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1. Q: CPU types for single processor motherboard
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A: There are several major CPU manufacturers in the world for single processor motherboard: Intel, AMD, VIA, Motorola.
Major CPU types in the market are
AMD native 64 bit CPU processors supported by two types of sockets: Socket 754 and Socket 940
slot 1 for Intel Celeron/Pentium II/Pentium III
slot A for AMD Athlon series
socket 7 for Intel Pentium, Cyrix and AMD K6 series
socket 370 for VIA C3 series and Intel Celeron/Pentium III
socket 462(ie, Socket A) for AMD Athlon/XP/Duron series
socket mPGA462 for AMD Athlon MP dual processors
socket 423 and socket 478 for Intel P4 series/P4 Celeron series
socket 602 for Intel Xeon dual processors
Motorola MPC series for Apple computer's Mac computers
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2. Q: Intel P4 CPU bus speed and Cache. How to set the front bus speed in the motherboard BIOS or jumper setting?
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A: Intel P4 CPU series have 400MHZ, 533MHZ(which starts at 2.26GHZ) and 800MHZ (which starts from 2.4GHZ) bus speeds.
Intel P4 CPU series have 256KB L2 Cache, 512KB L2 Cache which starts at P4 1.6GHZ and 1MB L2 cache which starts from P4 2.4GHZ 533MHZ front side bus speed processor.
Intel uses quadruple structure, ie, 400MHZ bus is 100MHZ * 4, 533MHZ bus is 133MHZ * 4, 800MHZ bus is 200MHZ. Therefore, in the jumper setting or motherboard BIOS, only 100MHZ and 133MHZ are actually used. 400MHZ, 533MHZ or 800MHZ bus speed can not be found in the BIOS and motherboard manuals. Do not be confused.
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3. Q: AMD CPU bus speed, cache and AMD XP CPU actual speed
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A: AMD MP/XP/Athlon(Thunderbird or T-bird) series runs at 266MHZ (ie, 133MHZ x 2 = 266 MHZ) bus speed, 333MHZ (ie, 166MHZ x 2 = 333 MHZ) and 400MHZ (ie, 200MHZ x 2 = 400 MHZ). Therefore in the motherboard jumper setting or BIOS setting, the correct setting needs to be 133/166/200. There are no 266, 333 and 400 in BIOS or jumper setting. Do not be confused.
AMD Duron series runs at 200MHZ (ie, 100MHZ x 2 = 200 MHZ) bus speed. Therefore in the motherboard jumper setting or BIOS setting, the correct setting needs to be 100. There is no 200 in BIOS or jumper setting. Do not be confused.
AMD Athlon XP and 64 CPU actual speeds are
AMD Athlon 64 processor FX51 operates at 2.2 GHz with 1MB L2 cache and socket 940.
AMD Athlon 64 processor 3400+ operates at 2.2 GHz with 1MB L2 cache and socket 754.
AMD Athlon 64 processor 3200+ operates at 2 GHz with 1MB L2 cache and socket 754.
AMD Athlon 64 processor 3000+ operates at 2 GHz with 512KB L2 cache and socket 754.
AMD Athlon XP processor 3200+ operates at 2.2 GHz with front side bus speed 400MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+ operates at 2 GHz with front side bus speed 400MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+ operates at 2.167 GHz with front side bus speed 333MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2800+ operates at 2.083 GHz with front side bus speed 333MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2700+ operates at 2.167 GHz with front side bus speed 333MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2600+ operates at 2.083 GHz with front side bus speed 333MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2500+ operates at 1.833 GHz with front side bus speed 333MHz and 512KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2600+ operates at 2.133 GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2400+ operates at 2.000 GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2200+ operates at 1.8GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2100+ operates at 1.73GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 2000+ operates at 1.67GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 1900+ operates at 1.6GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 1800+ operates at 1.53GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 1700+ operates at 1.47GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
AMD Athlon XP processor 1600+ operates at 1.4GHz with front side bus speed 266MHZ and 256KB L2 cache.
