Wanting to upgrade computer, I need some help.

S

sassoldier

New Member
Hi. I am wanting to upgrade my computer a bit, to make it more powerful for gaming and just to speed it up in general. Now, I have my eye on a new CPU (AMD Phenom X3 8450 or X4 9550, depends on my budget) and a new Video Card (Most likely a GeForce 8800 GT). But my problem is: I don't know if my motherboard will support these parts. I'm not exactly up to date with building computers so I'm not really sure what to look for in a motherboard. My first problem would be, I'm not sure what kind of motherboard I have exactly. I know it is an ASUS but that is about it. So I suppose figuring out what it is would be the first step, then I need to know if it can support what I am wanting. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
 
Excellent, that is just what I was looking for, thank you.

My mobo is an ASUS M2N-MX. There is more information there, but I'm not exactly sure what is needed. Let me know.
 
Well you have the correct socket type for the Phenom X3 and the Phenom X4's, but I suppose it's all in how much you have to spend. You should also be able to get the 8800GT like you want, since you have a PCI-e slot.

But seriously, your mobo is cheap and a little outdated. If you can, go for a new mobo, CPU, and GPU. (I'd personally go with Intel).

You could get a Core2 and a mobo combo off Tiger and then get a GFX card too and go from there.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...me=Intel-Core-2-Socket-775-Motherboard-Bundle
 
Ok thanks. I was hoping to avoid replacing the motherboard, but it is probably better to just scrap it and go with a new one as you said. Are there any affordable mobos you could recommend in particular?
 
I'm weak in the mobo area. Hopefully someone else will come along and help you.

Otherwise, glad I was able to [partially] help! :)
 
ummm i dont think that motherboard can support the am2+ because the 1000mhz HT, the phenoms require 2600mhz or something like that. it can support am2 but not the phenom.... sorry, but the 8800gt will be good though. get the x2 5600+ instead the best dual core amd makes without going to the 90nm which are too hot or switching to intel, which might be your best bet.
 
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Ethan3.14159 said:
ummm i dont think that motherboard can support the am2+ because the 1000mhz HT, the phenoms require 2600mhz or something like that. it can support am2 but not the phenom.... sorry, but the 8800gt will be good though. get the x2 5600+ instead the best dual core amd makes without going to the 90nm which are too hot or switching to intel, which might be your best bet.
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Well, is it a big drop in performance from a Phenom to a 5600+? As much as I want to save some cash, I would rather not have to upgrade AGAIN in a few months because I went cheap.
 
i would suggest waiting until you can get a motherboard that supports the phenom, maybe sometime soon amd will release a better quad core because the 9850 is good but could be much much better. but if your going to get a new motherboard go with intel as they are making some great processors.
 
Well, I have decided that I'm just going to go for it and spend the extra money to get a better setup. Here is what I am thinking:

ASUS M3A32-MVP ($215)
EVGA 8800GT ($160)
OCZ Platinum 2GB Ram ($70)
Phenom X3 ($170 or $220 for the X4)

I'm thinking this is probably the way to go. I could knock a little bit off the price by dropping down to an Athlon X2 (I can get a 5600+ for $120), and down to a motherboard that does not support the Phenoms (M2R32-MVP, $120). While saving that money would be nice, it does not seem worth it in the long run, because I will just run into the same problem again of not having a good enough motherboard to support new chips. If I go for the M3A32-MVP then I should still be able to upgrade in the future without much trouble, I think. As for the Processor, the X3 is definitely nice enough for me; but is it worth the extra $50 over the X2, or should I just stick with an X2? Thanks.
 
I agree with Ethan3.14159, if you want to buy a new motherboard then go with Intel as they are making better processors
 
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