Upgrade from AMD Athlon X2 4200+ Socket AM2

[zabathan]

I'm thinking about upgrading my AMD Athlon X2 4200+ to something better. Currently I'm looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103249 as a decent upgrade, but I'm wondering if I should wait for the AM3 processors to come out, or if it would be better in the long run to get a new mobo and switch over to Intel. Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[aevm]

The Phenom 9850 is about as fast as a Q6600 and about the same price.

If your current motherboard supports it go for it. It's cheaper and less work than buying the Q6600 and a new motherboard.

What are you doing with the PC? Is it for games? Do you play FSX?

 

[hairycat101]

This definately depends on the MoBo that you have. While some of the AM2 boards will work with an AM2+ CPU, there is a large amount that won't and never will. Also, even the AM2 boards that will, won't take full advantage of AM2+ CPU's. I like that CPU... but only in a board made for it. There are some inexpensive AM2+ boards out there that offer a lot of value.

 

[hairycat101]

Darn it, yoda... we meet again to discus this very CPU...

 

[aevm]

LOL. It is a good CPU, after all, no wonder people talk about it.

Here's a trophy for your cat - best avatar I've seen today

[:turpit:2]

 

[zabathan]

Thanks for the input. If it makes a difference, my mobo is a Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4.

 

[Onus]

Make sure that mobo can support a 125W CPU.

 

[jimmysmitty]

LOL. It is a good CPU, after all, no wonder people talk about it.

Here's a trophy for your cat - best avatar I've seen today

[:turpit:2]

You should see my TF2 avitar. Freakazoid. Haven't made one for THG yet though. Too lazy.

Thanks for the input. If it makes a difference, my mobo is a Gigabyte GA-M57SLI-S4.

Your mobo will support a 9850BE X4. That would be the best bet because your mobo should support the 45nm CPUs. But I would say in 1-2 years that would be the time to consider both Intel and AMD and a whole new build.

But for now stick with this mobo and drop a 9850BE into it.

 

[aevm]

+1 to the 9850BE. This thread may be helpful if you get that CPU:
http://www.overclock.net/amd-motherboards/327172-gigabyte-m57sli-s4-b3-phenom-compatible.html