Upgrade from X2 3800+

The motherboard is AM2+ and should accept AM3, so it's actually current. I would probably wait for bulldozer to upgrade the motherboard. The CPU however, is pretty ancient, and I'm not sure if there is some sort of architecture difference between your CPU and the 7550, but my brothers overclocked to 3.0GHz and with a 9800GT plays BFBC2 on the highest settings without a hitch.

Coupon code "paddy15" for $30 shipped:
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...on-X2-Dual-Core-Processor-7550-2-5GHz-AM2-OEM

Can anyone confirm if there is an architecture change between the 3800 and 7550, or if it would be a big difference? If the 7750 BE goes back in stock I would recommend that if your on a budget.

Otherwise, because your computer will accept AM3, go as high as your budget allows.

Edit * - upon further browing, I think this is your best option on a budget:
AMD Athlon II X2 Processor 240 2.8Ghz - $39 shipped
http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php...MD-Athlon-II-X2-Processor-240-2-8-GHz-AM3-OEM
 
the best for sure cpu is the Phenom 9450.

Anything recent is going to be a gamble since most likely the bios hasn't been updated to support it.
 
I'm not really on a budget. I just tend to do these things in stages :p

So my AM2 board will support AM3 chips? If it needs a BIOS flash then so be it. If so then the 640 looks quite reasonable (I'm UK btw so the newegg links don't mean a lot to me!).
 
be carefull buying a new CPU for that board as it has not had a bios update to support the AM3 phenom II\athlon II cpu's they may work but may not be fully recognized\supported by that board, did a bit of Googleing and some have used athlon II's and are working but you may need to manually set cpu voltage etc in bios if it is not properly recognised,

if you wanna try and AM3 cpu these are a good bet

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=6&subid=1946

good luck with the upgrade
 
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If you can I would suggest getting a new motherboard. As far as upgrades go, anything other than a single core sempron these days would be faster than the Athlon X2 3800+. In some situations the sempron would even be faster, but I would not recomend it because for not too much more you can get a dual core with a slightly higher clock speed. It really depends on what you want to do with it, more information from you would be helpful in guidance.
 
If you can I would suggest getting a new motherboard. As far as upgrades go, anything other than a single core sempron these days would be faster than the Athlon X2 3800+. In some situations the sempron would even be faster, but I would not recomend it because for not too much more you can get a dual core with a slightly higher clock speed. It really depends on what you want to do with it, more information from you would be helpful in guidance.

he's got am2+... no real point in upgrading the motherboard before bulldozer
 
he's got am2+... no real point in upgrading the motherboard before bulldozer

I understand that, I did look at the motherboard on the ASUS site, but as it stands there is no bios update for AM3 CPU's and it may cause him problems in the future. It might be best for him to just wait it out.
 
I guess if Bulldozer isn't out till the summer, and it's not worth just chucking a new chip in...then Sandybridge is the way to go.
 
LockRobster853, what are the specs of the rest of your system? I am sure a CPU upgrade alone will be the most cost-effective. I read a review stating AM3 upgrade is good if you already have AMD, but mobo+cpu+all ...intel SB is better. but the latter option defeats your purpose of making an incremental upgrade.
 
LockRobster853, what are the specs of the rest of your system? I am sure a CPU upgrade alone will be the most cost-effective. I read a review stating AM3 upgrade is good if you already have AMD, but mobo+cpu+all ...intel SB is better. but the latter option defeats your purpose of making an incremental upgrade.

you cannot completely upgrade to SB for $176...
 
LockRobster853, what are the specs of the rest of your system? I am sure a CPU upgrade alone will be the most cost-effective. I read a review stating AM3 upgrade is good if you already have AMD, but mobo+cpu+all ...intel SB is better. but the latter option defeats your purpose of making an incremental upgrade.

Asus M2N-CM matx
X2 3800+
4GB of Corsair DDR2
Samsung SATA 7200 drive
Currently running the onboard graphics but I've been given a Gigabyte GTX 560Ti

It doesn't appear that my board will handle AM3 CPUs and if I'm gonna go mobo+cpu+all I might as well go SB?
 
Sandy Bridge is a good choice for this time. The i5 2500k, and the i7 2600k are good processors. If you want to save money you can opt for a non-k version that has a locked multiplier. I hate to turn people away from AMD, but if you are interested in performance, while still at a decent price, the i5 2500 is a good bang for your buck. On the AMD side there are the 6 core Thuban chips, or an x4 Deneb based chip which will still give good performance, and almost all of them execpt the 1100T can be had for less than the i5 2500. It can be tough to decide on upgrades. The best you can do is research, and decide whats best for your needs and budget.
 
a 2500 and an h67 board can be had for around 300. And for gaming it will be a very solid upgrade. At stock speeds (which is where you are stuck unless you go P67 and 2500K), these things fly.
My 2600K at stock speed was as fast as my 6 core 1055T @ 4.1ghz.

If gaming is your thing, Sandy is the hottest chick in town right now.
 
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