Upgrading a Phenom 9500

[Abramlee]

Hello,
I currently have a phenom 9500 and I need to upgrade (I play mostly single-core games). I see no need to get the best technology, but would like something that will last a little while. I am also thinking of getting a 5830 or 5850 at the end of the summer, if that matters. What would be the best am3 cpu that has the best bang for the buck?

 

[welshmousepk]

if the games you are playing don't require a quad, i'd get the phenom II 550/555.

one of the best dual cores you can get, cheap and easily overclockable.

 

[Abramlee]

What about the x2 550/555 vs the Athlon II x3's? Is there a big difference between the Phenom II and the Athlon II x3 435? My motherboard will not be able to even attempt to unlock the cores, by the way.

 

[megamanx00]

^ WTF zotjaji_1, stop hijacking threads.

Yeah, I shouldn't hijack either, but anyway ...............

I say an Athlon II X4 620 or an XII 250 depending on your budget. The Phenom II 550 is really only a good idea if you want something that's easily overclock able, but if you aren't going to overclock then it's somewhat overpriced. What motherboard do you have? Depending on your board you may be able to upgrade to a Phenom II or Athlon II CPU using your existing board.

 

[Abramlee]

I currently have a GA-MA770-DS3 (rev 1, which doesn't technically support am3, but I have a beta bios that supports them) and I will not be doing much overclocking at all. My budget is to spend as little as possible, preferably under $100.

 

[saaiello]

What about the x2 550/555 vs the Athlon II x3's? Is there a big difference between the Phenom II and the Athlon II x3 435? My motherboard will not be able to even attempt to unlock the cores, by the way.

The Phenom II will perform about 10 to 15% faster at the same clock with its added L3 If you can find a Phenom II x3 720 for around $100 that will be the best bang for the buck. If you have a MicroCenter around you I know they did have the 720's for $100 not sure if they still do. I wouldnt recommend getting a dual core especially since your motherboard cant unlock cores. Get an x3 at the least best choice would be the Phenom II 955 BE best bang for your dollar.

I currently have a GA-MA770-DS3 (rev 1, which doesn't technically support am3, but I have a beta bios that supports them) and I will not be doing much overclocking at all. My budget is to spend as little as possible, preferably under $100

Athlon x4 620 $97.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706

 

[Abramlee]

Well, I'm in Canada and can't buy anything locally, there is an OEM Phenom II 720 on newegg for $112, is there a danger such as it being damaged in buying this CPU because it is OEM? As well, will my current cooler (stock phenom 9500 cooler) be enough for a Phenom II 720?

 

[saaiello]

The OEM processors come with 30 day warranty they are new however and should not be a problem I have bought a few OEM CPU's and never had a problem. Basically if a CPU works when you get it it should last years CPUs generally last way longer then their usability lasts. The cooler on your Phenom 9500 will be fine.

 

[Raidur]

Well the best CPU and best bang for buck CPU is the Phenom II 955 or Athlon II 620.

However, for you, seeing as your games mostly do not use multiple cores, a Phenom II 555/550 should do ya fine.

I'm assuming all of these are supported on your mobo. Is that correct?

 

[Abramlee]

Ya, well, kind of. There is no "real" support, but the newest bios supports the newest am3 cpus, and if my mobo doesn't I can always get a new one later on.

To SAAIELLO: Ok, great. Oh, just one more question; is the Athlon II x3 435 vs the phenom II x3 720 any match? Is it worth $30 for phenom II I mean?

 

[Abramlee]

Best answer selected by Abramlee.

 

[Raidur]

The L3 cache, which differentiates Athlon II and Phenom II, provides a 10-20% performance increase. IMO, very worth it if you take the unlocked multiplier into account.