My current computer is aging, and I have been given a faster processor unit, and uncertain which way to proceed

I would appreciate your advice

Current Computer
(Purchased from Mesh Computers)

Spec: ASUSTeK Computer Inc:
System Model: Asus A7N8X2.0
BIOS version: Phoenix Tech. Ltd A7N8X2.0 Deluxe ACPI BIOS rev. 1005
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 1800+
1531 MHz
Memory: 1 GB
Operating System Windows XP

1. 133Hz Dual Channel Mode comes up on the screen in the Boot up sequence
2. Advised by Mesh when they upgraded the motherboard to the above that it
would go up to an XP3200+ processor

Acquired Computer
(Assembled by relative from parts – in working condition)

Spec: NVIDIA
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS version: Phoenix Tech. Ltd 6.00 PG 01/08/03
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2600+
2088 MHz
Memory: 1GB
Operating System Windows XP

Question:
What would you recommend?
1. Remove XP2600+ processor and Ram memory from acquired Computer and plug into Mesh Computer
Or 2 Transfer Disc drives from Mesh Computer to acquired computer
3. If I did (1.) what would I need to do in the BIOS?
a. Anything before plugging in faster processor & memory
b. What would I need to do in the BIOS after starting the Boot Sequence?
c. Does 133Hz in Dual channel mode mean it is equivalent to 266Hz, (133*2 =266) or do I need to alter a field in the BIOS
4. If I did (2.) would I need to reload Windows XP

Kind Regards

In brief using the acquired computer would be better.

Your old computer has a couple BIOS updates:

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

It would be good to know the new computer better. NVIDIA AWRDACPI identifies a chipset but not a motherboard.

Can you not find an ID on the board?

Or try CPU_Z if it is bootable into windows: CPUID

Mainboard > Manufacturer > Model


In either case a reinstall of XP would be the best bet.

Details here:

Changing a Motherboard or Moving


However if the acquired computer already has XP et al what do you need to or want to change?

Why not just use it as it is?

It is superior to your old computer.


...

Hi Jephree

The new one was put together by a relative and I am not sure of the build quality, and thought maybe the Mesh Computer would be better constructed

Certainly the BOOT sequence does not look as well structed as the Mesh Computer
i.e. One page comes up and thats it

It has Windows XP installed

What I was unsure of was if I transfer both my hard disc drives C & G, (with all my software on), would I need to re-install Windows XP

I did not wish to re-install all my software

My C drive in the old computer has windows installed

All my software I assume will have registry items that will not be in the new computer if I transfered them

Also, I wondered if Microsoft would pick up the change in IP adrees if I transfered the drives and think it was pirated

Sorry I don't follow this:

"Certainly the BOOT sequence does not look as well structed as the Mesh Computer
i.e. One page comes up and thats it"

In general there is a BIOS startup which then loads the operating system > Windows in this case.


You can move the drives but you cannot move programs. Programs would need to be reinstalled.

XP needs to be installed on the motherboard that uses it.

XP would need to be re-activated no matter what.

The EULA requires one license to one motherboard. You can move the license but you need to re-activate which will activate the new board and de-activate the old board as far as that license key is concerned.


On the other hand going back to the reverse model you would need to determine if that old mobo would handle the newer CPU which is what I guess you were asking.

Also if you added the RAM it would need to be an exact match or else it wouldn't be worth it.

I am not sure if I have the time tonight but I will try to get more specs on the older motherboard as far as CPU usage.

CPU:

Socket A for AMD Duron / Athlon / Athlon XP 3000 + or higher

400 / 300 MHz FSB Spport (PCB 2.0 or later versions)


http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/...1859_a7n8x.pdf

Hi Jephree

The board is an XP 3200+ board (Mesh advised) so it should take the upgrade no problem.

I could also transfer the memory from the newer hand built model

I am a bit dubious of the chip transfer, and fan removal & reassembly

I tried to change the chip once to a XP2400+, with the correct memory, but no BIOS sequence stated at all

I was looking for the easiest option, as the computer is seven years old with 100GB on the drives and lots of programmes, and I had hoped that I could just change the drives, but that appears not possible

You would have to update the BIOS first.

Mixing RAM is a bad idea. Every stick should be identical.

If you need guides as to installing the CPU we can dig some up.

installing amd cpu - Google Search

Hi Jephree

Guides would be excellent

I would not mix the RAM as I have a gigabyte of PC2700 in the new machine and would just replace the PC2100

The machine was initially made as a games machine only

The CPZ info is as follows

Rated FSB MHz Bus Speed MHz Multiplier Core speed MHz
XP 2600+ processor 334.1 167.1 12.5 2088.75


Mainboard
Model NVidia-nForce
Chipset NVidia nForce2 - 400
Southbridge NVidia nForce2 MCP
Sensor Winbond W83627HF

I really appreciate your help

Roadrocket

As mentioned there are BIOS updates for your "old" board:

System Model: Asus A7N8X2.0
BIOS version: Phoenix Tech. Ltd A7N8X2.0 Deluxe ACPI BIOS rev. 1005

1007 was the last version issued. (Asus does not have direct linking so just insert your model etc.)

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.-Support-

Also as above some guides:

installing amd cpu - Google Search