Buying A New CPU

[Guest]

I was looking around and saw that some people have had major problems with the motherboard I have. They couldn't do the BIOS update thingy to make it to where they could use an AM3 CPU on it. I was wondering if I should buy an AM3 CPU or not. I have an AMD Phenom 9150e Quad-Core Processor 1.8GHz with AM2+ (940) socket right now, and as you probably know, it's a piece of crap. I have had a Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 for three months now and haven't been able to use it because my processor can't handle it or something. Anyways, I was wondering what you thought the best processor was in the range of $275 and under.

PS: I game a lot. MW2 and such.

Am I right about my motherboard being an AM2+ Socket?

Comp Specs:
CPU Arch : 1 CPU - 4 Cores - 4 Threads
CPU PSN : AMD Phenom 9150e Quad-Core Processor
CPU EXT : MMX(+), 3DNow!(+), SSE (1, 2, 3, 4A), x86-64, AMD-V
CPUID : F.2.3 / Extended : 10.2
CPU Cache : L1 : 4 x 64 / 4 x 64 KB - L2 : 4 x 512 KB
CPU Cache : L3 : 2048 KB
Core : Agena (65 nm) / Stepping : DR-B3
Freq : 1800.05 MHz (200.01 * 9)
MB Brand : Gateway
MB Model : RS780
NB : AMD 780G rev 00
SB : AMD SB700 rev 00
GPU Type : NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT
GPU Clocks : Core 550 MHz / RAM 400 MHz
DirectX Version : 11.0
RAM : 4096 MB DDR2 Dual Channel
RAM Speed : 400 MHz (1:2) @ 6-6-6-18
Slot 1 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 1 Manufacturer : Nanya Technology
Slot 2 : 2048MB (6400)
Slot 2 Manufacturer : Nanya Technology

 

[Herr_Koos]

The specs are listed here:

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rnv.shtml

It is an AM2+, but only supports up to 95W CPU's from what I can tell.

 

[hell_storm2004]

The four digit AMD CPU's are crap, i've seen. Their three digit CPU's pack a punch. If you consider changing your motherboard then get a 955BE and game away. Maybe change the GPU as well. But that's up to you.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103872&Tpk=amd%20445
nice little 95w chip for less than 80 of your american dollars and an awesome little gamer cpu, stick one of those in your mobo and you will probably cry,
in a good way
** although you will most likely need to update your bios for that chip**
Moto

 

[Wisecracker]

Could be BIOS updates for your motherboard

The AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus should work for you --- or for another $30 the PhII 945 (the L3 should boost your gaming 5-20% over the Propus)

There should be interest from folks on your 9150e Quad (at least from me). It's a great chip for an HTPC on a mini-ITX AM2/AM2+ motherboard like one of these.


edit: Are you using the OEM power supply? If so you might be under-volting your graphics card (the GTS 250).

 

[Guest]

I bought this PSU to support the GTS250 http://reviews.bestbuy.com/3545/9648492/rocketfish-500-watt-atx-cpu-power-supply-reviews/reviews.htm
Couldn't afford anything more at the time :/...
Thanks for your help so far guys, if anyone thinks of anything else, feel free to add it it would help.

 

[enzo matrix]

A bit off topic but related, xfam0usx:
I've run tests with my athlon IIx4 and have found that MW2 utilizes 3 cores. a 1.8GHz quad core is enough to run MW2 at very high settings, if not maxxed out. If you are having problems playing MW2, the 9400GT is holding you back. To max out the settings at 1920x1080, I recommend at least a radeon 4850/ 5750 or Geforce GTS250/ GTS450, in which case you would need to upgrade your power supply.

 

[Motopsychojdn]

Op already has a gts250 so probably just a new psu should see him right in this case, although I would also say the chip I linked will make him smile too
Moto

 

[Guest]

I'm thinking that I'll go for the Gigabyte GA-MA78LM-S2H Motherboard and the AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition.. Good choice or bad choice? :/...