Processor help.

S

SkyCap

New Member
So I'm totally clueless here.
I'm pretty good with computers, its the little details that get me.
So, with that being said, here is my Problem.
I have an Intel Core i3 Processor 2120.
but I want something better.
Now here is where I get confused..
Do I need a new processor only?
or a whole new motherboard?
and what will fit into my pc?
haw can I find that out?
 
Give us the details on your system!

Is it a store bought brand? HP, Dell, etc..

Or did you build it?

If you can tell us the specs--someone for sure can help you out!
 
It is a Gateway DX4860, Intel Core i3 2120, 16 Gb of RAM, Radeon 6750 HD graphics card.

----------
I was looking to get the AMD FX 8-Core Black Edition FX-8320 (FD8320FRHKBOX)

But would that mean a whole new motherboard too?
and I have 16 Gb of ddr3 RAM, would i still be able to use that?
 
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Your current pc is an intel sandybridge base unit using 1155 socket, the processor you are considering is an amd cpu which is a totally different manufacturer.

If you want the amd cpu you will have to change your motherboard, however you could just upgrade your current intel cpu to a higher grade.

Your ddr3 ram will work with any up to date motherboard.
 
I don't get it. :P

Yeah if you can swing it you can toss in an i5 3570, it will work in your motherboard just fine. You'll even get a graphics boost as it will have better integrated graphics than what you have now. AMD is a no go unless you wanted to change your motherboard (which is a huge waste of money since you already have a fine board).
 
Since it's an OEM machine, you may not be able to simply change the processor, some OEM machines are very picky like that.

Going by Gateway's site (http://support.gateway.com/s/desktop/2011/gateway/dx/dx4860/DX4860sp2.shtml), it looks like the following processors might be supported:

Intel® Core™ i7-2600 processor
Intel® Core™ i5-2500 processor
Intel® Core™ i5-2400 processor
Intel® Core™ i3-2120 processor
Intel® Core™ i3-2100 processor

So you probably need to stick to Sandy Bridge and get yourself one of those if you want to upgrade. The i5 2400 and the 2500 would be good choices. The 2600 is probably going to be overkill.
 
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Thank you guys for being the only helpful forum on the Internet.
If me or my friends ever need help with PC stuff, I'll send them over. :D

Thanks for the help.
 
Yeah hadn't thought of that Spirit. :P So used to working with decent motherboards that aren't so picky. i7 would be a waste of money for you, just toss in one of the i5's and you'll be good to go.

Sounds good SkyCap, keep them coming. Traffic keeps us busy and helping people. :D
Glad we could help.
 
Bah, so another question popped in my head...
I have all the specs I listed, with a 600w power supply. will i need a bigger supply, say if I plan on getting the i7-2600?
And I already need new fans, so if you recommend anything, that'd be amazing.
 
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SkyCap said:
Bah, so another question popped in my head...
I have all the specs I listed, with a 600w power supply. will i need a bigger supply, say if I plan on getting the i7-2600?
And I already need new fans, so if you recommend anything, that'd be amazing.
Click to expand...

Re: PSU - No.

Re: Fans - so long as you get the right-sized fan (90mm, 120mm, etc) for your application (CPU, Case, etc) there's really no difference from one to the next. Some people want quieter ones (typically less airflow CFM) while others want something just shy of a jet engine moving a ton of air (typically a bit louder). Personal preference based on price points really. Lights and fan color, too, for that matter.
 
What do you use your PC for? If you do video editing, graphics work or 3d gaming then the quad core will work for you.

Otherwise stick with your CPU which is a dual core with hyper-threading and very capable.
 
So ive decided to try and go with the i7.
And me, being me, rushed and bought the Witcher 2 on steam.
curse those sales...
anyway, now, its about time for a graphics card upgrade...
any recommendations?
i want something better than a geforce 570..
 
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SkyCap said:
So ive decided to try and go with the i7.
And me, being me, rushed and bought the Witcher 2 on steam.
curse those sales...
anyway, now, its about time for a graphics card upgrade...
any recommendations?
i want something better than a geforce 570..
Click to expand...

Why exactly? The 570 is a pretty capable card and wouldn't have problems running Witcher 2 maxed out.

Also I'm telling you right now if you're not doing anything more than gaming the i7 is going to be a waste of money.
 
Go with an i5 because the difference in gaming between the i5 and the i7 is minimal, but the cost difference is large and then get something like a 670 or a 680 or on the AMD side a 7950 or 7970. Those cards are better than the 570.

One of the biggest limitations with the 570 is the V-RAM. 1.25GB isn't quite enough I don't think, I'd say these days you want 2GB minimum.
 
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