I'm sick of my AMD dragging to a halt every time I fire up IE7 etc. I
have a blazing fast cable connection, but my computer is choking. I
should be able to watch Lost in HD on the ABC web site without it
dropping frames and grinding to a halt. When I bring my work laptop
home and connect wirelessly, I have no problem.
I've heard that AMD chips tend to run very hot - I wonder if that is
my problem It's been a long time since I checked, but I believe my
current config is a Shuttle mainboard with 1 GB RAM, and a AMD 2300XP
CPU. I have a SATA HD, and a AGP GeForce2 (I think) video card, which
I rarely use to its full capability. About the most demanding game I
play is Star Wars Empire At War - and my PC runs that with no problem.
Looking to get a new MoBo & CPU - should I move to Intel? Basic specs
would be:
- Must be SATA-capable
- At least 2 GB RAM maximum
- Onboard sound & LAN
- AGP
- Plenty of USB 2.0
- Onboard Firewire would be nice, but I do have a card.
- Not too much $$$
- No trouble editing video
Now - I don't know anything about Dual-Core / Quad-core, etc. I
haven't kept up with the tech. Any suggestions would be great.
Ever think that maybe the bottleneck is that ancient Geforce 2 video card???
Does it even do High definition....I doubt it
I am typing this on a machine with an AMD x2 1.6 processor...not the fastest
available but it does not drag to a halt when I fire up IE7 under
Vista...........maybe its time to Clean the Machine...clear out old Temp
Files....Defrag the HD....run disk cleanup...See how much HD space is
available......maybe add more RAM..
Then if its still not fast enough for you be aware that you will need to
change mobo..processor..Ram...and Video card.
The newest processors from Intel take a socket 775...run only SATA
drives..have no Floppy connector...only one EIDE connector for DVD/CD
use DDR2 or 3. RAM...and have no AGP only PCI-e slots for Video..........
AMD mobo are about the same...new socket..and every thing else that Intel
based board needs..
I happen to have one of each...an older Socket 939 AMD board as well a
socket 774 with an Intel core2duo processor ...and yes the Intel is
quicker...but there aint nothing it can do that the older 64x2 2800 cant do
as well...
pk
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"livefree75" <jpittman2@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:ee98f41e-6220-4ced-989f-583ca28e454f@m3g2000hsc.googlegroups.com...
> Hi,
>
> I'm sick of my AMD dragging to a halt every time I fire up IE7 etc. I
> have a blazing fast cable connection, but my computer is choking. I
> should be able to watch Lost in HD on the ABC web site without it
> dropping frames and grinding to a halt. When I bring my work laptop
> home and connect wirelessly, I have no problem.
>
> I've heard that AMD chips tend to run very hot - I wonder if that is
> my problem It's been a long time since I checked, but I believe my
> current config is a Shuttle mainboard with 1 GB RAM, and a AMD 2300XP
> CPU. I have a SATA HD, and a AGP GeForce2 (I think) video card, which
> I rarely use to its full capability. About the most demanding game I
> play is Star Wars Empire At War - and my PC runs that with no problem.
>
> Looking to get a new MoBo & CPU - should I move to Intel? Basic specs
> would be:
>
> - Must be SATA-capable
> - At least 2 GB RAM maximum
> - Onboard sound & LAN
> - AGP
> - Plenty of USB 2.0
> - Onboard Firewire would be nice, but I do have a card.
> - Not too much $$$
> - No trouble editing video
>
> Now - I don't know anything about Dual-Core / Quad-core, etc. I
> haven't kept up with the tech. Any suggestions would be great.
>
> Jamie
OK I was at work when I typed my original messgae - sorry - more
details below...
On Jun 17, 7:19 pm, "peter" <pe...@nowhere.net> wrote:
> Ever think that maybe the bottleneck is that ancient Geforce 2 video card???
Sorry I was mistaken - it's a GeForce 3.
