AMD 2500+ help please

[kfmcall]

Well, I have an asus a7n8x deluxe mobo, with a amd 2000+, and want to upgrade to an amd 2500+, but i have no clue on what the process is for changing out processors, what to do with thermal grease, or what precautions to make, or even if upgrading is a good idea right now. I have a geforce ti 4400 also, any suggestions on video card upgrading? But keep in mind that my main dilema is with my processor replacement. Thanks. -Kevin


Further, does this processor look like an ok deal, or is something screwy with it? http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...ory_Code=amdxp

Replacing the chip is pretty easy. You can find any number of how-tos on the internet with google. Depending on the placement and size of your case, you might have to remove the motherboard to be able to remove the heat sink (I have to even in my giant Lian-Li case). That's the most arduous process. Otherwise it's just removing the heat sink, removing the old chip, putting the thermal paste on the new chip, putting it in the board, and reattaching the heat sink. For AMD chips the heat sink has a notch that has to face the raised side of the CPU socket.

Once you get everything reassembled, the mobo will automatically adjust itself to the new CPU (I have the same board).

For a video card upgrade... Depends on your price range and brand loyalty. Give us some numbers and I'm sure any number of us will give you an opinion.

Also, that CPU at Monarch looks like it's an OEM, ie no new heat sink. You might think about investing in a heavy duty one for the new chip. The Thermaltake Silent Boost (while being somewhat expensive) has been getting rave reviews from all of my friends.

I might try Newegg.com and go for a retail boxed CPU with it's own heat sink. I think they're only $92 or something like that. Free shipping. Just a thought. Good luck.

[kfmcall]

thanks a ton, for a price range on video cards i was thinking around 150 give or take 20 bucks

Personally then, I'd go with a Radeon 9500 Pro or 9600 Pro. The cheapest 9500 Pros seem to run in the high $170s. You can find a 9600 Pro cheaper than $150 I'm pretty sure. But I'm not sure how much better than 9600 Pro would be than what you've got. Possibly nothing noticable. The 9500 would be a jump. I went from a Ti4200 to a 9500 Pro and it was an amazing difference.

[kfmcall]

thanks again, in 3 minutes! excellent, man these forums are reliable. -kevin

[kfmcall]

also, ive looked up the ati 9600 pro, whats the difference i see a 256 mb, and a 128 mb one for about a 15 dollar difference, that doesnt seem right...?

There's a 256MB 9600 Pro? Zounds!

Honestly, there isn't much of a reason to spend the extra cash. Most games can't even utilize the full 128MB. By the time games are released that will, you'll need something more powerful than a 9600 to play them.

Like I said though, the 9600 isn't all that much faster than the Ti series cards. It's got DirectX 9 support, but otherwise, you'd probably be dropping unneccessary cash. Save up for a 9500 Pro, or 9700 Pro. Or an FX5900 Ultra.

Check out this review on the 9600 Pro vs some other cards.