Thanks again, to most of you; the snide remarks, were asinine.

 

Moderator:  There have been a few remarks by some that did seem provocative, disrespectful, incompatible with the friendly and respectful and helpful atmosphere so many of us unRAIDers have enjoyed for so long, and are seeking to maintain.  I've removed one post that seemed over the line, a few others were regrettable.

 

However, I'm glad you've found some help, made progress!  It's a long thread, but the experience will hopefully be helpful to others too.

Thanks again, to most of you; the snide remarks, were asinine.

 

Moderator:  There have been a few remarks by some that did seem provocative, disrespectful, incompatible with the friendly and respectful and helpful atmosphere so many of us unRAIDers have enjoyed for so long, and are seeking to maintain.  I've removed one post that seemed over the line, a few others were regrettable.

 

However, I'm glad you've found some help, made progress!  It's a long thread, but the experience will hopefully be helpful to others too.

 

Rob...that is always, in the back of my mind.

 

Let me be clear: I am NOT, the dumbest user...to roam these boards! I'm in "IT" myself"...are I find, there are 2 kinds of guys. Those who realize, you know what you know; and can't know EVERYTHING...there's just too much to keep on top of. And...guys, who think they do know EVERYTHING; who really don't. But are snide and condescending, if you happen to ask a dumb question about their area of expertise.

 

My thought is...someone will need to ask some of these "dumb" questions again; and maybe they'll have my long thread, to help navigate them through.

 

Again...my thanks to everyone who hung in there with me. It's still a great board! 

Have you looked at the specs on your motherboard.  Fourth bullet down.  These are all on the supported CPU list you posted.  You really need to try and do some of this research yourself so you understand what you have..

 

o Supports new generation of AMD Phenom™ II X6 processors

o Ultra Durable 3 Classic Technology with copper cooled quality for lower working temperature

o Revolution energy saving design with Easy Energy Saver technology

o Supports AMD AM3 Phenom™ II/ Athlon™ II processors

 

 

You can look up the CPU specs here.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net

 

 

http://www.gigabyte.us/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3143#ov

 

Sorry; is AM3 Phenom II...synonymous with AM3+?

So what's your current state here? I vested so much time in your steps to enjoying life I'm anxious for a conclusion!

So what's your current state here? I vested so much time in your steps to enjoying life I'm anxious for a conclusion!

 

I'm looking, for a CPU; to give PLEX another try.

 

Open to recs http://www.ebay.com/sch/Computers-Tablets-Networking-/58058/i.html?_from=R40&Socket%2520Type=Socket%2520AM3&_dcat=164&LH_ItemCondition=3&_nkw=amd+phenom+ii&_sop=15

Just doing a quick bit of research and I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but check on cpubenchmark before purchasing.  Roughly, you require a score of 2000 per 1080p stream you require.  Depending on how many synchronous clients you're aiming for, you may be better investing in new mobo/cpu/mem...

 

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

 

 

@CDLehner,

 

Are you going to be running other pluggins, ie SAB/SB/CP or only primarily a NAS plus plex server.  If only NAS +Plex, and assuming only a single stream at a time, then you can widen your search.  The Athlon II-X4 640 will work.  It will also support SAB/SB/CP plus the single stream, but at that loading plus normal activities, it is getting maxed out.

 

 

 

AMD Quad Core CPU Athlon II-X4 640 3.0GHz

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Quad-Core-CPU-Athlon-II-X4-640-3-0GHz-Socket-AM3/172148117171?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D35934%26meid%3D6b835b1387d74194aaf854fc1b37368b%26pid%3D100011%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D10%26sd%3D272198576776

 

 

Phenom II X4 955

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X4-955-3-2-GHz-HDZ955FBK4DGM-CPU-Processor-4000-MHz-Socket-AM3-6MB-/271941341308?hash=item3f50f7907c:g:tFEAAOSw6EhURcje

Both of those CPU's have more power than my Celeron G1840 and it handled several dockers + 1 plex stream fine. I'm now in the 2+ stream boat so an i5 it is, but the Athlon "maxing out" with various dockers + 1 Plex stream is somewhat misleading...

 

Remember, once the docker is loaded, its CPU use is next to nil.

 

I have the following dockers going:

Plex

CrashPlan

DelugeVPN

Sonarr

CouchPotato

Plexpy

 

and my "idle" CPU usage is currently at 2%.

 

Sure if plex starts transcoding it will peg it, but that's expected. Its not like adding dockers compounds a CPU usage exponentially or even sequentially.

but the Athlon "maxing out" with various dockers + 1 Plex stream is somewhat misleading...

