I've finally upgraded to an X2 dual core, Socket 939 4400+, (I even managed to get the best stepping by sheer luck), and now I need a refresher on how to optimise it.

I'm downloading some drivers and utilities from AMD as follows at the moment:

AMD Power Monitor Version 1.2.3 - AMD Power Monitor displays the current frequency, voltage, utilization, and power savings of each core on each processor in a system.

AMD Dual-Core Optimizer Version 1.1.4 - The AMD Dual-Core Optimizer can help improve some PC gaming video performance by compensating for those applications that bypass the Windows API for timing by directly using the RDTSC (Read Time Stamp Counter) instruction.

AMD Processor Driver Version 1.3.2.0053 for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 (x86 and x64) - Allows the system to automatically adjust the CPU speed, voltage and power combination to match the instantaneous user performance need.


I'm not to concerned about the functionality of C&Q throttling, as I've never used it successfully with my overclocks as yet.

Lastly, I need a refresher on utilising two cores in FSX to best effect.

Sorry to drag up this old subject, but I want to get my old system working as best it possibly can, so I need some solid info with regards to this specific hardware.

Done.

That was simpler than I expected, thanks to the Windows updates I guess, (and your help!).


NickN wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2008 at 11:22am:



Would I need to re-install FSX or will it simply use the new cpu correctly?


Thanks very much Nick.

congo wrote on Oct 2^nd, 2008 at 6:52pm:



no.. it should detect on FSX boot

I just realized.. I posted to enter the BINARY value... you enter the DECIMAL value for the binary number

sorry

Have not used the setting in over a year


so for a dual core it would be =3

and thats only if you are on RTM or SP1. If you installed the SP2 patch which I highly suggest, the entire jobscheduler entry is not needed

Hi Chief,

I've been running FSX satisfactorily on my machine for quite some time, but that was with a 3700+ cpu overclocked up around 2.8ghz with some fast DDR ram. You won't get performace like I get with stock speeds and setup.

I haven't tested the 4400+ on FSX properly. I'm having some real issues with FSX  for some reason, this started before I upgraded the CPU to the 4400+, I will probably re-install the sim shortly, I just haven't had the time this week to play with it.

All in all, I have had a great experience with FSX so far, but most of my flying is out of rural strips, so I'm not as demanding as someone who flys addon traffic and a lot of extras around city airports.

If you were to get your parts very cheap, I'd say go for it, but what you are proposing is nearly a full core replacement anyway, so I'd consider just moving to a much more modern setup.

Add a mainboard to the list you already concieved, and you'd have a new PC Chief.

I recently bought an 8800GT, and like always, I bought right before the big price reductions and new product lineups. The 8800GT is a decent card, but the GTX is a fair bit better from what I've read, and there are a few others to consider these days as well.

imchief wrote on Oct 6^th, 2008 at 1:41pm:


I hear you there.

Your mainboard is very similar to mine with nearly the same bios options.

If you really need to stick with the current PC, try to lay your hands on a 3700+ San Diego CPU or a 4400+ X2 Toledo dual core, (ebay?).
The Sandy will overclock on your mobo close to 2.8ghz without any cooling required.

Even if you do find it needs a cooler, the coolers available will usually have mounting parts for socket 939 and socket LGA775 for Intel based cpu's, so the cooler can be migrated to a new system later.

Overclocked, the Sandy is a huge upgrade for you. I used to have a 3500+ and it was lame next to the 3700+, big difference. The 4400+ is basicly two Sandy's under one hood, but they don't go quite as fast.

You can buy a whizbang Video card too, it can be moved into the next PC if you want to do that.

There are much better cards out there than the 8800GT and they are pretty cheap, but they may be bottlenecked somewhat by the rest of your current hardware.

So yeah, overclock a 3700+ and get a cheap 8800GT perhaps, (or GTX if you get one cheap) and this would be a relatively inexpensive interim solution.

