What processor should I buy?

[bagmand22]

Hi, I like yo convert my blu rays with HDconvertTOx, but it takes about 24 hours
to do a 90 min. movie with my PC now.
Specs: AMD x2 5000+, 2gb ram 800mhz. windows xp.
Can I just change the CPU to fx AMD Phenom 2 x4 to get the speed doubled or tribled, or is
there more to it?
Would like to get down to about 3-4 hours in Extreme quality mode.

[redwudz]

You probably won't get down to 3 - 4 hours, but that would depend on the processing involved. It takes me about six hours to convert a BD to a MKV, two pass. And that's with a Intel quad 3.4Ghz CPU. I also have a AMD quad core and it does the operation at the same speed.

As for upgrading your CPU, what brand and model motherboard do you have? It would need to be able to accept a Phenom core CPU if you want more than two core operation. One of the least expensive Phenom type CPUs at present is the Propus, about $100 - $115US, depending on the model. But those are AM3 MB versions. There are also the older Phenoms available that will run on a AM2+ motherboard. If your motherboard isn't capable of using either, then you could try a faster two core CPU or overclock it, or better, upgrade to a newer AM3 MB. AMD Micro ATX MBs are available for less than $100US and you would only need RAM most times, along with the new CPU, to upgrade the system.

BD or H.264 conversions really benefit from multiple core CPUs, especially faster ones.

[bagmand22]

My motherboard is a: Abit AN52 ATX S-940.
What CPU can I replace with this?

[Webster]

My motherboard is a: Abit AN52 ATX S-940.
What CPU can I replace with this?

http://www.abit.com.tw/cpu-support-list/mb/nv_nforce520_an52.htm

[redwudz]

Going by Webster's link, it looks like you could upgrade to a 3.0Ghz Athlon 64 X2. Your present CPU seems to be a 2.2Ghz Athlon 64 X2. This link to NewEgg is to that 3.0Ghz version: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103772 You would have to check suppliers in your local area for prices and availability. The 3.0Ghz model will give you a fair increase in speed, but it also will generate quite a bit more heat and I would suggest a aftermarket CPU cooler as your existing cooler may not be enough. The model I linked to does not come with a cooler.

If you decide to go with a 3.0Ghz X2 CPU, double check with the motherboard manufacturer to make sure that the motherboard is compatible with that CPU and if you need to update your BIOS version.

Unfortunately, your motherboard doesn't seem to accept a Phenom quad core. It's hard to estimate how much of a speed increase you would get from a 3.0Ghz CPU, but maybe a 25% - 50%, but that's just a guess. You also have the option to overclock your CPU to raise the speed up a bit higher. But that will generate even more heat. Practically, the 3.0Ghz CPU could be OC'd to maybe 3.4Ghz, depending on the motherboard, the RAM and the cooling options you have available. Still not a major speed increase like you are looking for.

You also have the option to overclock your existing CPU, though extra heat may be a problem if you are using a stock CPU cooler. I don't know how much OC a 2.2Ghz CPU and your motherboard is capable of. You 'may' be able to get the existing CPU up close to 3.0Ghz.

To get a real increase in encoding speed with a codec like H.264, you would need a different motherboard, RAM and a quad core CPU. You would also have to evaluate your existing power supply and case. (And your finances. )

[ocgw]

I own a manchester core Athlon x2 3800+, a Windsor core Athlon x2 6000+, a Athlon II x2 245 Regor core, and a Phenom II x4 940 BE

Going from a 5000+ to a 6000+ (90nm) isn't worth the expense and effort, they put out way too much heat and are poor overclockers, he might get his 24hr encode down to 20 hrs

now for the same money he can get the Regor core, oc it to 3.8ghz and get his reencode down to 12hrs, he would just have to invest in a new mobo

If he invests in a new mobo the pickings are a lil' slim if he is trying to recycle his DDR2, the best, and majority of mobos now require DDR3

$35 more dollars and he can get the propus $99USD quad that is basically my Phenom w/o L3 cache (which doesn't help in encoding anyway) oc it to 3.6-3.8Ghz and do 5-6 hr encodes

My recommendation get the Regor core and a entry level mobo and recycle your DDR2

I bought this mobo recently for one of my rigs, it is well reviewed, and oc's my AMD Athlon II Regor 245 (2.9Ghz) to 3.9Ghz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128394

http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=850055

https://forum.videohelp.com/topic374736.html

ocgw

peace