Upgrading my computer to GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R with an i7 950 CPU...

[antdude]

Hello!

I am thinking of replacing my current motherboard, CPU, RAM, etc. to an Intel i7 950 CPU, GIGABYTE GA-X58A-UD3R motherboard, and new RAM. I am still going to use my old, updated Windows XP Pro. SP3 (don't need 64-bit and newer Windows at this time since my old softwares still work). Is this going to be OK?

My current computer specifications (primary computer) details can be found at http://zimage.com/~ant/antfarm/about/computers.txt ...

Thank you in advance.

[Fatman]

So why the upgrade if your going to stick with the 32 bit XP?  To me, if you upgrade to this new system, you will get much more out of a 64 bit OS such as win 7, as it is geared more to that. XP is old hat now!! So move on and set yourself free...............LOL

[Badbonji]

What do you use this PC for? Sounds like a solid build, the 950 is quite good for its price. Have you considered waiting for Sandy Bridge though? It might be cheaper to upgrade and may be slightly faster at the same time, all whilst hopefully using less power. It is replacing socket 1156 so only has dual channel. Just seems a waste to get a triple channel board and be limited to 3-4GB of RAM (depending on other components)

[Dark Mantis]

Yes, I would have to agree with the other members on this point. The platform you are intending to upgrade to is basically a power users system and to then limit yourself to a 32 bit operating system with all that involves just doesn't make sense. Your 32 bit programs should work with Windows 7 64 bit too on the whole and you will be able to access more memory.

[antdude]

Yes, I would have to agree with the other members on this point. The platform you are intending to upgrade to is basically a power users system and to then limit yourself to a 32 bit operating system with all that involves just doesn't make sense. Your 32 bit programs should work with Windows 7 64 bit too on the whole and you will be able to access more memory.

I will upgrade to 64-bit W7 eventually, but not now. My XP and old programs are fine. I wanted to upgrade to get rid of my old PCs for other things.

[Dark Mantis]

Fair enough and who are we to question your decision to upgrade, it's just that obviously we don't like to see someone spend more than they have to. If we can give any other advice please just ask.

I take it that the computer upgrade will be a knock on affair. The main one now will move to the backup system etc. Just make sure that the PSUs are good quality and powerfull enough.

[antdude]

Fair enough and who are we to question your decision to upgrade, it's just that obviously we don't like to see someone spend more than they have to. If we can give any other advice please just ask.

I take it that the computer upgrade will be a knock on affair. The main one now will move to the backup system etc. Just make sure that the PSUs are good quality and powerfull enough.

Yeah, it will be replacing my old, single core AMD Athlon 64 3200 with updated Debian/Linux. It's so slow!

[Dark Mantis]

Yes that makes sense anyway. At least that way everything benefits from the upgrade.