PC hardware forum: Upgrading processor (Chip)

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K8/AMD-Athlon%2064%20X2%204200+%20-%20ADA4200DAA5BV%20%28ADA4200BVBOX%29.html shows a 939 socket and the family only goes to 2.4GHz. That's less than 10% gain in CPU clock speed and if you run benchmarks you usually get about a quarter of that payback. That is, your benchmarks will notch up about 2 to 3% and something that took 60 seconds will complete in 58 to 59 seconds.

Not much payback.

-> Take a look at the hard disk drive. Is it some older 5400 RPM model? If so a drive I really like is this HYBRID that side steps the full SSD cost.
http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Momentus-7200RPM-Hybrid-ST750LX003/dp/B00691WMJG

Yes, it's a 2.5 inch but the performance is really great.
Bob

I ran that and its a windsor AM2 socket.

I'll give it some thought to a new HD too.

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

This will ensure you have the exact info on the CPU and the socket it fits in. I just searched on the info provided and one result was Socket 939 and another showed Socket AM2. Perhaps they are the same and the fact that I have a socket 939 AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+, I can't confirm that at the moment.

The other thing is mfgs like Dell, Gateway, HP, etc., don't build PCs for users to upgrade...especially the CPU. So although a new CPU may fit in the old CPU socket, it doesn't guaranty the new CPU will be recognized or work properly. But if you still want to do it... just be aware 'it ain't a sure thing'.

Hope this helps.

VAPCMD

But given the marginal uptick in possible speed I'd look at better video cards but for the biggest overall boost I find the HDD change to really give the machines a kick in the pants.

The 620 video card is so-so. I'd like to see the 640 or better yet one off this list.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

Bob

I see I replied the first time in the wrong spot. So I have upgraded the graphcis card already and the PSU. My budget is not more than $150 for a new chip. Yes, the computer is a few years old, but an improvment is still an improvement without going out and dropping several hundred for a new system I really don't need.

want to explore the CPU upgrade. The additional caution is the CPU HS Fan for these. A lot are sold 'bare' so you'd have to get an HS Fan, OEM or aftermarket, to go with it. Beware of the CPU upgrade for an OEM PC...it could work great but more likely it's a path to headaches and money not well spent.

http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K8/TYPE-Athlon%2064%20X2.html

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/AMD-Athlon-X2-6000-3-1-GHz-Dual-Core-ADV6000DOBOX-Processor-/74067032

http://www.ebay.com/sch/CPUs-Processors-/164/i.html?Processor%2520Manufacturer=AMD&Processor%2520Type=Athlon%252064&_dmpt=CPUs&Clock%2520Speed=3%2520GHz%2520%252D%25203%252E5%2520GHz&rt=nc

Let us know how it goes.

VAPCMD