CPU multiplier

[vekna]

Hello again Fozzik :D

I have MORE questions. This time involving CPU set up.
AMD 2.4 Ghz CPU. I notice that in some articles say its set at 12 x 200, some are 10 x 240, and some are 11 x 218 (2398, close enought to 2.4) Why?
How does this effect a computer and in what way?
Is one way better for gaming than another?

For my AMD 3700 + on the Asus SLI Prem, what would be my best config? Had to buy a new dryer and I am still 2 pieces short of finishing my system. I may be asking a question that doesn't need asked. i.e. the asus will auto detect and auto set for me... /shrug

Edit: Another question spawned by frustration caused by Anandtech time-line on future CPU's.
I went with the 939 chip because it seemed to be the most common of all AMD cpu's. 754 is nearly gone I think, and I haven't seen too many 940 pin MB's but the new CPU's that support DDR2 are all going to be 940 pin... :mad: (FX-62)
Why do they keep changing pin counts so much?


I was going to take a computer course but you are much cheaper =p (jk)

[Fozzik]

On the clock and multiplier... 12x200 would be normal. The others would involve overclocking the hypertransport bus, unless you lowered the multiplier on that. (at least I think... I never play with overclocking).

The CPU should set the clock and multiplier all by itself. The only time you need to play with it is if you want to see if a faster clocked bus will make a difference (of course then you have to lock down the memory and PCI clocks, or else overclock them as well). Anyway... A lot going on there, none of which I've really played with. 12x200 would be normal, I believe.

Sockets change because they can. part of it has to do with wanting to support newer tech (like a DDR2 memory controller may require more pinouts, but in this case that isn't true) or the processor may need more power, so more pins would be added. The truth is, ever since Intel was granted a patent on a socket back in the mid-late 90's... both companies have been using it to force upgrades. Buying 939 right now isn't going to cripple you. And honestly, when you upgrade to a new CPU, you are probably also going to want new RAM (DDR2), so it would make sense to get a new motherboard at that time also.

I think 939 is still a smart upgrade. Although it won't be the top of the line anymore next year... it's not going to dissappear overnight. Besides, there are plenty of dual-core CPUs available for 939, which means you get a built-in upgrade when the dual-core optimized programs start rolling out. I think it's a little too early to be waiting on the new socket... there is always something better coming, that's the nature of the industry.