Windows 7: AM2+ Question

merkat106 · 11 May 2010

Thinking about upgrading the processor in my 1.5 yr/old build.

Current specs:
AMD X2 5600+ (2.9 GHz dual core - AM2 socket)
Asus M3N78-VM (mATX mobo with AM2+ socket)
8GB PC2-6400 Kingston RAM (800MHz)
NVidia GeForce 9400GT 512MB
LG Blu-Ray SuperMulti

I would like to get a faster processor, but the processors available have AM2+ or AM3 sockets. I have no problem getting one, but I do not want to purchase new RAM. I spent a lot on the RAM, both in money and time (replaced bad RAM sticks

).

Will AM2+ or AM3 work with my RAM? Or am I stuck with my current processor? Or is it worth upgrading?

fastslvblkcar · 11 May 2010

most cpu's will run ddr2 800. i have the same board running the 965be cpu and it halls but!

Mellon Head · 11 May 2010

An AM3 chip will work in an AM2+ socket just fine, but it won't support DDR3 in an AM2+ socket anyway, so there's no need to buy new RAM.

You could go to 1066 RAM (PC2-8500) if your board supports it, but you'll find that it doesn't make a real big difference if your current RAM has good timings.

My Phenom II 920 absolutely screams compared to my 965 at work, and my work machine is an AM3 board with DDR3 in it. So far, I'm not impressed with the 965 system. That's actually a nice board you have. A Phenom 955 would work just nicely in it, as long as it can take a 125 Watt CPU. Otherwise, one of the new 95 Watt ones should work just great.

merkat106 · 17 May 2010

Okay...

What about one of those AMD Phenom™ II X6 Six-Core Processors?

Quad might be the most sensible for me, but a six-core would keep me from building a new pc for several years since it would stay current for some time.

A six-core with ddr2-800 ram in a am2+ socket? Is it possible?

stormy13 · 17 May 2010

According to the CPU support list for your motherboard,

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

both the 1035T and the 1055T are supported, as well as from the looks of it anything and everything up to the x4 965 (motherboard revision allowing).

merkat106 · 17 May 2010

Quote: Originally Posted by stormy13

According to the CPU support list for your motherboard,

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

both the 1035T and the 1055T are supported, as well as from the looks of it anything and everything up to the x4 965 (motherboard revision allowing).

Cool!!

Krispy1 · 17 May 2010

thanks for those who provided info i have a am2+ and was thinking of getting the new 6core from amd i was wondering about compatibility with the ram this has answered some of those questions

Windows 7: AM2+ Question

AM2+ Question problems?