Motherboard, CPU questions

[trevorpe]

Hello,

I have a few questions.

If I wanted to upgrade my motherboard and processor,  from what I understand, my Windows XP OEM Key won't reactivate windows, right?

Also, My ram is running at 667 MHz, if I put a quad core processor, would the fact that my memory is running slow, slow down the processor, a lot?  I have one memory stick that can run at 800 MHz, it's just the way I have them in at the moment.

And also, can I use dual Channel Memory with that quad core and windows XP?

And I don't know wether I'll be upgrading soon, but I would like to know anyways.

[Quantos]

Here are some more questions for you, these ones should help you get the answers that you want though.

If I wanted to upgrade my motherboard and processor,  from what I understand, my Windows XP OEM Key won't reactivate windows, right?

Unless it is only a system restore disk then it should work, the key itself is not actually tied to any of the hardware in your computer, but depending on the brand of computer the disk may not work with different hardware.

Also, My ram is running at 667 MHz, if I put a quad core processor, would the fact that my memory is running slow, slow down the processor, a lot?  I have one memory stick that can run at 800 MHz, it's just the way I have them in at the moment.

I would recommend upgrading your memory with a new motherboard and processer upgrade.  That way you will get the best use and performance from any money you spend.

And also, can I use dual Channel Memory with that quad core and windows XP?

That would depend on the version of Windows XP that you have.  If you are going to move up to a new motherboard and processer with RAM then you might as well go all out and get a 64 bit OS.  Don't get me wrong, XP will probably run on it, but you may not get all of the functionality.  This does allow for a dual boot system in case you have any programs that won't run on the newer OS.

And I don't know wether I'll be upgrading soon, but I would like to know anyways.

An informed shopper is a smart shopper.

[Allan]

If you change your motherboard you will need to do a repair install at the very least. And a clean install is really preferred.

[trevorpe]

Since you mentioned operating system,

Would you recommend dual booting with Windows 7?
I'll be honest, I'm still kind of stuck to Windows XP, but
to me, it looks like Windows 7 will soon take over so I'm wondering if I should buy it all at once and do a good upgrade.

Also, as far as compatibility, would Windows 7 cause a lot of my programs to be useless, or should it be okay?

I still use some, not old, but not new, programs, and some of them I would like to keep using.

[Allan]

Most, if not all of your current apps should be fine with Windows 7. I even use some old DOS based apps that I had custom written for my business 25 years ago and they work just fine. Whether or not you dual boot or upgrade is entirely up to you. I don't see the downside to trying it as a dual boot option, however. That way you can evaluate it for yourself.

[trevorpe]

Also, I've heard some things about Vista, strict security features like with music and files.  Firstly, is this true, and secondly, are these features also built into Windows 7?

And if you can, could you list anything I can do in XP and will NOT be able to do in Windows 7?

[Allan]

Since I don't know what you've heard I can't respond intelligently. And I can't think of anything you can do in XP that you can't do in 7. Just install it as a dual boot option and see if you like it.

[Quantos]

Since I don't know what you've heard I can't respond intelligently. And I can't think of anything you can do in XP that you can't do in 7. Just install it as a dual boot option and see if you like it.

Agreed, excellent advice Allan.

[trevorpe]

Now that Windows 7 is officially out, is there any way of "trying it out"?
Or would I have to actually buy it?

If possible, I'd like to try it first, but I think I'm going to go with Windows 7 eventually.

[Allan]

You have to buy it.

[patio]

Win 7 90 Day Trial Download...

[Allan]

Win 7 90 Day Trial Download...

Or you can do that 

[BC_Programmer]

Also, I've heard some things about Vista, strict security features like with music and files.  Firstly, is this true, and secondly, are these features also built into Windows 7?

I believe I know what you mean; none of this was true; it was jut a bunch of whiner pirates complaining for no reason, as usual.

[trevorpe]

Just to clarify what I have heard,
I meant like if music wasn't from your computer (or downloaded), it was hard to get it on an iPod or Flash Drive.  Or if a file was downloaded somehow it wouldn't let you do things with it.  Something like that?

[patio]

Just to clarify what I have heard,
I meant like if music wasn't from your computer (or downloaded), it was hard to get it on an iPod or Flash Drive.  Or if a file was downloaded somehow it wouldn't let you do things with it.  Something like that?

Bunk.

Disregard what you've been told...

[trevorpe]

Hi again guys,

I was wondering,
I have a stick of ram (2GB DDR2) that can run at 800 MHz.
Should I buy a couple more and go to 6GB at 800 Mhz,
go with 4GB 1066,
or go all the way with DDR3 ?

By the way, I'm talking about Windows 7, and I would like to run things like GTA IV, and some other games.

[Quantos]

Then spend what you can afford.  I see no reason what-so-ever why we shouldn't spoil ourselves occasionally.

[trevorpe]

Since I'm going to upgrade motherboard and processor,
this question might be predictable.

Should I go with AMD or Intel?
I want a Quad-Core, and I'm looking at DDR3 1600 Memory, maybe 1333 if the processor can only take 1333.
I'm also looking at price, I'm not willing to pay "tons" of money on it, but I'd like your guys' opinion.

Right now, I have an AMD Phenom II X4 925 AM3 processor I'm looking at, but that might change.
It's at about $170 I think.
Would Intel's performance be the same/better for the same price?

[Quantos]

Personally I would suggest the intel chip as they are more in touch with the high end video cards.  AMD and ATI have a thing going that is somewhat unreliable.

[BC_Programmer]

AMD and ATI have a thing going that is somewhat unreliable.

err... AMD owns ATI as far as I'm aware. I only have experience with the older models of both companies products (ATI Rage pro, early Radeon cards and K6-2+ CPUs) so I have no idea how they are today.

What exactly do you mean, I guess, is what I'm asking. The CPU really has no bearing on the selection or use of graphics cards; but it does affect the choice of motherboard, which is the critical component when selecting a graphics card, as well. It's more or less the selection of motherboard that can make or break a good build (the bad tasting egg ruins the omelet...), however, I believe that boards for both Intel and AMD chips of course can both be found that are of good quality and generally reliable.

Basically- the question was wether to select a Intel, or AMD chip- BUT- selecting a different chip also means a different motherboard, which can change the feature-set and price considerably; I'd suggest exploring both options- configure a Intel build, and configure a AMD build within your price range, and then consider them based on a comparison of their features, such as the RAM speed of the motherboard and so forth.

[Quantos]

Sorry BC, what I am referring to is a lack of support on the ATI end, the catalyst software messes up far more than it fixes.  And from what ATI and AMD have declared on their site, they don't plan to fix it.  There must be a replacement somewhere.