[Uirsa5822]

I have some extra cash and I am looking to upgrade my processor. I don't know what is best for me, or even a really good processor. I am upgrading my graphics card come this Christmas (Sapphire Radeon HD6770 1GB), and purchasing a new PSU (650w). I'm sure with my current processor it'll be holding back my graphics card some. So I am looking for a good AMD processor, decently priced, that is fast and will run games smoothly. Aside from games, I run lots of applications on my system at a time, (sometimes editing videos, running photoshop, game in the background, etc.)

All help with this is greatly appreciated! Thank you.


Current Specs:
Windows 7 (64bit) AMD Phenom II X2 521 Processor, 12 GB Ram, ATI Radeon HD 4200

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Hi Xanster82
Before we can suggest a processor we will need to know the brand and model of your MB or are you upgrading this also?
MB manufacturers have a QVL (qualified vendors list) which tells you what CPU and Ram have been tested and are compatible with the MB concerned, they can`t test everything however so some items may not be there.

[phillpower2]

Hi Xanster82
Before we can suggest a processor we will need to know the brand and model of your MB or are you upgrading this also?
MB manufacturers have a QVL (qualified vendors list) which tells you what CPU and Ram have been tested and are compatible with the MB concerned, they can`t test everything however so some items may not be there.

[Uirsa5822]

Manufacturer: Foxconn
Model: 2AB1

I tried searching for this motherboard online but couldn't find much on it.

This isn't a custom built PC. Store bought PC, HP Pavilion p6823w Desktop PC.


This link might help some:
http://bizsupport1.a...ectID=c02863024

Edited by Xanster82, 15 November 2011 - 04:12 PM.

[phillpower2]

http://h10025.www1.h...ct=4300938#N103 Is this your MB?
I see by your edit that it is.

EDIT: CPU suggestion http://www.newegg.co...#scrollFullInfo

Edited by phillpower2, 15 November 2011 - 04:22 PM.

[Uirsa5822]

Thanks for the CPU suggestion. Could you maybe also suggest another one that comes with a heat sink included? I've also never installed a CPU this will be my first time.

Edited by Xanster82, 15 November 2011 - 04:36 PM.

[phillpower2]

Everything looks the same except for the colour, run Speccy and post the results with your next reply please;
http://www.piriform.com/speccy

NB: Just so you are aware the CPU that I provided the link to is an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) type meaning that you would need to purchase a suitable heatsink and cooling fan.
You will have to fit your own HS and fan whether it they are supplied or not, I will find the correct type and add them here via an edit.
EDIT: Two excellent tutorials for you courtesy of Troy and Artellos respectively;
http://www.geekstogo...r-own-computer/ and Digerati http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/

HS and fan http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103065

Edited by phillpower2, 15 November 2011 - 04:50 PM.

[Uirsa5822]

Yes. I just edited my other post to which I asked if you could suggest another CPU that has a heat sink & fan included already. It would be easiest on me. Since this is my first time installing a CPU.

Speccy:

Operating System
MS Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1
CPU
AMD Phenom II X2 521 25 °C
Callisto 45nm Technology
RAM
12.0 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
FOXCONN 2AB1 (CPU 1) 23 °C
Graphics
HP 2011 (1600x900@60Hz)
ATI Radeon HD 4200
Hard Drives
977GB Hitachi Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 SATA Disk Device (SATA) 31 °C
Optical Drives
DTSOFT Virtual CdRom Device
hp DVD RW AD-7251H5 SATA CdRom Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

Edited by Xanster82, 15 November 2011 - 04:40 PM.

[phillpower2]

This http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819103871 appears to be the next best option for your MB, with a HS and fan supplied at least, let us know what you think.

[Uirsa5822]

That's good. Thank you. I was wondering though is there any AM3 95w CPUs on newegg that are six core? I know the one you linked originally was six core, but one that also came with a heat sink and cooler? lol I know it's a pain, but never applied thermal paste or anything of that sort and with my luck, will end up messing everything up lol.


EDIT:

If I purchased the X6 CPU (OEM) would it be okay to use the same heatsink and cooler I currently have on my X2 Processor? I won't be overclocking the X6. I would have to wipe off the current thermal paste and apply new paste. Would this be okay? If so where could I purchase the thermal paste?

Edited by Xanster82, 15 November 2011 - 09:07 PM.

[phillpower2]

Whichever way you go you will need to apply fresh TIM, read the tutorial written by Digerati as suggested http://www.geekstogo...rface-material/ this will familiarise you with the task and we will guide you through the rest.

If I purchased the X6 CPU (OEM) would it be okay to use the same heatsink and cooler I currently have on my X2 Processor?

Without knowing the details of the heatsink I can`t say but one thing I can say is do not try and save a few $s on a HS and fan only to fry your new CPU, there is also the CPUs warranty to be considered.

I would have to wipe off the current thermal paste and apply new paste.

Correct, both with old paste and thermal pads on new HSs as they are not of high quality like products such as Arctic Silver 5, see .jpeg of kit below (example only) and a link to where the paste only can be obtained; http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835100007

[Uirsa5822]

Thank you for posting that guide. It will help me out a lot.

Okay so then I guess I will just purchase a heatsink/cooler. What is the best heatsink/cooler that will match my motherboard for that 6 core processor?

[phillpower2]

The one I suggested previously http://www.newegg.co...N82E16835103065 this is compatible with many CPUs both Intel and AMD including the following AMD: Socket AM3 / AM2 / AM2+
Only you can tell if your present HS and fan will be compatible with the new CPU but I suggest doing a comparison to the HS and fan at Newegg.

[Uirsa5822]

Thank you for that link. I didn't see you edited one of your earlier posts. So I will order the six core processor, the heatsink and fan, and Arctic Silver 5 paste. I will let you know how it goes.

Thank you for all your help!

[phillpower2]

You are welcome