> Does it even do High definition....I doubt it
It's worked fine in the past.
> I am typing this on a machine with an AMD x2 1.6 processor...not the fastest
> available but it does not drag to a halt when I fire up IE7 under
> Vista...........maybe its time to Clean the Machine...clear out old Temp
> Files....Defrag the HD....run disk cleanup...See how much HD space is
> available......maybe add more RAM..
Sorry I have 1.5 GB ram. would another 512K really help that much?
My max is 2GB.
> Then if its still not fast enough for you be aware that you will need to
> change mobo..processor..Ram...and Video card.
> The newest processors from Intel take a socket 775...run only SATA
> drives..have no Floppy connector...only one EIDE connector for DVD/CD
> use DDR2 or 3. RAM...and have no AGP only PCI-e slots for Video..........
> AMD mobo are about the same...new socket..and every thing else that Intel
> based board needs..
> I happen to have one of each...an older Socket 939 AMD board as well a
> socket 774 with an Intel core2duo processor ...and yes the Intel is
> quicker...but there aint nothing it can do that the older 64x2 2800 cant do
> as well...
OK thanks for the info. Shows how far behind I am - i've never heard
of PCI-e.
> Hi,
>
> I'm sick of my AMD dragging to a halt every time I fire up IE7 etc. I
> have a blazing fast cable connection, but my computer is choking. I
> should be able to watch Lost in HD on the ABC web site without it
> dropping frames and grinding to a halt. When I bring my work laptop
> home and connect wirelessly, I have no problem.
>
Is your CPU overheating (can't remember if AMDs this old incorporate
throttling)
Did your machine ever work faster with your current software and
requirements?
Personally I don't like IE7 (or 6, 5, 4 etc...) I use Firefox, which you may
like to try.
What Anti virus software do you use? I'm clutching at straws here but have
you recently upgraded to AVG 8? That could make a difference.
> I've heard that AMD chips tend to run very hot - I wonder if that is
> my problem.
>
It might be if it's getting so hot it is throttling back.
Having said that, modern chips (I find) are much of a muchness with regards
to heat.
AMD do low power CPUs as do Intel. They also both produce real house
warmers. It depends on what you want performance wise.
> It's been a long time since I checked, but I believe my
> current config is a Shuttle mainboard with 1 GB RAM, and a AMD 2300XP
> CPU. I have a SATA HD, and a AGP GeForce2 (I think) video card, which
> I rarely use to its full capability. About the most demanding game I
> play is Star Wars Empire At War - and my PC runs that with no problem.
>
I personally upgrade my machines when I start to curse their slow
performance.
It would seem that baring hardware or software faults, you have reached that
point.
> Looking to get a new MoBo & CPU - should I move to Intel?
>
This is where things start to escalate.
Leaving aside the Intel vs AMD question, is you case a full size ATX case or
one of the Shuttle small form factor types?
If the latter then you need a new case too.
> Basic specs would be:
>
> - Must be SATA-capable
All modern motherboards are. Indeed IDE support is often provided as an
afterthought and limited to just 2 devices.
> - At least 2 GB RAM maximum
Again modern motherboards can handle at least 4GB (Windows XP will only see
3 - 3.5GB) but 2GB should be fine for your needs with WinXP.
> - Onboard sound & LAN
Again, every one of them I think
> - AGP
Now this is a tall order for modern boards as AGP has been superceeded by
PCIe (PCI Express) and this is what you should use.
This increases your budget to include a new Graphics card too.
> - Plenty of USB 2.0
Modern boards have at least 8 ports, usually 10.
> - Onboard Firewire would be nice, but I do have a card.
Not sure how common this is, but read on...
> - Not too much $$$
Oh dear
> - No trouble editing video
Ok, what sort of editing? What software are you using? (more just me being
nosey than any real need to know)
>
> Now - I don't know anything about Dual-Core / Quad-core, etc. I
> haven't kept up with the tech. Any suggestions would be great.
