Looking for a X3 but confused.

[petayV8]

Spec:
Windows XP (for gaming)
DDR2 XMS 4GB
ATI 4890 1gb
Seasonic 700W
Athlon X2 4800 (over clocked)
MSI K9N Diamond MB
and plenty of cooling mods.

I want to upgrade to a triple core X3. Ive been told because im still running DDR2 I may as well get a AM2+ because i wont experience the full benefits of socket AM3 with DDR2, is this right? Ive been shopping around and cant see the different with the Athlon X3's and Phenom's except for the age.

With my current setup is it only worth getting a older Athlon X3 VS a Phenom. The problem I have now is that some games are suffering due to my dated Athlon X2, so im worried if i just get a Athlon X3 it wont change much vs a newer Phenom. I know I will need a new MB, but is it worth just upgrading to AM3 while im at it, it will be more cost effective in the long run im guessing. Tell me your thoughts.

 

[gt_junkie]

Hey petayV8,

Are you upgrading the motherboard too?

I only ask as it seems that this board won't work with Athlon II's or Phenom II's. Support list here: http://www.msi.com/product/mb/K9N-Diamond.html#/?div=CPUSupport

I assume you'd be getting an Athlon II since they are the only ones I know of that come in triple core flavour.

As for a performance increase yeah I'd say you'd see a decent boost with either.

gt

 

[Hagar]

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3Plus/M5A78LM_LX/#CPUS

Asus M5A78L-M LX AMD 760G (Socket AM3+) DDR3 MicroATX Motherboard
£38.39
(£31.99)
Kingston HyperX Blu 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit (KHX1600C9AD3B1K2/4G)
£20.99
(£17.49)

Sub Total :

£49.48
Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DPD Next Day Parcel
(This can be changed during checkout)
Shipping :
£8.75

VAT is being charged at 20.00%

VAT :

£11.65

Total :

£69.88

You will need to budget £50-60 for Athlon II or Phenom II x3 processor if you can find one, 95w limit.

 

[petayV8]

Hey petayV8,

Are you upgrading the motherboard too?

I only ask as it seems that this board won't work with Athlon II's or Phenom II's. Support list here: http://www.msi.com/product/mb/K9N-Diamond.html#/?div=CPUSupport

I assume you'd be getting an Athlon II since they are the only ones I know of that come in triple core flavour.

As for a performance increase yeah I'd say you'd see a decent boost with either.

gt

Yes i would be upgraded the MB, as yes its only socket AM2. But while im at it i may aswell spend the little bit extra on socket AM3 rather than AM2+ i thought. And yes ive found Phenom triple cores.

 

[Martini1991]

You may's well get a G620 SB Pentium with an entry level board, has a better upgrade path also.
Pentium G620 can game up there with the Phenom II's.

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

If you are going for a budget AM3 motherboard then I would get this one:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-385-GI&groupid=701&catid=1903&subcat=

It is between £50 to £60 at most retailers.

 

[Martini1991]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-386-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1965

Can take any current 1155 CPU and will take Ivy, is cheap, throw a Pentium G620 into it and you're laughing.

 

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

The only socket 1155 motherboard for under £50 I would consider is the GA-H61M-D2H-USB3:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4004#ov

It is a fantastic budget H61 motherboard and even has four RAM slots.

Regarding the Athlon II X3 I know quite a few people who have them. They are good CPUs if you intend to mod them.

The Pentium G620 IS basically on the same level as an E8500 or E8600 dual core IMHO:

http://en.inpai.com.cn/doc/enshowcont.asp?id=7977&pageid=8057

However,looking at how long the OP has kept their current computer,I would say they should save up some more money.

Engines like CryEngine 3 and id Tech 5 seem to like at least 3 to 4 threads and I suspect so will UE4 too,if some of the latest UE3 based games are anything to go by.

At least get something like a Core i3 2100(I have one) or something similar if you intend to keep the computer for a few years.