Eight-core CPU to a Quad-core

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Demecast

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Hey,

First off, I'm not amazingly advanced in computer hardware (hence the post here) so I'd prefer if replies aren't filled with technological term! :)

I've currently got the AMD FX-8120.

What I wish to know is, could I go from my current eight-core CPU, to a quad-core (or even dual-core) CPU?

If I could, would the installation be normal or would I have to do anything extra? Modify the current slot or anything.

If I have to stay with eight-core, what would be a good step up to another good for gaming eight-core processor?

Thanks.
 
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The slots the cpu goes in are all built specifically for a certain family/architecture/model (whatever you want to call it) group of CPU. For example, LGA 1155 (on the Intel side) words for just about all of the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge cpu. AMD has their own socket labels which I'm less familiar with but the concept is the same. You do NOT want to "modify" anything. I believe you could substitute AMD's 8-core to some of their other FX cpu models, but I would check around for the specifications to make sure what is allowed in there. The number of cores isnt really what's as important here.
Also, you can't use Intel on an AMD board/AMD on an Intel board

*There isnt really much of an upgrade with that CPU, the only ones that are...
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mc962

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The slots the cpu goes in are all built specifically for a certain family/architecture/model (whatever you want to call it) group of CPU. For example, LGA 1155 (on the Intel side) words for just about all of the Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge cpu. AMD has their own socket labels which I'm less familiar with but the concept is the same. You do NOT want to "modify" anything. I believe you could substitute AMD's 8-core to some of their other FX cpu models, but I would check around for the specifications to make sure what is allowed in there. The number of cores isnt really what's as important here.
Also, you can't use Intel on an AMD board/AMD on an Intel board

*There isnt really much of an upgrade with that CPU, the only ones that are really higher are pretty much just overclocked versions of what you have I believe. You could go better with Intel, but you would then have to buy another motherboard
 
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Aelinthali

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First off, SchizTech is right that as long as your new processor is designed for the type of socket your motherboard has, you are good to go.

Second, mc962 is also correct in that if you are wanting to replace an AMD processor with an Intel, you will have to purchase a new motherboard as well.

But most importantly, WHY are you removing your eight core processor and putting in a 4 core? It just doesn't make sense. Is your eight core damaged in some way? If so, have you determined and eliminated the source of the damage? Is there some reason why you don't want to replace it with another 8 core? Inquiring minds want to know!
 
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Demecast

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I'm not saying I want to downgrade. It just seemed that If I were to go quad-core, there would be much greater variety and range as I can't find many 8-cores at all. I was just considering the option.

Is the difference between the 8120 and the 8320 or 8350 large?

Thanks for the replies.
 
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boosted1g

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The 8120 to an 8320 or 8350 would be noticable because the platform change from zembezi to veshira is a decent set up.

If you are looking for an upgrade then the 8320 is often on sale for $135-140
Course if you have the budget then the 8350 is even better.
Do make sure your motherboard supports the newer cpu

Here is some tests between the 8120 and 8320.
http://cpuboss.com/cpus/AMD-FX-8320-vs-AMD-FX-8120
http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/303/AMD_FX-Series_FX-8120_vs_AMD_FX-Series_FX-8320.html
 
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Demecast

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My mobo is ASUS M5A97. How do I know if they're compatible?
 
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boosted1g

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You can go to the asus website (should be able to even google your model number and cpu list and find it).

I would give you a link but there is multiple versions of the m5a97 (le, evo, r2.0, etc) so i do not know which one to search. If it is r2.0 then I am 90% sure it supports it.
 
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Demecast

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I'm not sure which model I have. I'm using CPU-Z but I have no idea what I have, le, evo, r2.0 or what! Any idea how to find out?



A BIOS update seems rather too complex for me. How would I know if this was completely necessary?
 
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mc962

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You would read the release notes if there are any, and see if it addresses something that might be related to the part in question (so for example, a BIOS update that says it addresses blue screen problems with a certain video card would be a good idea for someone that is getting a lot of blue screens since they put in their graphics card).

The update process isnt that hard, you just don't want to cut the power in the middle of it or you could break the board. It's basically, go to your manufacturer's website, download the latest BIOS to a usb, boot into bios (usually hit the F2 or Del key I think) and use the EZ Flash 2 utility included in your board's BIOS, the board takes care of the rest. But, for the reason mentioned above, you don't really want to update unless you think it's necessary or if there are known hardware issues resolved through an update (ex: a new type of cpu released after the board and its BIOS was manufactured)



*as for what type of your model, the full model name would be printed somewhere on the board i think, probably in bold white letters
 
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Demecast

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Alright, thank you for your informative reply.
 
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