 

 

Not really, if SAB is moving a file, it can cause stalls in the plex stream(s).

 

Added after the text below.

But now that I think about that, it may be the fact that cache disk can't handle the transcode write/reads plus moving the files.  I think now that I am on 6, I may put a another disk in that is not part of the array and try using it as a temporary plex scratch disk.

 

Also, when you have a lot of simultaneous things happening, it can cause stalling, ie a preclear, parity check, downloading/unpacking, cache-dirs etc.  Admittedly, this was all under 5.1.6.  I just upgraded to 6.1.9 a little over two weeks ago.

 

I've had two simultaneous streams running.  If nothing else major is going on, then it can do it.  That's why I said what I said vs maxing out.  Admittedly, I currently buffer 5 minutes on the initial transcode.  I need to experiment with lowering it.

 

If it is only the OP running a single stream, and other functions, then the 640 will work and he probably will not even see any issues.  At $45 it is a cheap solution, if he wants a little more buffer room, the 955 is a good inexpensive solution.  I have been running a 640 for several years now and it has served me well.  Last week I purchased a 1090T, passmark 5684, Single Thread Rating: 1223.  I wanted to give my self a little more headroom for simultaneous plex transcodes and running a windows VM.  I am looking to the future when I will probably visualize my PVR software.

Thanks guys. I'll go back, and look at the chips that have been mentioned.

 

It's just me, myself, and I (divorced DINK = SINK, lol); so just 1 stream atta time.

 

I'll either go as "low" as has been mentioned...or maybe, for a few bucks; just buy myself some headroom.

 

If my situation ever changes, and becomes more demanding; I'll probably just use the excuse...to build a new box

OK guys...so I'm talking about $100 or less; no biggie.

 

2 questions:

 

1) Safe buying like this, from China? Good feedback, so I guess so; but is that the only way, to get these older chips?

 

2) Would a x6 like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1055T-2-8-GHz-Six-Core-CPU-Processor-HDT55TWFK6DGR-AM3-95W-/262212209729?hash=item3d0d10cc41:g:uNIAAOxyNThTea0z

 

not only cruise for my needs now...with plenty of headroom; but also be pretty damn future-proof, for all but the most demanding of usage?

 

Or...do I go cheap now http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X4-945-3-GHz-HDX945FBK4DGI-CPU-Processor-667-MHz-Socket-AM3-/281773803557?hash=item419b070825:g:bd0AAOSw8lBTm7Si because the future, is likely going to require a new MoBo and chip anyway?

These older CPUs are getting harder to get and more expensive.  I looked at the 1055 last week for me, $80 was to much considering you would have to purchase a cooler to go with it.

 

This might be a better deal if you can get it.  The MB/1055T/Factory cooler and 4 Gig of ram.  It says its DDR3 and your manual shows it uses DDR3.

 

Buy It Now Price $114 shipped.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ASUS-AMD1055T-4GB-Combo-Asus-M4A78T-AMD-1055T-6-Core-2-8-GHz-Kingston-1333-4GB-/162034676829?hash=item25ba04f45d:g:8uEAAOSwJblXAZkS

 

 

As far as your question goes, it is up to you.  One thing, these older chips can generate a lot more heat when they load up vs the newer ones.  It seems like I find more and more uses for mine, making me want the extra CPU cycles.  When I started contributing to this thread, I was undecided whether to go with an upgrade or go with a new CPU/MB/Mem path.  I found a Phenom II x6 1090T at a good price so elected to go that route.  I am hoping I don't regret it due to potential heat.

 

Video.

 

That combo for the 1055T, the motherboard does not have onboard video.  Just keep that in mind.

I understand that's a board, chip, and ram...for almost the price of the chip alone; but I just want to drop a chip in, to my existing set-up (with the understanding, that depending...I may need to update my cooling too. It would be nice, to find a chip/cooling package).

I understand that's a board, chip, and ram...for almost the price of the chip alone; but I just want to drop a chip in, to my existing set-up (with the understanding, that depending...I may need to update my cooling too. It would be nice, to find a chip/cooling package).

 

You could get that combo and not use the motherboard. That nets you more CPU and RAM and a spare motherboard should you need it. Not a bad deal really.

I understand that's a board, chip, and ram...for almost the price of the chip alone; but I just want to drop a chip in, to my existing set-up (with the understanding, that depending...I may need to update my cooling too. It would be nice, to find a chip/cooling package).

 

You could get that combo and not use the motherboard. That nets you more CPU and RAM and a spare motherboard should you need it. Not a bad deal really.