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| Here are the details for AMD processors
AMD Athlon 64 FX
Processors
| OPN |
Model |
Operating Freq. |
Package |
Operating Voltage |
Case Temp. |
L2 Cache |
| ADAFX55DEI5AS |
FX55 |
2600MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
63º C |
1MB |
| ADAFX53DEP5AS |
FX53 |
2400MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADAFX53CEP5AT |
FX53 |
2400MHz |
940-Pin CμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADAFX51CEP5AT |
FX51 |
2200MHz |
940-Pin CμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADAFX51CEP5AK |
FX51 |
2200MHz |
940-Pin CμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
AMD Athlon 64 Processors
| OPN |
Model |
Operating Freq. |
Package |
Operating Voltage |
Case Temp. |
L2 Cache |
| ADA4000DEP5AS |
4000+ |
2400MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3800DEP4AW |
3800+ |
2400MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA3500DIK4BI |
3500+ |
2200MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.40V |
65º C |
512KB |
| ADA3500DEP4AW |
3500+ |
2200MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA3200DIK4BI |
3200+ |
2000MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.40V |
65º C |
512KB |
| ADA3000DIK4BI |
3000+ |
1800MHz |
939-Pin OμPGA |
1.40V |
65º C |
512KB |
| ADA3700AEP5AR |
3700+ |
2400MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3400AEP5AR |
3400+ |
2200MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3400AEP5AP |
3400+ |
2200MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3200AEP4AX |
3200+ |
2200MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA3200AEP5AR |
3200+ |
2000MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3200AEP5AP |
3200+ |
2000MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
1MB |
| ADA3000AEP4AX |
3000+ |
2000MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA3000AEP4AR |
3000+ |
2000MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA3000AEP4AP |
3000+ |
2000MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
| ADA2800AEP4AX |
2800+ |
1800MHz |
754-Pin OμPGA |
1.50V |
70º C |
512KB |
How to Read
an OPN
OPN Example of an AMD
Athlon 64 FX Processor
| ADA FX55 D
E I 5 AS |
| ADA |
Brand:
ADA = AMD Athlon™ 64 Desktop |
| FX55 |
Model Number:
FX55
FX53
FX51 |
| D |
Package Type:
C = 940 Pin Lidded CμPGA
D = 939 Pin Lidded OμPGA |
| E |
Operating Voltage:
E = 1.50V |
| I |
Case Temperature:
I = 63º Celsius
P = 70º Celsius |
| 5 |
Size of L2 Cache:
5 = 1 MB |
| AS |
Part Definition:
AK = Rev C0
AT = Rev CG
AS = Rev CG |
OPN Example of an AMD
Athlon 64 Processor
| ADA 4000 D
E P 5 AS |
| ADA |
Brand:
ADA = AMD Athlon™ 64 Desktop |
| 4000 |
Model Number:
4000
3800
3700
3500
3400
3200
3000
2800 |
| D |
Package Type:
A = 754 Pin Lidded OμPGA
D = 939 Pin Lidded OμPGA |
| E |
Operating Voltage:
E = 1.50V
I = 1.40V |
| P |
Case Temperature:
K = 65º Celsius
P = 70º Celsius |
| 5 |
Size of L2 Cache:
4 = 512 KB
5 = 1 MB |
| AS |
Part Definition:
AP = Rev C0
AR = Rev CG
AS = Rev CG
AX = Rev CG
AW = Rev CG
BI = Rev D0 |
AMD Athlon XP Processors
| Core |
OPN |
Model |
Operating Freq.(MHz) |
Clock Mult. |
Nominal Voltage |
Max Die Temp. |
FSB Freq.(MHz) |
L2 Cache |
Model 10
"Barton" |
AXDA3200DKV4E |
3200+ |
2200MHz |
11x |
1.65V |
85º C |
400MHz |
512KB |
| AXDA3000DKV4E |
3000+ |
2100MHz |
10.5x |
| AXDA3000DKV4D |
3000+ |
2167MHz |
13x |
333MHz |
| AXDA2800DKV4D |
2800+ |
2083MHz |
12.5x |
| AXDA2600DKV4D |
2600+ |
1917MHz |
11.5x |
| AXDA2500DKV4D |
2500+ |
1833MHz |
11x |
Model 10
"Thorton" |
AXDC2400DKV3C |
2400+ |
2000MHz |
15x |
1.65V |
85º C |
266MHz |
