Am2+ vs AM2

[Richard40]

I have a similar question. Will an Athlon 64 x2 5600+ processor AM2+ work on a AM2 mobo? My current CPU is a 3800+. The 5600+ uses 65w and I understand my Foxconn mobo supports a max 89w. My computer is the, you guessed it, an Acer T-180. I'm looking for little more speed and I found this CPU for $50.00. I wanted to make sure it works before I commit.

In short, is AM2+ CPU's compatible with an AM2 mobos?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rich.

 

[enzo matrix]

The 3800+ Athlon 64 2.4GHz single core or the 3800+ Athlon 64 2.0GHz dual core?
What are you doing with the computers? Exactly what performance increases do you expect?
Can you give me a link to your computer on the Acer support site and let me know the rest of your specific system's specs?

Off the top of my head, to answer your question, without researching the motherboard and Acer model, it is likely that it will work.

 

[Lmeow]

Well, normally you'd be able to put in an AM2+ processor in an AM2 socket, but I'm not sure if your motherboard would have the latest BIOS updates to support it, and whether Acer provides such motherboard BIOS updates.

 

[loneninja]

5600+ is an AM2 processor, not sure where your getting AM2+ from. Either way though, it'll work as long as the bios supports it, which being a same generation chip it probably does.

 

[FALC0N]

I think he is getting the plus from the + at the end of the processor model number and thinks it means its an AM2+ processor.

 

[FALC0N]

I have a similar question. Will an Athlon 64 x2 5600+ processor AM2+ work on a AM2 mobo? My current CPU is a 3800+. The 5600+ uses 65w and I understand my Foxconn mobo supports a max 89w. My computer is the, you guessed it, an Acer T-180.............

No, believe it or not, I really didn't guess an Acer T-180. In fact, there was not enough info made available to make anything that resembled an educated guess prior to you unveiling your model number.

The unfortunate answer to your question is not likely. Like the other poster said, the 3800 either a single core or a 2.0 GHz dual core. The 5600 is a 2.8. Thats a big upgrade for an OEM machine.

When did you purchase your machine?

 

[scifi9000]

As you seem to be aware AM2+ CPUs will just step back to AM2 specifications if you were to use an AM2 Mobo. Unfortunately there is no real way to find out unless your motoherboard manufacturer provides a compatibility list (have you looked?). I got burned by assuming an AM2+ will just work in a top of the line AM2 mobo only to find out it didn't. Generally you need to look at the difference in wattage requirements for starters, but if there is a BIOS update available dated some time after the release of the chip in question (with remarks such as 'added support for newer CPU) you would stand a good chance. Try trawling through the MOBO manufacturer site and have a good look. Ignore the system brand, just search for the specific motherboard model.

 

[Richard40]

Thanks for the reply gentlemen, and I apologize for the lack of information. It indeed is a 3800+ AMD Athlon 64 dual-core processor 2.4 GHz 32 bit with Windows ultimate OS. I saw on the AMD web site that the 5600+ is indeed a AM2 chip and is 65watts.

I'm still discovering how to post a link, so I'll give you guys the numbers.

Mobo is a Foxconn: MCP61PM - (AM) (VO111400473COEDC)
PSU: FSP ATX - 250PA (1) 250w
Integrated video card: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
2GB of RAM: 667 (PC3 5300) (4 x 512 MB) 4GB max.

Like the OP stated, I'm looking for more speed and a more stable platform. The computer isn't all that bad and makes for a great web surfer. I don't do any networking either. It's purely a surfer and that's it. I play a browser golf game that uses Adobe flash. I thought a better CPU would help the flash lag. On a side note, I didn't want to flash the BIOS if I could keep from it. I also understand the mobo will only support a chip that is less than 89w.

These are the upgrades I had in mind.

GeForce 9800GT 512 MB 128 bit DDR3 PCIexpress x16 HDCP Ready SLI support video card

Cooler Master extreme power plus 460w ATX 12V V2.3 PSU

Crucial 2GB (2x 1GB) 240 pin DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) dual channel kit, and install it with two of the four Crucial 512MB sticks I have installed now, but their PC2 5300. Then I'll have 3GB of RAM.

I found the AMD 5600+ chip on SuperBiiz.com for $49.00 and the above components on newegg.com for $175.00. I really don't need the newegg stuff I guess, but I thought for $50.00 the chip was worth investing.

Would all this be compatible, and if not, what's the best bang for my buck? I don't have the money for a new computer, so I thought chipping away at this one might suffice. I would still like to upgrade to the best compatible chip however.

Thank you for the help you provided. It's a great, informative web site. I look forward to hearing your responses.


Rich

 

[enzo matrix]

1. yep, the new ram will slow itself down to the same speed as the old ram. The 3GB of slower ram is better in most cases.

2. Why the video card upgrade? You didn't mention gaming or anything that could be accelerated by the GPU. If you intend to upgrade the GPU though, i recommend the radeon 4650 instead, since you would never need anything as powerful as the 9800GT.

3. So you have $225 to spend now then? I would recommend saving up instead. You can get a decent computer for less than $400 these days. I say this because I don't think upgrading would be worthwhile for your applications.

4. I don't trust that power supply.

5. So you said you wanted more speed. Speed in what? You mentioned a flash game, could you link us to it? I could run some tests on my computer and see what you need.

6. Don't do any networking? I don't think I understand what you mean by that.

7. Unless Acer has the chip you are thinking about upgrading to listed as a possibility for that model on their site, the only way to know compatibility for sure is to try.

 

[Richard40]

This is the chip and other upgrades I chose and are less than $200.00 w/shipping. I was just wondering if these components where compatible for my machine. I'm not worried about saving money or anything like that, I just want to know if these upgrades will work in a Acer T-180. I bought the computer new in the fall of 2007.

Here are my current specs:

mobo: Foxconn MCP61PM-AM
ATX-250PA (1) 250w PSU
Athlon 64 x2 3800+ Dual-core 32 bit AM2 processor
Hitachi Deskstar 160GB hard drive
2GB 667 (PC2 5300) RAM (4 x512MB) w/4GB max
Windows Vista Ultimate OS

AMD chip Specifications:

* Mfr Part Number: ADO5400IAA5DO;ADO540BIAA5DO
* Process Type: AMD Athlon X2 Dual-Core 5400+*
* Frequency: 2.8 GHz
* FSB: 2000MHz HT Speed
* Cache: 2x 512KB
* Process: 65nm SOI
* Socket: Socket AM2
* Power Consumption: 65 W
* Package: OEM


Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA667 - I'm getting this to add to two of the 512MB sticks of the same kind I already have for a total of 3GB. (2 x1GB + 2 x512MB = 3GB)

Antec Basiq BP430 430W Continuous Power ATX12V Version 2.2 Active PFC Power Supply

JATON Video-PX8400GS_EX GeForce 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express x16 Low Profile Ready Video Card

There's no specific reason why I'm doing this upgrade, I was just wondering if the components will work or not. And to get educated a little.

The golf game is at WGT.com. I looked all over the Acer web site and couldn't find anything for an upgrade.

Any help will be appreciated.


Rich

 

[Richard40]

Thank you Tim for your response, it was helpful. The price on the 5400+ just dropped $2.00 too.

Thanks,


Rich

 

[Richard40]

Best answer selected by Richard40.