techPowerUp! Forums

Go Back   techPowerUp! Forums > Hardware > System Builder's Advice

Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old Feb 10, 2013, 11:41 PM   #1
Hal24
5 Posts
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 8 (0.01/day)
Thanks: 1
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

CPU upgrade

Hello Gentlemen,

I need some advise from people who have a bit more knowledge than I have regarding the wisdom of upgrading an ancient MOBO (Gigabyte GA-M61VME-S2 REV.2.0) running an equally ancient CPU (AMD Athlon 64 X2
5400+,socket AM2, 2.8 gHz).
I saw recently on this site that AMD has released a low cost CPU (Athlon II X2 280 Dual-Core Processor, socket AM3, 3.6 gHz).
Would this be a worthwhile upgrade? It appears that the 280 is backward compatible with the AM2 socket. Are there any other traps I could fall into?. BIOS issues for example?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Hal
Hal24 is offline  
Reply With Quote
Old Feb 11, 2013, 12:10 AM   #2
ilikemacandpc
5 Posts
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 12 (0.07/day)
Thanks: 0
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

How much money do you have for an upgrade?

Even if you get the Athlon II X2, it would be a notable upgrade, but if you save a bit more, you could get an Athlon ii x4, which would be much faster.

Your board can even support the six core Phenom IIs, and if you have a Microcenter nearby (if you live in the US), you can score a six core for pretty cheap.

Definitely update your board's bios; you should be OK.

CPU Support List: http://www.gigabyte.us/support-downl....aspx?pid=2439

Athlon II X4: http://www.amazon.com/AMD-Athlon-640...OW?ref=prid-20

Phenom II X6: http://www.microcenter.com/product/3...oxed_Processor

What are your other specs (RAM, GPU, HDD mainly)?
Your system is pretty old anyways, so considering a fully new build if you have the cash might be better depending on your other parts.

Last edited by ilikemacandpc; Feb 11, 2013 at 12:19 AM.
ilikemacandpc is offline  
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
GPU upgrade VS Cpu Upgrade 1nf3rn0x System Builder's Advice 6 Jun 28, 2011 02:09 AM
[advice]Choose Minor/Major Upgrade or New Upgrade? CPU or GPU first? zipper17 System Builder's Advice 12 May 15, 2011 02:27 AM
Choices for upgrade; CPU/CPU+/PSU? Error 404 General Hardware 16 Jul 19, 2009 10:46 AM
cpu upgrade deathmore System Builder's Advice 6 May 22, 2009 09:38 PM
Upgrade CPU? TheMailMan78 General Hardware 12 Nov 18, 2008 08:48 AM


All times are GMT. The time now is 07:25 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.6
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
no new posts