Help on upgrading cpu

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foggy111

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Hi, I im thinking about upgrading my pc so it can play more demanding games. Firstly I have a Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P motherboard. What things do I need to be weary of when buying a new processor, I already know to make sure the socket type is the same, I believe mine is an AM3+ so I was looking into this processor http://www.ebuyer.com/503899-amd-fx-6350-3-9ghz-socket-am3-8mb-l3-cache-retail-boxed-processor-fd6350frhkbox

Is it worth it or is it better for me to upgrade my motherboard?

Thanks in advance

[Edit] Additionally I have a spare slot for ram, I already have an 8GB DDR3, would it improve my pc for gaming by adding an extra one of these?
 
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Yes, if you're not planning to spend around 200 for mb and cpu i would just stick with the FX-6300 for some time until that one gets old. A 100-120 combo won't give you anything better than that.
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foggy111

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The cpu I have now is AMD Athlon 270, I just want a way to be able to run games of a higher quality as I'm being told my pc doesn't have the minimum requirements for some of the newer games.
 
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csf60

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Yeah, that one is fairly outdated. If I were you I would get a new motherboard+CPU, but if you can't afford the motherboard just get one of the compatible processors like FX-8300 or FX-4170. Remember to update your BIOS before swapping processors.
 
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foggy111

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What sort of price am i looking at to upgrade both? Also how would i update my bios? Also if i am to get a new mb as long as it has the same connection type as my graphics card will they be compatable?

Sorry if these are stupid questions, i know all the parts to a computer just not how to connect thdm or what that do haha
 
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csf60

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It seems there are multiple revisions of your motherboard, and if you have revision 5.x you are able to get an FX-6300. You can see your revision printed on the motherboard itself, like in the top left corner of this picture: http://www.gigabyte.com/fileupload/product/2/4125/5566_big.jpg

You only need to update your BIOS if you're keeping your existing motherboard, because it may not recognize the new processor if it is not updated. You can download it from here:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3833#bios
If you don't know how to update a BIOS take a look at this link and search a bit online:
http://www.gigabyte.com/webpage/20/HowToReflashBIOS.html

If you decide to buy a new motherboard you will need to spend around £30 minimum for the new one.

Sorry for the delayed answers by the way.
 
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foggy111

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I've just checked my motherboard, it is 5.1. however if improving my motherboard and processor would greatly increase the overall quality and it could be done for up to £120 then I'm happy to do so, will my graphics card work aslong as the new motherboard has the same slot?

if so then what sort of motherboard and processor combo should I be looking at?
 
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csf60

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Then you can fit a FX-6300 in that motherboard, you can find it for under £80.
If you prefer to get a new motherboard, tell me your current graphics card please and i'll post suggestions.
 
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foggy111

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My graphics card is Nvidea geforce gt 640 however, I also have a wireless network pci card so the new motherboard would need a pci port for this too.

would there be a very visible difference between just getting the fx-6300 and getting a new motherboard AND processor? as if there would only be a minor difference in performance when spending around £100 (for mb and cpu) then I will just get the processor.
 
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csf60

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Yes, if you're not planning to spend around 200 for mb and cpu i would just stick with the FX-6300 for some time until that one gets old. A 100-120 combo won't give you anything better than that.
 
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foggy111

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Looks like its sorted then, thanks for all your help!
 
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foggy111

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okay so its ordered, just one last question, do I install the Bios with my old processor in then turn my pc off, change processors and then turn it back on? or change processors then install the bios?

[Edit] Forget that last bit, I've done some researching, i know i need to go into the bios bit when my computer first boots up but still, do I update bios before or after changing processor?
 
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csf60

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You have to update it before changing processors. The motherboard needs that bios to detect the new processor, so if you change processors without updating, it won't recognize it.
By the way I just realized the link I gave you to download the new BIOS is for the revision 2. You have a revision 5.1 so you need the BIOS from this link http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4125#bios
You need to download at least the F3 version to use the FX-6300.
 
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foggy111

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Woah I'm glad you noticed that because I have no idea! Am I right in thinking that as the F4a is still a beta it is safer for me to go with the f3?

so once I've gone into the bios thing and updated it I turn the pc off and change them over? then if I've done it right will it just start as usual?
 
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csf60

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I would personally use the F3, it should be enough and a more stable version. Once you update it, test the new bios with the old processor before removing it (a fast startup to windows should be enough). Then shut it down again and swap it for the new FX-6300. You can even update your BIOS before the processor arrives.
 
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foggy111

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Oh i was misunderstanding the bios, i thought that once they were set up with one processor they had to be changed to put another in, this makes it a lot easier for me.
 
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