Upgrading my CPU

[TheSunSmellsLoud]

I've never upgraded my CPU before, and I looked at the manual for my motherboard, and it said the socket type was an AM2+. Now I don't have the money to upgrade my motherboard, and my processor is the only thing that is keeping my computer in the last generation, so I came upon this: http://www.pcupgrade.co.uk/productde...ategoryid=484/

I really wanted to know, as a computer upgrade newbie, whether this would fit and run well on my motherboard (An ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe Series) or whether I should be looking at a lower range model.

Also, if you could give me any tips and advice on problems that might occur, that would be great =)

[stroyal]

Welcome to TechIMO!

Well that DDR2 is last generation also. and you didn't mention your video card.

We will need as complete specs, as you can provide. Including full power supply specs.

Your first link, only goes to their home page, so I don't know what CPU, you are looking at.

You should also list what programs/ games you intend to use.

Max budget also.

What model CPU, do you have now.

[stroyal]

Here is the list of CPU supported, by that board.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Motherboards- ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP

[Aaron_8015]

Without knowing what the purpose of this upgrade is for....

AMD CPU Phenom II 955 Black Edition Quad Core Processor - HDZ955FBGMBOX - Scan.co.uk

[TheSunSmellsLoud]

Okay my upgrade is to increase the performance of games, as my current processor is only an AMD Athlon Dual Core (Can't remember exact Frequency).

My current specs are:
Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
4 GB of DDR2 RAM
2TB Seagate Seagate Caviar Green HDD
800 or 1000W power supply (Can't remember, think it's 1000 though)

Can't really think of any other essential specs I haven't listed =S

[ShyguyXPC]

whats the frequency of the CPU when you boot up the PC? Otherwise it should show it in windows.


OR, just download something like CPUz CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting (Download links are right below the paypal ad on the right, first set of links for english is all you need.)

Whats the Brand and Model of the PSU? Also look at the Label or sticker on the unit and find what it lists for Amp rating for +12V or if it has multiple +12V Rails list those, it may even show a combined +12V Amp or Wattage rating.

[JLK03F150]

Here's the CPU Support List for your motherboard. The 955 quad-core Aaron posted is on the list, faster and is much less expensive than the 940 from your first post. Just make sure you update the BIOS before installing the new CPU.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc. - Motherboards- ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe/WiFi-AP

[stroyal]

That looks like the list, I posted.

[JLK03F150]

Why yes it is! I totally missed that & it's not even cocktail time yet.

[TheSunSmellsLoud]

Thanks for the advice JLK =) I might as well update the BIOS now, so I don't forget! One question, is the one Aaron linked good enough to run newly released games at a decent quality, and approximately how long before it becomes as outdated as my current one?

Shyguy, thanks for the link to the CPUID software, it looks useful =) My current CPU runs at about 3GHz per core (2 Cores, full name is AMD Athlon 64 X2 5800+ (Brisbane)) I'll check the PSU next time I switch it off, does it matter that much in upgrading my CPU? Also, with my GPU, will I need to upgrade that too in order to get the most out of the upgrade? It's a 896MB GPU.

[Aaron_8015]

The GPU will be the limit before the CPU... Though The GTX260 is still an epic GPU (I should know.. had three at one one point).

What resolution do you play games at?

[stroyal]

Why yes it is! I totally missed that & it's not even cocktail time yet.

Nothing I haven't done myself

[TheSunSmellsLoud]

Okay I've flashed my BIOS to the latest version (2202) and had another look at the processors and things. It says that my motherboard can support the new AMD Phenom II hex core processors, but they have AM3 sockets, and my motherboard only has AM2/AM2+ sockets! I'd be willing to push my budget up to buy one of the brand new ones, provided it will definitely fit. Does the AM2+ mean it has forward compatibility with new processors?

[stroyal]

I was just reading this last night.
AnandTech - The Bulldozer Review: AMD FX-8150 Tested

Only AM3+ boards are officially supported, for the new Bulldozer.
It is also possible that board manufacturers will certify AM3 boards, but that is it.

[TheSunSmellsLoud]

I did a bit of research, and all AM3 Processors are compatible with AM2 and AM2+ Sockets, so I ordered myself one of the hex cores and it should be arriving some time in the next week =) Thanks for the advice though guys.

[stroyal]

Except the hex core processors/Bulldosers are AM3+, if that is what you are talking about.

Hope you can cancel it, as no Bulldozer will work on any AM2+ board.

Can you post a link to that processor, so we know for sure.

[Aaron_8015]

I imagine stroyal that the OP has ordered an 1055T, 1090T, 1100T etc.. Phenom II x6 (which to be fair performs the sames as a Phenom II quad in games at the same clock speeds)...

which is supported by the motherboard...

Faildozer is not....

[JLK03F150]

The Phenom IIX6 1xxxT series are AM3 and are on the support list. Hopefully it's one of those, specifically the 3.2 or 3.3GHz models.

[stroyal]

Now who's confused, hex = 6, not 8

Disregard, my babbling, and I'll get another cup of coffee.

[Aaron_8015]

they do have quad + hex BD too....