256KB |
| AXDC2200DKV3C |
2200+ |
1800MHz |
13.5x |
1.60V |
85º C |
| AXDC2000DKV3C |
2000+ |
1667MHz |
12.5x |
1.60V |
90º C |
Model 8
"Thoroughbred" |
AXDA2700DKV3D |
2700+ |
2167MHz |
13x |
1.65V |
85º C |
333MHz |
256KB |
| AXDA2600DKV3D |
2600+ |
2083MHz |
12.5x |
| AXDA2600DKV3C |
2600+ |
2133MHz |
16x |
266MHz |
| AXDA2400DKV3C |
2400+ |
2000MHz |
15x |
| AXDA2400DUV3C |
2400+ |
2000MHz |
15x |
1.60V |
| AXDA2200DUV3C |
2200+ |
1800MHz |
13.5x |
| AXDA2200DKV3C |
2200+ |
1800MHz |
13.5x |
1.65V |
| AXDA2100DUT3C |
2100+ |
1733MHz |
13x |
1.60V |
90º C |
| AXDA2000DUT3C |
2000+ |
1667MHz |
12.5x |
| AXDA2000DKT3C |
2000+ |
1667MHz |
12.5x |
1.65V |
| AXDA1900DLT3C |
1900+ |
1600MHz |
12x |
1.50V |
| AXDA1800DUT3C |
1800+ |
1533MHz |
11.5x |
1.60V |
| AXDA1800DLT3C |
1800+ |
1533MHz |
11.5x |
1.50V |
| AXDA1700DUT3C |
1700+ |
1467MHz |
11x |
1.60V |
| AXDA1700DLT3C |
1700+ |
1467MHz |
11x |
1.50V |
| AXDA1600DUT3C |
1600+ |
1400MHz |
10.5x |
1.60V |
Model 6
"Palomino" |
AX2100DMT3C |
2100+ |
1733MHz |
13x |
1.75V |
90º C |
266MHz |
256KB |
| AX2000DMT3C |
2000+ |
1667MHz |
12.5x |
| AX1900DMT3C |
1900+ |
1600MHz |
12x |
| AX1800DMT3C |
1800+ |
1533MHz |
11.5x |
| AX1700DMT3C |
1700+ |
1467MHz |
11x |
| AX1600DMT3C |
1600+ |
1400MHz |
10.5x |
| AX1500DMT3C |
1500+ |
1333MHz |
10x |
How to Read
an OPN
OPN Example of an AMD
Athlon XP Processor
| AXDA 3200
D K V 4 E |
| AXDA |
Architecture Segment:
AXDA = AMD Athlon™ XP Processor ("Barton"/"Thoroughbred")
AXDC = AMD Athlon™ XP Processor ("Thorton")
AX = AMD Athlon™ XP Processor ("Palomino") |
| 3200 |
Model Number: 1500+ to 3200+ and
above |
| D |
Package Type: D = OPGA |
| K |
Operating Voltage:
L = 1.50V
U = 1.60V
K = 1.65V
M = 1.75V |
| V |
Die Temperature:
T = 90 Degrees Celsius
V = 85 Degrees Celsius |
| 4 |
Size of L2 Cache:
3 = 256KB
4 = 512KB |
| E |
Max FSB:
C = 266MHz
D = 333MHz
E = 400MHz |
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4. Q: VIA C3 CPU bus speed
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A: VIA C3 CPU series bus speeds are 133MHZ/100MHZ/66MHZ.
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5. Q: Memory types and bus speed
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A: 30 pin SIMM, 72 pin SIMM, 184 pin memory and SODIMM are main types of memory modules.
30 pin SIMMs are used for 286, 386 and 486 computers and are out of date.
72 pin SIMMs are used for 486 and Pentium level computers. Right now only 72 pin SIMMs are 60 ns(nona seconds) EDO SIMMs in the market for Pentium computers.
168 pin memory modules have SDRAM and 184 pin memory modules have DDR(Double Data Rate) and Rambus modules.
168 pin SDRAMs has types
PC 66 SDRAM which runs 66MHZ bus speed
PC 100 SDRAM which runs 100MHZ bus speed
PC 133 SDRAM which runs 133MHZ bus speed
184 pin DDR has types
PC 2100 SDRAM which runs 266MHZ bus speed
PC 2700 SDRAM which runs 333MHZ bus speed
PC 3200 SDRAM which runs 400MHZ bus speed
184 pin Rambus memory module (usually called RIMM) has types
PC 800 RIMM which runs 800MHZ bus speed
PC 1066 RIMM which runs 1066MHZ bus speed (just over 1GHZ)
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6. Q: IDE hard drive types, speed and cable, Serial ATA hard drive speed
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A: When we talk about IDE hard drive, EIDE hard drive, ATA hard drive, UDMA (ultra DMA) hard drive, basically we refer to the same thing: IDE hard drive.
IDE hard drives has different types based on internal transfer speed
ATA 33 which has data transfer rate at 33 MB(mega bytes) per second.
ATA 66 which has data transfer rate at 66 MB per second.
