Just a cpu question

[Rigit]

I decided to upgrade to a better computer. So I started buying parts. Budget was a big factor. So I bought an AMD PhenomIIx4 940 black addition, unlocked multiplier. I got the chip for $90 after $40 rebate. I found that this model was a bit cheaper than a later chip. I think I know the reason why. This chip is for an AM2+ socket. The next one up was for a AM3. I think the only difference is that the socket AM3 processor will support DDR3 memory. Is there any other difference? The motherboard I bought is a price compromise as well Gygabyte MA785GM-US2H but I think it will do nicely. It is a socket AM3 in case I decide to upgrade again later. 2 gigs of DDR2 800mhz. My hope is that this machine will be a fair bit better at converting video files from one format to another. I do a lot of that. Right now I'm using a single core P4 2.93Ghz.Long winded for a simple cpu question but I thought a bit more info would be helpful.

 

[saaiello]

I am not sure on your question here. That processor will be light years faster then your P4 if thats what your asking. You are going from a single core P4 which were crap in the first place to a quad core that is built on much newer architecture and utilizes newer sets of instructions. Encoding videos will be like 50 times faster on that setup.

 

[Computerrock1]

Unfortunately, the AM2+ socket cpu only has an integrated ddr2 controller unlike its AM3 brothers which support onboard ddr2 and ddr3.

 

[Computerrock1]

Also I'm not sure if the AM3 boards support AM2+ socket cpu's either. But on the bright side, the am2+ motherboards are increadible cheap right now and you can get something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368R

 

[saaiello]

Also I'm not sure if the AM3 boards support AM2+ socket cpu's either. But on the bright side, the am2+ motherboards are increadible cheap right now and you can get something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368R

If the board uses DDR2 RAM I believe that is just an AM2+ board with AM3 CPU support.

The Gigabyte MA785GM-US2H board he picked out supports the 940 so hes good.

 

[Rigit]

Also I'm not sure if the AM3 boards support AM2+ socket cpu's either. But on the bright side, the am2+ motherboards are increadible cheap right now and you can get something like this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368R

The Gigabyte board will run AM2+ and AM3 chips. My question was what is the difference between the phenomII socket AM2+ and the phenomII socket AM3? I believe it is ddr3 memory support and that's about it.

 

[Computerrock1]

The AM2+ doesn't have ddr3 support.

 

[randomkid]

The Gigabyte board will run AM2+ and AM3 chips. My question was what is the difference between the phenomII socket AM2+ and the phenomII socket AM3? I believe it is ddr3 memory support and that's about it.

You are correct. AM2+ CPU will work only with DDR2 RAM while AM3 CPU will work with both DDR2 & DDR3.

 

[Rigit]

Best answer selected by Rigit.