Computer folks: A question about AMD processors...

[FrankenFretter]

I just got a mobo that has an AM2+ socket, and will support up to 95 watts for the cpu. I can get a Phenom or Phenom II in that category; what is my best bang for the buck processor for this board? I know it's not the latest stuff, but it's going to get me through for a while. The board came with a Sempron, which is fine for the moment, but I'm going to be unsatisfied with that limited processing power, methinks.

Thanks in advance!

[duhvoodooman]

Something I've found useful in the past is to go to NewEgg.com, find the class of processor I'm interested in, and then see which of the various models has a combination of (1) high customer ratings, (2) lots of reviews, i.e. a popular seller, and (3) pricing in my target range. I can usually pin it down to a couple of choices that way.

Using that logic, this looks like a pretty good choice:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

1869 reviews, 97% 4's & 5's, $130 shipped.

[kiteman]

Are you sure that cpu will work in his AM2 mobo?

Anyway I found this:

http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=ADO4000IAA5DD&cat=CPU

I have an AM2 mobo also. I replaced my Sempron with an AM2 3800+.

[duhvoodooman]

Are you sure that cpu will work in his AM2 mobo?No, but I figured he would know! He said Phenom or Phenom II, and the link I posted is for the latter. Hope I haven't given misleading advice. If so, I'll ditch the post.

[FrankenFretter]

No, but I figured he would know! He said Phenom or Phenom II, and the link I posted is for the latter. Hope I haven't given misleading advice. If so, I'll ditch the post.

No worries, Bob. I figured it out. That particular proc won't work in my mobo, but it sure is nice.

I've been looking at some Phenom triple core CPUs, as well as some quad cores that would work. I appreciate the help so far!

[FrankenFretter]

Well, I pulled the trigger. I got an Athlon II X2 250, a dual-core 3.0 GHz processor. So far, it smokes compared to what I had. Usually when ripping a DVD with about 50% compression, it would take over an hour with DVD Shrink. With the new proc, about 21 minutes.

http://pics.mobilluck.com.ua/photo/cpu/amd/AMD_Athlon_II_X2_250__ADX250OCK23GM__AM3_Tray_3179 6_52566.jpg



It actually dropped my Windows Experience (or whatever it's called) down by a tenth of a point. The graphics are still the weak point. I'm using the onboard GPU until my new ATI Radeon HD 3850
card gets here next Wednesday. That should really bump things up.

Another question/comment: When I installed the new cpu, the BIOS got confused and wanted me to enter in the frequency for the CPU. Usually there's some kind of default setting there, but not on this board apparently. After looking into it, I set it at 215 MHz, slightly above the factory 200. At least I think I did it right. Is there a good freeware program that will show my true processor speed? I have a monstrous heatsink/fan combo, and I'd like to OC it a bit more, but I want to monitor things. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[mapka]

I know you told me what mobo you got but don't remember (MSI?) but I know with ASUS boards (my favorite) it has a utility that comes with it that tells you various temps, voltages, and speeds. Works within the Windows enviroment. May want to go to your manufactures website and see what they have.

[player]

For what it's worth Sean.this http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Athlon%20II%20X2%20220%20-%20ADX220OCK22GM.html could be the ticket.

[FrankenFretter]

I know you told me what mobo you got but don't remember (MSI?) but I know with ASUS boards (my favorite) it has a utility that comes with it that tells you various temps, voltages, and speeds. Works within the Windows enviroment. May want to go to your manufactures website and see what they have.

This board is a Biostar, and it didn't come with one of those handy utilities. I love MSI boards, they've always been my favorites. I was on a budget when I bought this combo, though.

[FrankenFretter]

For what it's worth Sean.this http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Athlon II X2 220 - ADX220OCK22GM.html could be the ticket.

I saw that page when I was searching for info. Thanks, though!

[player]

in the past had bad luck with Biostar boards.ASUS however are fantastic.never tried MSI so no comment on em in desktops.have since gone WiFi with laptop.

[kiteman]

Mine is an MSI mobo. Been rock solid.

You did well Frank. :dance