CPU upgrade, HP Pavilion

Rexalrex

Honorable
Jan 5, 2014
4
0
10,510
Hey,

I am thinking to upgrade CPU for my rig :

AMD Phenom X4 9500
Cores 4
Threads 4
Name AMD Phenom X4 9500
Code Name Agena
Package Socket AM2+ (940)
Technology 65nm
Specification AMD Phenom 9500 Quad-Core Processor

Motherboard
Manufacturer ASUSTek Computer INC.
Model NARRA3 (Socket AM2 )
Chipset Vendor NVIDIA
Chipset Model MCP61
Chipset Revision A3

Memory
Type DDR2
Size 8192 MBytes
Channels # Dual
DRAM Frequency 401,8 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 5 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 5 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 5 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 18 clocks
Bank Cycle Time (tRC) 23 clocks
Command Rate (CR) 2T

Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Model GeForce GTX 460
GPU GF104


and was wondering a few things:
1) Is it worth to upgrade the CPU at all for the current rig?
2) If it is worth, what is the best choice (money vs performance) of CPU I can use with the current rig?
3) Should I update the MB aswell?

Thx in advance!
 
You want a new motherboard that supports current CPUs. I would get an Asus M5A97 R2 LE and an FX 4300. It will total about $150-$160, and will give you better performance. In the future you will also want to upgrade your graphics card.
 

Rexalrex

Honorable
Jan 5, 2014
4
0
10,510
Thx a lot Ewok for the quick answer!

1) Do I have to update BIOS somehow, so that the new hardware is properly recognized?
2) Do you know if Asus M5A97 R2 LE is fully compatible with my current MB, that is it will fit in the case & comptabile with all other hardware components(memory, video card etc.) ?
3) I know its application dependent, but roughly, how much performance improvement are we talking about (assuming that I'll go for Asus M5A97 R2 LE & FX 4300)?