AMD upgrade

[dave317 0]

I want to run Arma2 a bit smoother and think i could do with a processor upgrade. I currently have an AMD athlon 64 x2 6000+ processor. What should i upgrade to without having to change my motherboad?

[Defunkt 431]

Depends. You need to check what BIOS updates are available for your MB and see what CPU's the latest update supports.

[vohk 10]

More importantly, you need to check what socket your motherboard has. Should be pretty easily visible on a specs list if you can find the model number. If it's an AM2, you're pretty much SOL. You could plug an AM2+ processor in, but it's performance will be reduced. If it's an AM2+ socket you should be able use an AM3 processor, assuming the BIOS will play along, which would be a decent upgrade.

[dave317 0]

Just checked the motherboard specs (it's a MCP6P M2+ with an AM2+ socket) and it says it supports these cpu's.

# AMD Phenomâ„¢ II X4 Processor

# AMD Phenomâ„¢ II X3 Processor

# AMD Phenomâ„¢ X4 Processor

# AMD Phenomâ„¢ X3 Processor

# AMD Athlonâ„¢ X2 Dual-Core Processor

# AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor

# AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 FX Processor

# AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 Processor

# AMD Sempronâ„¢ Processor

# Maximum CPU TDP (Thermal Design Power) : 95Watt

Can i just just buy the best one on the list and plug it in? Do i need to do a bios update as i haven't got a clue how.

[flattermann 12]

Then a Phenom II X4 (965 or 970) + a new cooler is the obvious choice. You still MAY have to do a Bios-upgrade, but that should be a piece of cake. I'd suggest the 965 Black Edition for easy overclocking.

[dave317 0]

Thanks. I already have an arctic cooler freezer pro which is really effective. Do you think doing this will make much of a difference?

[[frl]myke 14]

Upgrading CPU could allow higher settings for Viewdistance, ObjectDetail and Terraindetail aswell as generally smoother gameplay as AI has more CPU power to make use from.

Phenom II X4 965BE is a no-go on this Motherboard due to its 95W TDP limit. Check again the CPU compatibility list and choose the highest possible Phenom II X4 it supports.

Personally i would recommend to switch to a AM3 board but this would also mean that Ram needs to be replaced. Probably a matter of budget available.

[msy 22]

enter the official web of your motherboard and check if there is a CPU compatible list for your motherboard.

[dave317 0]

Hmmm. According to the motherboad specs i can use a phenom 2 x4 955 which is 95 watts. I can only find them at 125 watts though. Do they make different versions? It also seems my current 6000+ cpu is rated at 125 watts. Bit weird as i bought it as a bundle with the motherboard and ram.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/cpu_support.php?S_ID=370

Edited January 27, 2011 by dave317

[PuFu 4600]

please post in of the two sticky threads on the same subject:

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=72181

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?t=87256

[[frl]myke 14]

Hmmm. According to the motherboad specs i can use a phenom 2 x4 955 which is 95 watts. I can only find them at 125 watts though. Do they make different versions? It also seems my current 6000+ cpu is rated at 125 watts. Bit weird as i bought it as a bundle with the motherboard and ram.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/cpu_support.php?S_ID=370

Seems you had luck with your 6000 as it never hit the TDP limit so far. You could be lucky with a Phenom II aswell but there it is more likely that it will exceed 95W TDP and result in a unstable system.

Also make sure that you look for the correct socket as they also exist for AM3 socket but it seems that your motherboard doesn't support AM3 CPU's.

[rellikki 7]

As already said by PuFu, we've got a dedicated hardware discussion thread for questions like this. Please ask there instead of starting a new thread.