>
Well certainly I'd suggest at least a Dual-core, maybe a Quad depending how
intensive your video editing is.
Which ever you go for, you basically need a whole new system.
New motherboard probably means new case (even if your old is big enough, it
is probably not as well designed thermally as newer cases)
New case means new PSU unless it comes with a /good quality/ PSU fitted!
New RAM is needed as is new graphics card.
A fast hard drive will make a difference to how fast Windows runs and how
fast it feels in use and if you're spending all this money on a new system
it would be a shame to leave an old drive in as a big bottleneck.
Anyway, if you're prepared to bite the bullet then I highly recommend an
Intel system at the moment as follows:
Motherboard - Abit IP35 (you could spend more on the Pro or ProXE but I
don't see the point. The standard IP35 should be fine)
CPU Dual-core - E8200, E8300, E8400
Quad-core - Q9300 or the older Q6600
I recommend using an aftermarket Heat sink and fan like the Noctua NH-U12P.
It's big and expensive but powerfull and very quiet (it's one of the best)
A Zalman 9700 is cheaper and still pretty good.
I particularly recommend it if you overclock your processor (which I also
recommend you look into)
As an example I have the above board and E8400 (standard clock speed 3.0Ghz)
running happy and cool at 3.8Ghz
I also have another Abit board and a Q6600 (standard clock speed 2.4Ghz)
running at 3.3Ghz
As for your graphics card I don't really know as I don't play graphically
demanding games so my Radeon X1550 is more than adequate for me.
Perhaps one of these: http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=753014
I suggest that only because it is reasonably modern and passively cooled so
no noise! (I like quiet machines)
On Jun 18, 5:39 am, fwibbler <thedoc...@thedeathzone.free-
online.co.uk> wrote:
> livefree75 <jpittm...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Did your machine ever work faster with your current software and
> requirements?
> Personally I don't like IE7 (or 6, 5, 4 etc...) I use Firefox, which you may
> like to try.
Yes I do use FF too. I also downgraded from IE7 to IE6. But still
have the same issues with the video.
>
> What Anti virus software do you use? I'm clutching at straws here but have
> you recently upgraded to AVG 8? That could make a difference.
I have McAfee Security Suite on there.
>
> > Looking to get a new MoBo & CPU - should I move to Intel?
>
> This is where things start to escalate.
> Leaving aside the Intel vs AMD question, is you case a full size ATX case or
> one of the Shuttle small form factor types?
>
> If the latter then you need a new case too.
Nope - full size ATX, and I believe I have a 400W PS - can't remember.
>
> > Basic specs would be:
>
> > - Not too much $$$
>
> Oh dear
LOL
> > - No trouble editing video
>
> Ok, what sort of editing? What software are you using? (more just me being
> nosey than any real need to know)
What I do is connect my digital camcorder to the firewire port, and
use Windows Movie Maker to import the video. I do the editing right
in there, and just create AVIs or DVDs from there. Just family home
videos - Nothing major.
> Which ever you go for, you basically need a whole new system.
Dang.
> New motherboard probably means new case (even if your old is big enough, it
> is probably not as well designed thermally as newer cases)
Case is probably 3-4 yrs old. Standard off-white, and it does have
cooling fans on the side, but they're very noisy.
> New case means new PSU unless it comes with a /good quality/ PSU fitted!
> New RAM is needed as is new graphics card.
Currently have DDR SDRAM - so if I get a new MoBo, I need to upgrade
to DDR2 etc.?
> A fast hard drive will make a difference to how fast Windows runs and how
> fast it feels in use and if you're spending all this money on a new system
> it would be a shame to leave an old drive in as a big bottleneck.
Currently have 80GB SATA HD. Not sure the specs.
