CPU advice being sort.

whs said:

So how do they justify charging you more for less?

Good question. I assume it is a supply matter. This is a relatively old processor (which does not mean that it is not good) and maybe they have a surplus in their stock. But I am only guessing.

It's almost always due to supply and demand. Also Dual Core and Core 2 Duo are different technologies. Also, you will notice that your Front Speed Bus is 1600MHz as opposed to 800MHz will allow you to enjoy FSB 1:1 ratio with your RAM assuming you have a newer system.


A CPU can be a Core Duo with 2 cores, or it can be a Core 2 Duo with 2 cores. They are both dual core but the primary the difference is the micro-architecture when it comes to FSB.

I think you need to start over with this entire thread. In your opening post, you said,

the mobo is only 32 bit

That is not true. Foxconn Support - Download clearly shows 64-bit Motherboard System, Chipset, LAN, Audio, and Graphics drivers are available.

***

It is essential to point out that when replacing the motherboard, and it is not an identical replacement board for one that has failed, and it is not an official "retail" license of Windows, a new Windows license MUST be purchased as a new motherboard is considered a new computer!

See, Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 824125 and note near the bottom where it says,

An upgrade or a replacement of the motherboard is considered to create a new personal computer. Therefore, Microsoft OEM operating system software cannot be transferred from another computer. If the motherboard is upgraded or replaced for reasons other than a defect then a new computer is created, and a new operating system license is required.

I know that is counter to what many have believed, but it has always been this way - read your EULAs. OEM - Original Equipment Manufacturing - licenses are for just that, "Original Equipment". It is important to note too that OEM versions are sold at substantial discounts. If transferability is important, buy a retail version.

If you have purchased other software, it may not be transferable either. The exception for Windows is IF your current version is a "retail" full (not upgrade) copy, and you completely remove it from the old computer.

So, to be clear, if your current version of Windows is an OEM (also called "System Builders") version of Windows that came with or was purchased for your old computer/motherboard, you cannot legally transfer that license to your new computer. This applies to Upgrade licenses too as they are directly tied to the license they are upgrading. This means you cannot install it (or the old drive it is currently install on) on the computer with the new motherboard.

NOTE - While technically it can be done, it is NOT legal and is considered stealing. This applies to computers used in the United States, member countries of the EU, and member countries of the United Nations. Check your EULA. In all cases, it will say something similar to this seen for Windows 7 Professional, (their bold),

By using the software, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the software.

The software license is permanently assigned to the computer with which the software is distributed. That computer is the “licensed computer.”

The software may include more than one version, such as 32-bit and 64-bit. You may use only one version at one time.

It is important to note you do not own the software, you own a license to use it. And note this is an industry policy, not just Microsoft's.

I also don'tsee anything that mentions 64bit mobo system.

Under the File Download tap, click on View Details.

I bought it separatly in a box

Perfect! :) Just ensure you uninstall it from the old computer and you are good to go.

and why then that only 3.25 of my RAM is usable?

There are millions of pages on Google on that but basically it has to deal with how your memory is mapped and addressed. And in your case, you also have on-board graphics, so a big chunk is probably being snagged for that.

Will I not just be able to swap the mobo's over then if it says my OS needs validating ring them up and validate?

As far as your license is concerned, this is all you need to do (besides uninstalling it from any other machine). That said, all the drivers on the HD will be for the old motherboard and so it may, or may not choke when you first power it up. Make sure you have backed up any data you don't want to lose.

why is the other bloke saying that my system isn't 32bit but a 64 bit system?

If you mean me, I am not saying it is one or the other. I am saying it will support either. The operating system makes it 32-bit or 64-bit, depending on the version you install. And then you must ensure you install the correct drivers from there.

So what is the point of having RAM on the video card then,

If you have a card, then most likely any RAM that would have been used for on-board has been freed and given back to the system. The point of having RAM on the card is because (1) it is dedicated to the graphics (2) it is tweaked for graphics.

You will never see all your RAM as available. Some is always used to map the many hardware devices (and the motherboard itself consists of many different devices) so the OS can address them.