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Ramen · December 12th, 2004, 04:56 PM

I got a bunch of questions for you all. Since my twin is deployed and can only use his .mil e-mail with limited surfing he wants me to ask some questions of his behalf. So, here goes..

What is a good motherboard? (I'm guessing he wants to know for the new AMD Athlon 64 series)

What is the difference between the Radeon 9800 and the X800?

What is the difference in all of the video cards sold? Different features between two of the same model?

What is the difference between the AMD Athlon 64 4000+ and the AMD Athlon 64 FX?

What is the difference between the AMD processors and Intel with the higher Hz?

What is some good ram?

What ram will help my cpu and video card?

Can I still use my HD from my old computer without formatting it?

nwo75200 · December 12th, 2004, 05:15 PM

1. I can't answer that because you didn't specify which socket (754, 939, or 940)
2. As far as the technology goes it's pretty much the same, because they have the same features, but the x800 series is MUCH faster

3. not sure what you mean by this one?
4. You did not specify which FX, I am guessing FX55? They're about the same in preformance

5. AMD uses PR (processor rating) while Intel uses MHz to rate their processors. So there really is no major overall difference between a athlon 3000+ and an intel 3.0GHz, they're made to compete with each other, so the preformance should be the same, and it more or less-is the same.
6. This question is too general, because you didn't specify if you want bang for the buck RAM, or RAM for overclocking.
7. similar as 6.
8. no, the only thing you can do is buy a new hdd or try to format it, although when I tried to use (format) my old hdd, I failed, and I ended up buying a new one.

Smidley · December 12th, 2004, 05:22 PM

When switching to a new motherboard, you must format the hard drive or reinstall windows over the old installation. I tried the latter but didn't like it; it was pretty messy although all of the files remained intact.

Get a second hard drive to store data you want to keep, then format the old one and install windows.

Ramen · December 12th, 2004, 05:25 PM

Dang.. I guess my twin should have been a little more specific. Let me try to expand a little bit since I kinda know what he wants out of it:

I. Motherboard wise the socket doesn't matter, just looking for a good board that won't cost a bunch, but performs well for gaming.
II. All right

III. I'm thinking he was referring to the different companies putting out the same video card just giving it a different name, but with the exact memory and capabilities.
IV. *nod*
V. Okay.
VI. RAM for gaming and day-to-day stuff.
VII.
VIII. Hmm.. can't use the old one? Okay. I'm guessing you could wipe it clean and use it as a secondary though?

paul9 · December 12th, 2004, 05:40 PM

8. you can use the old one, just that it will be better to reformat and reinstall windows, than to try a repair installation.

Ramen · December 12th, 2004, 06:07 PM

*nods* I figured reformatting would be better anyway. Not like it takes very long to do. Thanks for the information everyone. Maybe my desert-rat of a twin will leave me alone about hardware now that he's got something to think about.

davemurgatroyd · December 12th, 2004, 06:15 PM

You can use the old hard disk if you go into Control Panel and then System and remove all drivers for components that are not being transferred PLUS all the system drivers at the bottom - then shut down and do not reboot until it is in the new machine. With Windooze XP you may have to reactivate it depending on which version you are using.

nwo75200 · December 12th, 2004, 06:16 PM

1. MSI, DFI, or ASUS, can't go wrong with any of them; I prefer the nforce chipsets, and would never go with any others for an AMD CPU

3. Still don't understand it
6. Corsair Value Select PC3200 with 2.5 CAS http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-026&depa=1 note that this RAM is not made for OCing
8. If you decide to get a new hdd, I would very highly recommend SATA, infact I would stay away from all others

davemurgatroyd · December 12th, 2004, 06:20 PM

Re previous answer - it may pay to copy the Motherboard installation disk to the hard disk in the old PC before removing the drivers. As Windooze reboots (in the new machine) it may ask for the location of drivers for the Mobo and you just point it to where you copied them to - this may be needed as you may not have access to the CD drives (if the new motherboard chipset is different to the old one) until these drivers are installed.

Ramen · December 12th, 2004, 06:33 PM

nwo,
*chuckles* Don't worry about the 3rd question anymore. My bro understands now I believe. So, what is the difference between SATA and IDE?

dave,
Thanks for the suggestion, but I think that's a little over his head. He works on a plane that's older than him (C-130), so I don't think he would understand.. hehe.