>
> Anyway, if you're prepared to bite the bullet then I highly recommend an
> Intel system at the moment as follows:
>
> Motherboard - Abit IP35 (you could spend more on the Pro or ProXE but I
> don't see the point. The standard IP35 should be fine)
> CPU Dual-core - E8200, E8300, E8400
> Quad-core - Q9300 or the older Q6600
> I recommend using an aftermarket Heat sink and fan like the Noctua NH-U12P.
> It's big and expensive but powerfull and very quiet (it's one of the best)
> A Zalman 9700 is cheaper and still pretty good.
Would this be cheaper than walking into a store and just buying a
system, or a laptop?
> I particularly recommend it if you overclock your processor (which I also
> recommend you look into)
Yeah - never done that - always afraid I'm going to fry something. Of
course that would give me an excuse to get a new machine.
> On Jun 18, 5:39 am, fwibbler <thedoc...@thedeathzone.free-
> online.co.uk> wrote:
> > livefree75 <jpittm...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Did your machine ever work faster with your current software and
> > requirements?
> > Personally I don't like IE7 (or 6, 5, 4 etc...) I use Firefox, which you
may
> > like to try.
>
> Yes I do use FF too. I also downgraded from IE7 to IE6. But still
> have the same issues with the video.
>
As a thought, when your watching a video and the performance is poor, check
your processor usage (Ctrl-alt-delete and click performance tab)
Also, leaving the task manager open see what the processor usage is when you
load IE7 (or 6 or FF).
Finally, you could goto your device manager and check that you have DMA
enabled for your drives (under IDE ATA controllers)
If any of these are set to PIO mode then this could be the cause of your
problems.
> >
> > What Anti virus software do you use? I'm clutching at straws here but
have
> > you recently upgraded to AVG 8? That could make a difference.
>
> I have McAfee Security Suite on there.
>
Fair enough, forget the AVG thing then.
> > > - No trouble editing video
> >
> > Ok, what sort of editing? What software are you using? (more just me
being
> > nosey than any real need to know)
>
> What I do is connect my digital camcorder to the firewire port, and
> use Windows Movie Maker to import the video. I do the editing right
> in there, and just create AVIs or DVDs from there. Just family home
> videos - Nothing major.
>
Probably no need for a Quad core then.
> Case is probably 3-4 yrs old. Standard off-white, and it does have
> cooling fans on the side, but they're very noisy.
>
Wouldn't you just love a nice quiet case that you can hardly hear? (maybe
it's just me that does this)
> > New case means new PSU unless it comes with a /good quality/ PSU fitted!
> > New RAM is needed as is new graphics card.
>
> Currently have DDR SDRAM - so if I get a new MoBo, I need to upgrade
> to DDR2 etc.?
>
Definately yes (I forgot about the RAM)
> > A fast hard drive will make a difference to how fast Windows runs and
how
> > fast it feels in use and if you're spending all this money on a new
system
> > it would be a shame to leave an old drive in as a big bottleneck.
>
> Currently have 80GB SATA HD. Not sure the specs.
>
Depending on the performance of that drive, modern 640 or 320GB drives could
give a bit of a boost to the machine. Depends how fast your current drive
is.
> >
> > Anyway, if you're prepared to bite the bullet then I highly recommend an
> > Intel system at the moment as follows:
> >
> > Motherboard - Abit IP35 (you could spend more on the Pro or ProXE but I
> > don't see the point. The standard IP35 should be fine)
> > CPU Dual-core - E8200, E8300, E8400
> > Quad-core - Q9300 or the older Q6600
> > I recommend using an aftermarket Heat sink and fan like the Noctua
NH-U12P.
> > It's big and expensive but powerfull and very quiet (it's one of the
best)
> > A Zalman 9700 is cheaper and still pretty good.
>
> Would this be cheaper than walking into a store and just buying a
> system, or a laptop?
>
No, almost certainly not if you buy a quality case and PSU as well.
At a rough guess (very rough) I say about £450 should cover the system if
you build it yourself (give or take £50 or so)
Quality costs, as does silence.
Need a new mobo & cpu 
Linear Mode