The only problem I can see is if you have a weak PSU, then that may be overcome by buying a GOOD psu that you could use in the next rig as well.

The graphics card choice is your's, personally I'd wait until building the new system before I spent big on a video card. The 8800GT or similar (9800gt - same card, new name?) is pretty cheap now and it will be a vast improvement over your present card. I ran a 6600GT, then a o/clocked 7900GS, and now an 8800GT. Big steps.

At least you do have the option of a cheapish upgrade without dumping too much money into an old system, You could still use the newer components in a new rig later on, except for the CPU, but you should be able to find a 3700+ Sandy really cheap now.

Make sure the 3700+ is socket 939 if you get one.

Compatible models are:

ADA3700DAA5BN =  ADA3700BNBOX  (E4 stepping - all my 3700+'s)

and

ADA3700DKA5CF = ADA3700CFBOX  (E6 stepping - I never had one)

You don't still fly CFS2 do you Chief ?

The good 939 duals are limited to the 4400+, the 4800+, the FX60, and a one or two Opterons with suitable multipliers.

The 3700+ offers a little more core speed (usually) but that is probably offset by a little help with the second core on the duals, at least with FSX.  For FS9, I'm not sure what the difference would be.

Obviously the dual cores would be a good option, that's what I just "upgraded" to, but I honestly haven't even noticed the difference so far in my casual online gaming and general PC usage so far. I haven't been doing any multi-tasking or testing though.

If you can get your hands on a suitable cheap dual core, then great!
However, the 3700+ is going to be a lot more available and very cheap, you may even find one boxed and new. Bang for buck, the 3700+ is still a good option for a cheap interim upgrade, provided you overclock it. The overclock is fairly simple on your board.

By all means, seek out a 4400+/4800+/FX/Opty if you can find one, But don't spend a lot or get fixated on one when a 3700+ is no slouch and cheap. Remember also that nothing guarantees your intended dual core cpu will hit 2.6ghz, and a Sandy will almost certainly go beyond that easily on stock air.

The dual cores come with beefier heatsinks as well, (Mine came with the stock AMD heatpipe design), so consider that if you buy the dual core without a HSF, you'll need an aftermarket cooler, more cost. Same thing goes for the 3700+, they come with a better HSF than the lesser models when boxed new.

imchief wrote on Oct 8^th, 2008 at 8:48am:


Well that goes without saying, no decent NB cooler should be without a nice overcooked FSB to keep cool

Actually, you could test the 3200 for clocking before purchase.
If you do, first unplug your OS hard disk while testing the initial clocks.
This will prevent OS corruption if you get things wrong at first.
Get ready to do some CMOS jumper resets.

Some bios configs for you to try if you like:

Cool & Quiet = disabled (try to enable later, I have no luck)

Set HT multi to 4x

FSB/CPU Frequency to 250mhz

Memclock Index Value = fsb/mem ratio = ram divider = 166mhz
(I think this might say 333mhz in your bios)

3700+ CPU multi = 11x (250mhz x 11 = 2.75ghz)

Use a 8x to 10x multi for the 3200+
266mhz x 8 = 2128,  266mhz x 10 = 2.66ghz (you can also try 9x)
Try 10x if it won't stay stable, and try raising the FSB/CPU Frequency to 266mhz,
that will overclock the ram by 10-11%, so it depends on your ram setup.

Lock PCIe to 100mhz
Lock PCI bus to 33mhz

CPU voltage = vcore = 1.4v (initially - observe cpu temps - up to 1.45v actual measured vcore may be required.)
(You may not need any more voltage to reach 2.8ghz, but then you
may need up to 1.5v to get to 2.8ghz - it depends on the cpu)

Q-Fan = enabled

CPU Target Temp = lowest available = 51*C ?
(Try to keep the CPU below 60*C)

Full Screen Logo = disabled

There are a few different ways to clock that system, but the above will get you started.
Be sure to turn off ALL auto clocking features in bios, set everything to manual.