New CPU; where should I go

[omnisome]

APD: Around March


Budget: Nothing silly (Perhaps around £80.00 - Don't need anything too fancy)


System usage: Mostly games, nothing hardcore. I listen to music and watch videos... Internet.


Parts not required: Well, I just need a new processor


Preferred websites:
http://www.cclonline.com
http://www.ebuyer.com
http://www.ebay.co.uk
http://www.scan.co.uk


Location: UK


Part preferences: My system specifications are in the signature below


Overclocking? No


SLi/CrossFireX? Obviously not.


Resolution: 1280x1024@70Hz

 

[omnisome]

If AM3+ (Bulldozer) is as usual with AMD, backwards compatible on AM2+ sockets. Then I am happy to wait.

 

[kilo_17]

So you don't do anything demanding on your PC? And all you need is a CPU?

 

[4745454b]

BD (AM3+ as you said) isn't going to be backwards compat. It won't fit in either AM2+ or AM3. I think AMD stated AM3 chips will fit in AM3+, but the AM3+ won't work in an AM3 board.

I'd look to see if you can move up to a quad core CPU. If not, a PhII tri core would be a good idea.

 

[kilo_17]

BD (AM3+ as you said) isn't going to be backwards compat. It won't fit in either AM2+ or AM3. I think AMD stated AM3 chips will fit in AM3+, but the AM3+ won't work in an AM3 board.

I'd look to see if you can move up to a quad core CPU. If not, a PhII tri core would be a good idea.



Yeah, a PhII tri core might unlock into a quad, if you have a board that supports core unlocking

 

[4745454b]

Even if it doesn't unlock it will be faster then the slow 240 chip he has now.

 

[omnisome]

What of an AMD Propus?

 

[simon12]

For £80 you can get a Phenom x2 or an Athlon x4 for £112 you can get a Phenom 955 BE Quad.

 

[4745454b]

What about it? It will be faster then what you have depends on the tasks you do, and which Propus you buy. Going from memory, the 240 is a 2.8GHz part? If you buy the 620 which runs at 2.6GHz, some tasks might take a bit longer. Heavily threaded tasks should be much faster, even if you have the 620.

 

[omnisome]

I'm thinking of getting the AMD Propus 640 (3GHz) for £75.00
The poitn of the upgrade is to get more cores to support future games.

 

[simon12]

The Athlon x3 450 3.2GHz at under £60 is better price performance ratio but the 640 is a good choice as well.

 

[kilo_17]

I've got a 640 Propus in my PC, it's pretty quick and responsive. I would recommend it

 

[omnisome]

Best answer selected by Omnisome.