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Upgrading processor, or entire computer?

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I NEED a new processor. The problem is that I have a 775LGA socket. From what I've read, this is the oldest of the 3 main sockets. So if I want to get a good processor, I'll have to upgrade my motherboard as well (and possibly RAM?).

What I'm asking is if you guys think I should buy a new CPU for my current motherboard (like the Q6600) or upgrade my motherboard and get a good processor? The obvious issue is cost, but I think that upgrading my motherboard now will save me money in the long run, compared to spending money to get a slightly better processor now.

Any ideas?

More about : upgrading processor entire computer

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CPUs Master
Motherboard Expert

Entire computer.... There is no future for your LGA775 socket, and yes if its running DDR2 RAM, you'll need DDR3 as well.. What kind of budget do you have and what are your expectations?

Yeah its time for a whole new pc..... but what are you using this for gaming,work,media? How much you looking to spend?
The new ivy bridge i5 or i7 are nice for the price if money isnt an issue well you could go nuts.
CPUs Authority
Motherboard Expert

Well, if you have a later 775 based motherboard, you might be able to drop in a 8000/9000 series quad core. That would give performance slightly below the Phenom II X4 line AMD offers, so its still viable if you don't have the cash needed for a brand new system.
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I'm only a highschool student, so I don't have much of a budget. I think the Q6600 costs $130, but if I want to upgrade my entire PC then it'll be around $300 (my graphics card is fine). Obviously just getting a new processor for the current motherboard is cheapest, but will it be worth it in the long run?

I'm using it for gaming.

tom reccomends you upgrade if it is 3 tiers up. but the cost you will have to pay to get a decent cpu for lga775 its a waste, and obsolete.

you will have to upgrade mobo, cpu, ram and most likely power supply (motherboards use 24 pin and 8 pin now.

q6600 on amazon is $398.95 = return on investment = low

for less money this is a better investment

ASRock Z75 Pro3 85$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Intel Core i5-2400 $189.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=E...

Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB $22
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 $44
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
CPUs Authority
Motherboard Expert

I've have seen the q6600 going for as little as $95 on amazon, just search any model cpu and for some results do show up. Can you tell us your current specs for the whole machine? If not then I suggest that you aim for a cheap Pentium G8xx or an i-3 as they overall outperform any core2 quad in most games. If you decide on going amd then go for a phenom 2 x4. The phenom 2 x4 is a breath of fresh air over any 775 system.
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