 

True...but I've settled, on the 1045T; vs. 1055 or 1095, because it's a 95w chip vs. 125.

 

I have a good PSU...but if memory serves; I did have to be careful, about maxing out.

 

Which of these, would you choose?

 

First...what's the difference, between these 2 (83H0 v. 8331/I?)

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1045T-2-7GHz-Six-Core-Socket-AM3-Processor-HDT45TWFK6DGR-83H0-/262361312690?hash=item3d15f3edb2:g:shUAAOSwxcRW~C2r

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1045T-2-7GHz-Six-Core-Socket-AM3-Processor-HDT45TWFK6DGR-833I-/262363035687?hash=item3d160e3827:g:nQYAAOSwZ8ZW~ZmK

 

And...any stock to be placed; in the idea, of advertised "refurbished"...vs. just used?

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/100-OK-HDT45TWFK6DGR-AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1045T-2-7-GHz-six-core-Processor-CPU-/171564176340?hash=item27f20593d4:g:wRYAAOSwj0NUfDHE

 

Thanks

First...what's the difference, between these 2 (83H0 v. 8331/I?)

 

I think those are just the codes the seller is using to identify which CPU goes with which auction.  As far as I can see, they are the same and manufactured within 3 weeks of each other.

 

 

And...any stock to be placed; in the idea, of advertised "refurbished"...vs. just used?

 

Nope, they mean the same thing in this case.

First...what's the difference, between these 2 (83H0 v. 8331/I?)

 

I think those are just the codes the seller is using to identify which CPU goes with which auction. 

 

OMGosh; now that's embarrassing 

@CDLehner,

 

So did you ever get your replacement CPU.  Hows it working if you don mind me asking.

@CDLehner,

 

So did you ever get your replacement CPU.  Hows it working if you don mind me asking.

 

Actually...I was just checking back now; on the model I had settled on...to purchase one.

 

So I'll be back at this thread, soon... 

Anticipating delivery, around the end of this week; I assume changing chips (first time)...isn't as easy as shutting down the server, swapping them out...and turning it back on. 

 

Will I need to make a BIOS change? There seem to be an indication earlier...that I'd need a new heatsink.

 

I see this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-Heatsink-CPU-Cooling-Fan-for-1035T-1045T-1055T-1065T-1075T-New-/400827872070?hash=item5d5333f346:g:vMEAAOSw~bFWLcSv

 

...and I see this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1045T-2-7-GHz-Six-Core-HDT45TWFK6DGR-CPU-Processor-AM3-/401113968680?hash=item5d64417028:g:A1kAAOSwKfVXJP~Z (which if it turned out, I could get the heatsink and chip...sell the chip, for say $50 ((I paid $65))...and have it come out, to less than $43 net, for the 1st heatsink)

 

...is that going to be an absolute necessity? I'm almost a little worried...about it fitting, in my 2U case

 

Since the dimensions of the heatsink are clearly given in one of the photos in the first link it would be a simple thing to measure the headroom in your case before committing to a purchase.

Anticipating delivery, around the end of this week; I assume changing chips (first time)...isn't as easy as shutting down the server, swapping them out...and turning it back on. 

 

Will I need to make a BIOS change? There seem to be an indication earlier...that I'd need a new heatsink.

 

I see this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-Heatsink-CPU-Cooling-Fan-for-1035T-1045T-1055T-1065T-1075T-New-/400827872070?hash=item5d5333f346:g:vMEAAOSw~bFWLcSv

 

...and I see this http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X6-1045T-2-7-GHz-Six-Core-HDT45TWFK6DGR-CPU-Processor-AM3-/401113968680?hash=item5d64417028:g:A1kAAOSwKfVXJP~Z (which if it turned out, I could get the heatsink and chip...sell the chip, for say $50 ((I paid $65))...and have it come out, to less than $43 net, for the 1st heatsink)

 

...is that going to be an absolute necessity? I'm almost a little worried...about it fitting, in my 2U case

 

If the new CPU comes with a new heatsink, then swap both the chip and heatsink and fire it up. New OEM heatsinks come with pre-applied thermal paste.

 

If you need to re-use your existing heatsink you'll have to re-apply thermal paste...youtube will be your friend here.

The chip I bought, doesn't come with a heatsink...to my knowledge. And I guess what I was asking is...indications were made; that my current heatsink, wouldn't be up to snuff?

If your current heatsink is the stock one that came with your current processor then it's unlikely to be adequate. If it's an aftermarket one then it might be.