Please make a recommendation

[installheroes]

I have a Gateway GT5694 (support info bellow).

I feel like there are times when it is unexplainably slow. It has decent specs, but sometimes it just chugs...

I think I might like to upgrade the CPU, but I cannot get a clear answer as to which ones might be compatible, and be a worthwhile investment.

Please advise.

http://support.gateway.com/support/srt/docs.asp?sn=XBG8631000681

Additionally, Foxconn has no support page about their motherboard, and I cannot find any way to contact their tech support; Gateway refuses to support me about this question, and referred me to Foxconn.

This confuses me: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/258383-30-bios-help

 

[Raidur]

Was it faster when you first got it? Even a quad core that slow shouldn't have any problem running windows and daily programs.

What are your main uses for your pc? What operating system are you using?

Some retail pre-builts come loaded with bloatware which can really slow you down. (I remember compusa trying to charge my dad $100 to 'clean' his laptop before he got it, it was as easy as add/remove programs; uninstall x10)

 

[Raidur]

Download cpu-z and look under the mainboard tab. If your mobo model is the RS780 (I'm guessing it is) then it looks like you can use up to a 95w phenom ii 945, which is an awesome cpu. Just make sure its the 95w version. Just don't expect your bios to fully recognize it or have any oc capabilities, but it seems to work.

http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=763140

If it doesn't work you can always return it.

 

[installheroes]

I use it mostly for general email and surfing. But I fairly regularly run more demanding programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat Pro, and Dreamweaver. So I do need it to perform well.

 

[installheroes]

The 95w phenom ii 945 says it is a AM3 socket, is that compatible with a AM2+?

 

[installheroes]

NVM, answered it myself: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261325-28-sockets

Thanks for the info, I think I may go with your recommendation.

 

[Raidur]

Good luck!

Hope it works out for ya.

 

[installheroes]

Gateway or Foxconn, either way, it was worth the $12 I have in it...

 

[installheroes]

Best answer selected by installheroes.