[Uirsa5822]

So I am looking to upgrade my processor, but I am curious about a few things first:

First, here is a link to my computer about my motherboard and the current processor I have now:
http://bizsupport1.a...ectID=c02863024

It says my motherboard max TDP is 95w and AM3 socket. I was wondering would I be able to put a 125w processor in there? Or will that not work? I read that some people were suggesting a 125w would be ok in a 95w max. So I want to clear that up. If it matters at all, I have a 620w PSU.

I am looking for a powerful processor, preferably six cores (95w or 125w depending). My processor now is bottlenecking my current graphics card (AMD Radeon HD 6770 1gb) so some games I play decrease in frames, and at times will run a bit slow. For example when playing The Sims 3, my processor performance is high, almost at 100%. I'd like to be able to play on high graphic settings with no decrease in frame rate.

So to sum up, what kind of processor does my motherboard require and can someone recommend one, preferably six cores?

Current Specs:
AMD Phenom II X2 521 Processor, 12 GB Ram, AMD Radeon HD 6770, 620w PSU.

All help is greatly appreciated!

[Advertisements]

Hi Xanster82

I suggest that you take notice of the information that is written in black and white regarding the maximum TDP the MB can handle, yes the MB may function with a CPU that requires 125W but it may require a BIOS upgrade (which if goes wrong ruins the MB) or worse still it may fry your MB and CPU.
Safest option http://www.amazon.co...ASIN=B006G76LZY

It is good that you have already upgraded your PSU

[phillpower2]

Hi Xanster82

I suggest that you take notice of the information that is written in black and white regarding the maximum TDP the MB can handle, yes the MB may function with a CPU that requires 125W but it may require a BIOS upgrade (which if goes wrong ruins the MB) or worse still it may fry your MB and CPU.
Safest option http://www.amazon.co...ASIN=B006G76LZY

It is good that you have already upgraded your PSU

[Uirsa5822]

Thank you for your reply. So the best bet would be just get a CPU that is 95w. Rather not mess up my motherboard or something, lol.

Also thank you for the link. I couldn't tell, but assume it is a 95w CPU?

[phillpower2]

Yes stick within the TDP range of the MB.

A couple more links so that you can confirm the specs of the suggested CPU, from AMD http://shop.amd.com/...hTerms=#Details unfortunately the CPU is out of stock at Newegg but I have included the link so that you can confirm the spec + read the feedback from people who have purchased the CPU themselves http://www.newegg.co...N82E16819106012

You are welcome BTW

[Uirsa5822]

Again, thank you for all your help. Very much appreciated!

I notice it comes with a heat sink and a fan as well. I am sure it would be just fine using the heat sink/fan that came with it, but do you recommend I buy a heat sink/fan separately? One that will cool the processor better than the one that came with it?

[phillpower2]

Please ensure that you use the heatsink and fan supplied with the CPU or you will void your warranty, see below;

This Limited Warranty shall be null and void if the AMD microprocessor which is the subject of this Limited Warranty is used with any heatsink/fan other than the one provided herewith.

Full article @ http://support.amd.c...earLimited.aspx

[Uirsa5822]

Ah, alright then. Well again, thank you for all your help.

[phillpower2]

No worries and let us know how it goes or if you have any questions