AM3 processor in AM2+ socket? also have other questions

[baine]

Hey all, long time reader, just recently decided to make an account to post.

So getting to my first question, I was wondering if it was possible to put a 95w phenom II x4 am3 processor into my am2+ socket. (replacing my old phenom x3 95w processor). According to http://www.pcconnectionexpress.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=10906164&cm_mmc=Nextag-_-10906164&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=21-55752710-2 under specs, its compatible with am2+. Wanted to check with the community to make sure that's true.

I was also recently looking into getting a new graphics card (GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 to replace my 8800GT) and according to the power requirements guide it says I should be able to use it (have a 500 watt antec basiq ATX12V power supply) with the processor above, but it also says something about "The recommended is 500 watt two 6 pin PCI Express connectors.". Is that something that would come with the card or would I have to go out and buy that separately?

Sorry if some of this is common knowledge, I've just recently got into messing with the innards of computers.

 

[MU_Engineer]

Hey all, long time reader, just recently decided to make an account to post.

So getting to my first question, I was wondering if it was possible to put a 95w phenom II x4 am3 processor into my am2+ socket. (replacing my old phenom x3 95w processor). According to http://www.pcconnectionexpress.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=10906164&cm_mmc=Nextag-_-10906164&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=21-55752710-2 under specs, its compatible with am2+. Wanted to check with the community to make sure that's true.

The CPU can work with AM2+ motherboards, but your particular motherboard has to have a BIOS update to support the AM3 CPUs. I would check with your motherboard vendor as to whether they support the new CPU.

I was also recently looking into getting a new graphics card (GTX 260 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 to replace my 8800GT) and according to the power requirements guide it says I should be able to use it (have a 500 watt antec basiq ATX12V power supply) with the processor above, but it also says something about "The recommended is 500 watt two 6 pin PCI Express connectors.". Is that something that would come with the card or would I have to go out and buy that separately?

Sorry if some of this is common knowledge, I've just recently got into messing with the innards of computers.

The two PCI Express 6-pin connectors are power connectors provided by the power supply. You had at least one of them connected to your old 8800GT; you just need to see if your power supply has another. If it does not, you will either need to get a power supply that has two of the connectors or you can use a Molex-to-PCIe adapter that may be included with the graphics card to provide the second connection.

 

[xaira]

very well stated and layed out for a first post, first thing first, i need to know what board ur using, second,

Minimum of a 500 Watt power supply.
(Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 36 Amp Amps.)
Two available 6-pin Molex hard drive power dongles

now you need to establish weather ur psu has 36 amps on the +12volt rail, there should be a label on the psu with this information, if ur psu has the recommended amperage but lacks the 2x6pin connectors, adaptors can be purchaced, if it lacks the recommended amperage,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

 

[baine]

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rsp2.shtml

Doesn't say anything about AM3, so would that be a no go?

Also, for my power supply the output is: +3.3V@30A, +5V@30A, +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A, -12V@0.8A, +5VSB@2.5A.

"...+12V1@18A, +12V2@18A..."

Does it have to have 36A on one rail?

 

[MU_Engineer]

http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006272R/4006272Rsp2.shtml

Doesn't say anything about AM3, so would that be a no go?

The last BIOS update for that board is dated 5/5/2008, which is before AM3 CPUs shipped. I doubt the board would work with an AM3 CPU.

12-volt rails are denoted by "+12V" and then the amperage. Some PSUs have more than one rail, so the individual rails would be numbered "+12V1," "+12V2," and so forth. You have two rails, each with 18 amps. 2 times 18 gives 36 amps, so your PSU has just enough amperage to drive the card.

 

[xaira]

cant find anything on the board, but the psu can take the card, jst get 2 adapters, make sure that one goes to each rail, the best bet for you might be a 9650

 

[baine]

Best answer selected by baine.

 

[baine]

Alright, thanks for the help. I'm going to try my luck with the video card.