Good CPU to run WoW at ok settings.

[Itsallgood_83]

Hello, was wondering What CPU should I get so I can play WoW at ok settings. Currently my computer setup is this:

CPU: AMD Phenom 9500 Quad Core 2.2Ghz
MB: ECS MCP61PM-GM
PSU: 480 Watts
Vid Card: ATI Radeon HD 4550
RAM: 3GB RAM
HD: 480 GB
FSB: 200mhz

Even though the specs of the motherboard from the Gateway website say that it supports processors under 89 watts,
the processor spec that I currently have says it runs at 95 watts power consumption.

Whenever I play Wow & make some turns with the camera it like freezes for a second & it's even worse during raids.
People have advised me that the game is very CPU & RAM intensive, So I was also thinking about putting 1 more GB on my computer.

The CPU's that I'm thinking of getting to replace my current CPU are the Following:

-AMD ADO5600IAA5DO Athlon X2 Dual-Core Processor 5600+ (2.9GHz) AM2, OEM [$61.99]
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=amd+am2+processor&hl=en&cid=10785456301657172215&os=tech-specs


-AMD Athlon II X3 450 Tri-Core 3.2GHz Socket AM2+ 95W Processor [$79.89] This one is a little confusing to me, even though in the
specs it says it supports AM2 socket, I've looked online to find the same processor but instead I've found similiar ones that
only fit in a socket of AM3.
http://www.outletpc.com/hs4658.html#axzz1TK1RtxGE


-AMD Athlon X2 3.1 GHz Processor [$99]
http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=amd+am2+processor&hl=en&cid=17037593673876865335&os=tech-specs

I'm willing to spend up to $200 bucks

P.S. I've also looked into Overclocking my AMD Phenom 9500 Quad Core 2.2Ghz from different forums & I've seen that Gateway locks their BIOS so I can't OC the CPU.

Would love some feedback with this & thanks

Would also like to get an opinion if I should just get a better MB overall

 

[wintermint]

Wow isn't an intensive game as you may think. Although you may want to consider upgrading your graphic card instead.
95 TDP: AMD Phenom II X4 945 $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103809
Decent Graphic Card around $100
PowerColor AX6770 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 6770 $100 after MIR and shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131434
ASUS EAH6670/DIS/1GD5 Radeon HD 6670 $95 after MIR and shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121442
Find the one that fits your case.

 

[Itsallgood_83]

Oh wow thanks, totally didnt know that AM3 CPU's are backwards compatible with AM2. Well this totally opens my options more, & thanks again for the feedback.

Yeah I guess I have to upgrade my Video Card too

 

[jonnyrb]

stick to the newer generations. Get a Phenom II x2,3,4model, with preference to the Phenom II x4 965 if you want a nicely performing processor for cheap. if you wanted cheap upgrades for both. get a 460nvidia gfx. and the

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/362?vs=29

 

[simon12]

I don't think that board supports any Athlon II or Phenom II CPUs at all. Also I recommend getting a better GPU before bothering with the CPU. Also when you do upgrade the CPU get a new motherboard and DDR3 RAM at the same time. At the moment a new CPU will not help WOW at all without a better graphics card.

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

http://www.e4allupgraders.info/dir1/motherboards/socketam2/ecsMCP61PM-GM_cpu.shtml
Yup no am3 for you buddy.Next stop is Sandy Bridge.

 

[simon12]

Strangely that CPU support list doesn't have the current CPU but just to confirm again its AM2 not AM2+ so no chance of using AM3

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

Strangely that CPU support list doesn't have the current CPU but just to confirm again its AM2 not AM2+ so no chance of using AM3

Supports AMD® AM2 Socket K8 Athlon™ 64 X2, Athlon™ 64, Athlon™ FX, and Sempron™ processors under 89 watt power consumption
http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006254R/4006254Rsp2.shtml

Yes it doesnt.

 

[simon12]

Sorry I don't understand what you mean.

 

[Itsallgood_83]

OK yes thanks the Feedback & I have finally come to a conclusion that my Socket is a AM2 Socket, not AM2+.

I Kinda got confused because the AMD Phenom says it works on AM2+ sockets, but now that I did a little more research it seems that "Socket AM2 supports AMD Phenom processors but some motherboard manufacturers did not supply newer BIOS files required to operate a Phenom processor" I got this straight from Wikipedia.

But yeah I guess I'll go with the new Graphics card instead & when I save up a bit more cash I'll just buy a new MB, new DD3 RAM, & a new processor.