upgrading from AMD Athlon 64 X2 to Phenom 9650

[Jakeman1086]

Hi,

I am wanting to upgrade my processor from an AMD Athlon 64 X2 to Phenom 9650. My motherboard is a GIGABYTE GA-M61P-S3 AM2, and the new Phenom has a socket type of AM2+. I looked on my motherboard's site and compatibility-wise it is fine. But...

the site says:

If you install AMD AM2+ CPU on AM2 motherbord, the system bus speed will downgrade from HT3.0(5200MHz) to HT1.0(2000 MT/s) spec; however, the frequency of AM2+ CPU will not be impacted. Please refer "CPU Support List" for more information.

I am not familiar with these terms, and I do not understand the implications of having my system bus speed reduced like this. To me, it seems like this would counter any of the benefits of the new processor as output from the processor would have a ceiling no more than 2000 MT/s.

Could someone please explain to me the meaning of this megatransfers / second fsb thing, and what effect it will have on my new purchase?

Thank you.

 

[fmw]

You're right. It wouldn't be a very good upgrade. Seriously, processor upgrades are often a disappointment for people doing them. If the technology jump is great enough to really matter, then the upgrade will require new mainboard and memory. I definitely wouldn't bother with what you are doing. It might make sense to do a new mainboard and an AMD Phenom II or Intel i7 but the upgrade you are considering isn't worth doing.

 

[StrangleHold]

I dont know what X2 you have, but like said, going with a 9650 at this point is not a good upgrade path. The difference in the HT speed isnt going to make much difference with a 9650. But the Phenom I is pretty much a dead end.

You can get a Phenom II 710 for the same price, alot better processor. Save up a little and get good AM2+ or AM3 motherboard. If you get a AM2+ board you could probable use your same memory.