ATA 100 which has data transfer rate at 100 MB per second.
ATA 133 which has data transfer rate at 133 MB per second.
ATA 33 uses 40 pin IDE cable while ATA 66, 100 and 133 use 80 pin IDE cable.
IDE hard drive can be differentiated based on running speed
5400 rpm
7200 rpm
serial ATA hard drive has data transfer rate at 150 MB per second and uses serial ATA cable.
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7. Q: Video Card Interface
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A: Video card interface has 4 types: ISA, VESA Local Bus, PCI and AGP.
ISA and VESA Local Bus are used for 286, 386 and 486 computers and are out of date.
PCI can be seen most for 486 and Pentium level computers. But PCI video cards can be used in most 486 and newer computers .
AGP video cards are most popular one in the market. AGP has 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x speed types. Usually each type has different physical interface. Because the motherboard AGP interface may be different, not all the types of AGP video cards can be supported in all the motherboards.
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8. Q: AT power supply, ATX power supply, P4 Ready ATX power supply and Xeon ready ATX power supply
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 A: AT power supply has two 6 pin motherboard power connectors. When power cord with AC power is hooked on to the power supply, turn on the switch to turn on the power supply.
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 ATX power supply has one 20 pin motherboard power connector.
To turn on ATX power supply, it is necessary to hook the power connector to the motherboard,
hook the power-on switch to the motherboard, hook the AC power to the power supply,
then turn on the power-on switch to turn on the motherboard to turn on the ATX power supply.
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P4 ready ATX power supply has two more connectors than regular ATX power supply: one 4 pin square connector and one 6 pin connector. Some P4 motherboards can not work without P4 ready power supply.
Xeon ready ATX power supply has one more 6 pin square connector and one more 8 pin square connector than P4 ready ATX power supply.
Different motherboard requires different power supply. For AMD CPU, it is better to use 300W or more watts power supply to satisfy AMD CPU power consumption.
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9. Q: I bought motherboard, CPU, case, memory and video card. After I assembled these together, I cannot get anything to show up on the monitor, even I spent more than 20 hours on these. Why?
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A: Most of time, there is nothing wrong with hardware. From our experience to resolve this kind of customer question
first, read the motherboard manually thoroghly and understand the manual
second, put minimum components in the case and make sure the assembly is correct and no circuit short is possible
third, turn on the power to ensure that the motherboard can be powered on
If the above procedure is followed, 80% of chance this problem can be resolved. If not, some component may be the problem source.
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10. Q: Can I upgrade the motherboard BIOS?
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A: The rule of thumb is, if the computer is working fine, do not upgrade any hardware drivers and motherboard BIOS.
If you want to update the BIOS to upgrade the CPU on the motherboard, you need to understand two possible results you will have:
updating BIOS is successful
updating BIOS is not successfull, if your motherboard is still under warranty, you can send the motherboard to the manufacturer for warranty service, if not, you will lose your motherboard completely and you need to buy a new motherboard.
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11. Q: Is it better to buy upgrade version of operating system to do the upgrading than to buy the full version?
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A: Before you upgrade the operating system in your computer to a newer version, you need to
understand you may have two possible upgrading results:
upgrading is successful
upgrading fails halfway. You cannot reverse the upgrading process. You will end up with no functional computer. You need to back up your data, wipe out the hard disk and install the full version operating system from scratch.
Therefore it is better to buy full version operating system, back up the data, wipe out the hard drive and install the full version of operating system. This will give you a computer system with stable and better performance.
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12. Q: USB 1.1, 2.0 and firewire data transfer rate
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A:
USB 1.1 supports data transfer rate up to 12 Mb/s.
USB 2.0 supports data transfer rate up to 480 Mb/s.
Firewire supports data transfer rate up to 400 Mb/s.
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13. Q: Are CPU front bus speed and memory bus speed the same thing?
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A: No, they are different. They operate at their own bus speeds.
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14. Q: Why to choose our barebone system for upgrading your computer?
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A: Our barebone system is designed for you to upgrade your computer with minimum cost. Our barebone system has motherboard, CPU, CPU fan and ATX case with 300W power supply. You can recycle your hard drive, memory, video card, fax modem, network card, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD writer, DVD writer, tape backup drive and etc from your old computer. This way you can use most parts from your old computer and minimize your cost to upgrade your computer to current level and have great performance.
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15. Q: Driver download location and manufacturers' web sites
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A: Please click here to access the web sites for driver downloads and manufacturer's information.
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