdirect.ca i'm sure i've seen it referenced here before, but they have almost everything you could be interested in, good prices and shipping too. i am gonna pick up the cpu on tuesday after work and try it without updating the bios, since i cant find a bios update for my board anyway.......hey for $69 for the cpu, what do i have to lose.
The fastest dual core I remember them making for 939 was the 4800+. However, it depends on your motherboard as to whether it'll work or not. Keep the old CPU at hand then try the new one, if it doesn't work straight away, try a BIOS update.
i can help you..since i am using a 3800 x2 socket 939..i believe this is the most common one you will find for socket 939..it is harder to find the ones that sammoris mentioned..and asus doesnt list your board because compaq had them specifically make it for there system..or hp since thats who owns and makes compaq computers..i would recommend this processor..i have it and im running vista premium..my processor use on average is about 20% on each core..good luck
The 3800+ is still a great processor despite the fact it's the second slowest dual core AMD made (although it's faster than a large number of intel's early dual cores). I'm hoping your board will support it without needing a BIOS upgrade, but if not, you may be out of luck, since it's a compaq board. Don't ask compaq to do the upgrade, they'll charge you excessive amounts.
ok, thats for all the info guys, i picked up a 3800+ cpu adn got it installed in less than 5 minutes, was picked up right away with no problems without doing a bios update. makes a huge difference, now when i play need for speed carbon, there is no jet engine sounding cpu fan. now, does anyone have any advice/guides on overclocking my system, i'd like to get as much out of it as possible. and please, since i am a newb, plain english with no fancy termonologly is helpfull.
Check out the overclocking thread. It is fairly easy to casually overclock but if you are looking to push your system to the limit it get a little bit more complicated.
