Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

(04-16-2010, 11:28 AM)Ryuzashi Wrote: [ -> ]So i dont have much money and i wanna upgrade my computer the max i can before i eventually buy a new one.

I wanna know whats the max CPU i can put in my system.

Here is my motherboard info:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&lang=en&product=3354761


Now assuming i read correctly... The max i can use its this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103772


Correct? Or i can use something better?


Also how much of a improvement is a dual core 3.0 from dual core 2.4 ? Is it that big of a deal?


Will it have a big impact on Dolphin?

Serious posts from now on.

Have you read about unlocking cores in Athlon II and Phenom II cpu's?
A Sempron 140 (single core, 2.7ghz) can unlock to an Athlon II 440, and can easily overclock over 3.0ghz, it is clock by clock faster and cooler than a 6000+@3.0ghz.

You need a good motherboard for that too, one that allows core unlocking.
I recommend a motherboard with Chipset AMD 770 with DDR2 support (for your current RAM).

Take into account, not all k10 (Phenom II family) CPU's will unlock unused cores. So, it's like gambling.

I won't guide you, but will throw some good keywords you'll search if you really are willing to take the risk.
- ADVANCED CLOCK CALIBRATION
- PROCESSOR BATCH (which ones inside a model are more probable to unlock)
- SEMPRON 140 UNLOCKING
- AMD 770 AM2+ (for motherboard)

The CPU, will cost around 35-45 USD
The motherboard (any socket AM3, chipset 770 or better with DDR2 memory support should do) should go between 70-100. Example.

Again, it's the only cheap way to make a quick upgrade < 140 USD, but you have to make proper research and be 100% sure the cpu you choose will unlock the second core.
Now it's up to you.

==

Just in case you really want to spend more money, you could try an Athlon II X3 cpu.
Those can unlock a fourth core but I doubt you'll find that one really useful, better go with adding an extra 100 or 200mhz via OC.

The thing is, if you already have enough RAM, then picking the right motherboard will save you from spending in new DDR3 modules.

==
Here's an AMD motherboard list, for more alternatives

Quote:and be 100% sure the cpu you choose will unlock the second core.

Even with the proper research it's impossible to be 100% sure. It's an extremely risky gamble since if he gets a 140 and the second core has stability issues he could wind up with a slower cpu. Personally I would go with a phenom II X2 if you have the money (around $100 for the cpu), that way you will have at least have 2 functional cores for sure and if your lucky through unlocking you could have as many as 4 functioning cores. It's just to risky in my opinion to get a single core cpu and depend on not have stability issues with the second core once it's unlocked.

(04-17-2010, 07:34 PM)NaturalViolence Wrote: [ -> ]

Quote:and be 100% sure the cpu you choose will unlock the second core.

Even with the proper research it's impossible to be 100% sure. It's an extremely risky gamble since if he gets a 140 and the second core has stability issues he could wind up with a slower cpu. Personally I would go with a phenom II X2 if you have the money (around $100 for the cpu), that way you will have at least have 2 functional cores for sure and if your lucky through unlocking you could have as many as 4 functioning cores. It's just to risky in my opinion to get a single core cpu and depend on not have stability issues with the second core once it's unlocked.

That's why you look at the cpu batch, check the forums you'll find that some CPU's have 99% chance being unlocked.
Friend just got a X2 550 based on the batch number a couple of days ago, it's already passed tests and now is overclocking all four cores up to 3.3 on stock VCore

(04-18-2010, 04:39 AM)CacoFFF Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-17-2010, 07:34 PM)NaturalViolence Wrote: [ -> ]

Quote:and be 100% sure the cpu you choose will unlock the second core.

Even with the proper research it's impossible to be 100% sure. It's an extremely risky gamble since if he gets a 140 and the second core has stability issues he could wind up with a slower cpu. Personally I would go with a phenom II X2 if you have the money (around $100 for the cpu), that way you will have at least have 2 functional cores for sure and if your lucky through unlocking you could have as many as 4 functioning cores. It's just to risky in my opinion to get a single core cpu and depend on not have stability issues with the second core once it's unlocked.

That's why you look at the cpu batch, check the forums you'll find that some CPU's have 99% chance being unlocked.
Friend just got a X2 550 based on the batch number a couple of days ago, it's already passed tests and now is overclocking all four cores up to 3.3 on stock VCore

My 550 wont unlock unless i update the bios, don't think im ready for that, don't even know how really.
The other two cores are bum and therefore won't overclock too high. 3.3 isn't worth jack from its default stock.

I believe, that your bios is a newer one, really new because the only different thing is that they disabled the core unlocking hax, but the older one is the same.

Do you have a UPS?
At least that will ensure you won't suffer 'unexpected' power losses while in the middle of flashing.

Just an important rule on that: before flashing any kind of bios/firmware, save a copy of your existing one first. <(A must for GFX cards, Motherboards, Routers,... even chips for cars)

(04-18-2010, 04:55 AM)CacoFFF Wrote: [ -> ]I believe, that your bios is a newer one, really new because the only different thing is that they disabled the core unlocking hax, but the older one is the same.

Do you have a UPS?
At least that will ensure you won't suffer 'unexpected' power losses while in the middle of flashing.

Just an important rule on that: before flashing any kind of bios/firmware, save a copy of your existing one first. <(A must for GFX cards, Motherboards, Routers,... even chips for cars)

Hmm not that i know of.
What option(s) must be ticked in the bios to unlock the cores, i have no idea.
I only heard through rumors that i must first update my bios to the newest available before tampering with anything.

I have an emachine mobo, not aware of the model number; can't check from my current position.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmEKZLkFiXU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huKVYW4duiU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GtMDV1xj6o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69JYDb7XQ44
is that enough diddy?

The last step, I figured out i need a bios update

I have yet to find anything on a Pheonix Award workstation Bios Cmos Setup Utility

Emachine has shitty support for this.

My mobo

Manufacturer: eMachines
Model MCP61PM-Gm

(04-18-2010, 07:48 AM)Diddy Kong Wrote: [ -> ]The last step, I figured out i need a bios update

I have yet to find anything on a Pheonix Award workstation Bios Cmos Setup Utility

Emachine has shitty support for this.

My mobo

Manufacturer: eMachines
Model MCP61PM-Gm

Aha, it's a rebranded ECS motherboard.

First, make a backup of your BIOS, we don't know if there's a difference or limitation so just in case.
Then try a ECS bios, well I'm not completely sure about it but someone must have already tried this on some forum.

EDIT: NVidia chipset, unlocking cores on this is impossible. Sorry for rushing it

(04-18-2010, 08:58 AM)CacoFFF Wrote: [ -> ]

(04-18-2010, 07:48 AM)Diddy Kong Wrote: [ -> ]The last step, I figured out i need a bios update

I have yet to find anything on a Pheonix Award workstation Bios Cmos Setup Utility

Emachine has shitty support for this.

My mobo

Manufacturer: eMachines
Model MCP61PM-Gm

Aha, it's a rebranded ECS motherboard.

First, make a backup of your BIOS, we don't know if there's a difference or limitation so just in case.
Then try a ECS bios, well I'm not completely sure about it but someone must have already tried this on some forum.

EDIT: NVidia chipset, unlocking cores on this is impossible. Sorry for rushing it

Thanks for helping cacoFFF