Is there such a thing as a Low Profile CPU?

P

Plusi

New Member
Just curious, I have a small chassis computer, which I am looking at upgrading the CPU on. I've never done a CPU upgrade, so I'm unsure about how to go about it, however my biggest concern is buying a Processor which is too big! Are they all the same size, or do I need to buy a low profile/small factor one? I've upgraded the Graphics Card on this system, which needed LP, however I'm not sure about the CPU.

I wish to upgrade from an AMD Phenom 2.2ghz Triple Core to an AMD Phenom 2 3 ghz Quad Core, mainly for gaming purposes. What factors would I need to consider in upgrading?

My Motherboard is an Acer WMCP78M.

This is what I'm looking to upgrade to. (Click here)

Any help would be great!

Thanks.
 
The processors will all be the same size for the given board.
However, the heatsink won't be. Most stock heatsinks will fit in a small form factor PC however. If you're looking into aftermarket heatsinks (for overclocking, better heat dissipation since it's a small case, etc.) then you'll have to find the measurements of the interior of your case (from the top of the cpu vertically) to see which heatsinks will fit.
 
All CPU's will be the same size, but yes the heatsinks will all be different. The stock heatsink that comes with the cpu should fit pretty much any setup, and will be plenty adequate if you stay at stock clocks or mild overclocking.

BTW, I highly suggest you pay just a couple pounds more and get the 955 quad-
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/40925

It's socket AM3, which will be more futureproof for you instead of an AM2+ socket. Any any board that accepts the 940 is gonna work with the 955 as well. You may need a bios update thats all it should take.
 
Thanks for the great advice guys. So the 955 will still work in my computer given that my MoBo is an AM2+ socket? Sounds mighty tempting, what sort of update would I need on my BIOS to run it? I've looked at the Acer website, and there is a BIOS update for my system dated either August or October (can't tell whether they've used American or British date format) but doesn't mention anywhere about AM3 support. I've sent them an e-mail asking the question, so hopefully that should shed some light.

Very glad to hear that all CPU's should fit. Had a right palaver trying to upgrade my graphics card!
 
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Using Belarc Advisor, I can tell you the following...

Board: Acer WMCP78M
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD R01-B0 03/31/2009

If you need more information, let me know. Thanks!
 
Yeah so it's an OEM motherboard. Now this I'm not sure about, but that motherboard *probably* only supports a 95w processor, and I cannot find anywhere that it give specs if the board supports AM3 processors, although *most* AM2+ boards with a 780g chipset (what yours has) atleast supports AM3 processors. However, with the 95w limitation, your CPU choices are kinda dwindled.
Your best option, if you don't want to upgrade the motherboard, is to find a 95w Phenom 9850 which is a 2.5ghz AM2+ quad. Be careful though, there's also a 125w version of this CPU. But I can guarantee you that the 9850 will work with your setup you have now because it's a Phenom I like you have now and it's also a 95w cpu like you have now.
However, it honestly won't be THAT much of an upgrade, not worth 100 pounds or whatever you could find one for, and if you can find the 95w version in the UK.

If you want to risk getting an AM3 cpu, you can try the Phenom II 945 which is a 3.0ghz quad. Once again, there's a 125w and a 95w version, so be sure to find the 95w.

Ahh well I found the 945 in the UK for a decent price-

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/172684
 
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Thanks for that, I'll have to wait and see what Acer say about my current system. Thanks for all the help :)
 
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