CPU Upgrade

ish4d0w · 07 Jan 2013

Hi,

This PC has an ASUSTeK M2V (Socket AM2) motherboard.
It's an AMD system and it has a single core CPU which is: AMD Athlon 64 3500+

More details about the CPU currently installed:
Name: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (Single core)
Code Name: Orleans
Socket: Socket AM2 (940)
Technology: 90nm

I want to install a multicore CPU instead of the one above. What processors do this MB support?

The budget is tight for this PC so it's not possible to buy a new MB. I might buy a used processor instead, because they aren't selling AM2 CPUs in-store anymore or only at a very expensive price.

UPDATE:

I found this processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ AM2

More details:

Model: Athlon64 X2 4200+ (2 cores)
Clockrate: 2200 MHz
Databus width: 64-bit
Socket: Socket AM2
L1 Cache: 256KB (2x128 KB)
L2 Cache: 1MB (2x512 KB)
Integrated memory controller: 128 bit
Technology: 90 nm
Type: Copper-based
Code name: F2 - Brisbane
Maximum power intake: 89 Watt
Maximum operating temperature: 71 Celsius

Would this work with this computer?

The price I found for this processor is $20. Do you think it's a good price for it?

**Pauly** · 07 Jan 2013

Google

ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS M2V

bobkn · 07 Jan 2013

The board only officially supports Socket AM2 CPUs. See the CPU support list on the Asus site. Dual core appears to be as good as it gets on the list.

That's not so good. My favorite online seller, www.newegg.com, lists no AM2 CPUs. Some of the newer AM2 boards can use AM3 CPUs (but not AM3+), but the M2V appears to not be one of those. (Its VIA chipset is probably the limiting factor.)

At Amazon, there are generally two choices: very expensive new CPUs (old stock, I suppose), and used ones. I'm not sure what the most sensible upgrade might be. An Athlon X2 6400+ has a real clock of 3.2GHz; it may be the fastest one on the list, but I'm not sure, due to the naming conventions.

I suggest that putting upgrade money into an old board like this would be a waste.

Upgrading is a slipper slope, but consider: you can buy a quad core FX-4100, a serviceable AM3+ motherboard (with an AMD chipset), and 8GB of DDR3 1333 RAM for less than $200US. (The price goes up $100 or so if you need to buy a new copy of Windows.) I believe that would greatly outperform a dual core 6400+ system.

bobafetthotmail · 07 Jan 2013

look at the cpu support list Pauly provided, the cores with a X2 in the name are dual cores.

This site helps you understand how powerful the CPU you may find is.

This is your current processor in their charts.

Something that runs fine Win7 and most basic programs (office, music players, light/old games, some multitasking) is around 1000 points, and probably the best you can get without wasting hundreds of $$ in a massively overpriced CPU. Look for used stuff on Ebay (processors don't die of old age, at least not so soon for that to matter), and don't pay more than 60$ if you can.

My rig is an example (although for Intel), my CPU is around 750 points and it is fine for the above-mentioned uses.

ish4d0w · 23 Jan 2013

I posted some new details. I didn't want to open a new thread because it's related to the same case. Please see post #1 for new details.

**Pauly** · 23 Jan 2013

That chip will work i personally have an old machine with a 4400+ cpu and its not all that powerful, if you are buying 2nd hand i would try to go for 5600/5800/6000 the 6400 will be expensive as its the top chip in that range but if you can find a high 5xxx or 6000 chip on ebay or somewhere it would be 50% more powerful than the one you are looking at for maybe a small price increase but at the end of the day its your personal choice

ish4d0w · 23 Jan 2013

That's great to hear. I'll check if there are any good deals for 5xxx/6000.

Thank you.

Erick Aguilar · 23 Jan 2013

Do you -need- to have a multicore CPU? Or you want to have a multicore cpu?
What do you require a multi CPU for?

I will say the same thing I said in another thread.

''I would wait until I have money for a more cost effective upgrade. AM2 is getting phased out in the near future so your upgrading spectrum will be destroyed, and AM3+ is showing a very promising roadmap. So.. waiting to upgade would be worth it instead of buying things out of excitement.''

What I am trying to say is that if you really do not -need- it, you should probably invest smart, and avoid making unecessary and frustrating expenses. I just would never buy a second hand CPU, there is no guarantee it will work for a day or a year. Just too much of a gamble and risk of losing a system.