• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

Could a AM3 Quad Replace a AM3 Dual?

DefiantAsh

DefiantAsh

DefiantAsh

Associate
Joined
1 Apr 2010
Posts
2,146
Location
South Shields
I am looking to replace my AMD Phenom II x2 545 Dual-Core @ 3.00ghz with an AMD Phenom II x4 Quad-Core 840 "95W Edition" @ 3.20ghz

I am seeking advice on if this will fit the exact same mobo that i have, as its AM3. I'm not entirely sure of the exact model/make etc of my mobo as its a pre-built system back when i wasn't interested :D.

If anything i can find out the mobo make/model on request, with guidance of course.

Cheers for any replies.

Ash
 
Have you tried unlocking your dual core phenom?

Might be worth considering getting a proper quad phenom, the 840 is actually just an Athlon II, true phenoms have L3 cache. (Assuming motherboard supports it).
 
shadow_boxer said:
Have you tried unlocking your dual core phenom?

Might be worth considering getting a proper quad phenom, the 840 is actually just an Athlon II, true phenoms have L3 cache. (Assuming motherboard supports it).
Click to expand...

Not overly sure to be honest, and i think my chip cannot be unlocked but i can do some digging tomorrow on way to Birmingham :).

Also not sure on my Motherboards support from other chips, hopefully the bloke above my screenshot can some back with a small conclusion, if not then its only early days.

I would think the mobo to be compatible, but without having to dig around and evaluate/research my choice at this time, its quite hard to find out.

Will have more spare time during the week, especially tomorrow so i will do some research and get back to you's with what i've found, as well as info on my cpu.

Images added to above reply.
 
Its an OEM motherboard so I doubt it will be able to unlock anything. I can't find any cpu support list, your probably best off emailing acer and asking them.
 
Hi there,

Cheers for the screenshots.

Unfortunately, that looks to be an AM2+ board with a Nforce 720a chipset. As its AM2+ then it can work with AM3 CPUs (like yours is) but the support for the higher-end Phenom II X4 CPUs will be spotty at best. Also, you have to take into account motherboard power restrictions, your current CPU is only 80W, while X4 CPUs range from 95W to 125W.

I couldn't find a CPU support list for your particular motherboard, however here is the support list for a similar Biostar 720a board. As you can see, it supports up to 95W Phenom II X4 CPUs, but only mentions the older ones such as the X4 945 (95W). Since your X2 545 is also mentioned then I reckon a quad core like this one would work with your motherboard.
 
Cheers for the replies, greatly appreciated :)

Will do some more research and give Acer a call or drop them an email in the next couple of days. But it does seem like it will support a Quad :),

Cheers

Ash :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom