AMD FX-9370 and unsupported motherboard

[Darnacus]

Hey.

This is my first post so I am not sure is it in right place.

I made little mistake when I bought FX-9370. I did not realize that CPU is so power hungry. (TDP 220w)

my motherboard Asus m5a97 le r2.0 only support max 140w CPU

So the question is... Should I upgrade my motherboard or should I downgrade my CPU.

I am in a budget so it is tough call because I want to upgrade my GPU (R9 280x) also,
and if I am going to buy better motherboard I should buy better cooler for my CPU I think.
I have Raijintek Themis CPU cooler now.

I also tried to downclock CPU to 3,8GHZ and it helps little with temperatures, but gaming is still off limits.

I have cooler master GX 650w bronze, is it even enough for this setup?

I cannot refund my FX-9370 and don't have any other CPU right now.

 

[Darnacus]

Like Rogueleader said that I could get i5 6400 and decent motherboard with it.

Cost would be about 350€

Thinking about this now as a solution to my problem, just sad about my current cpu and have a strong feeling that nobody will buy that if I try to sell it.

Also still thinking to buying asus sabertooth motherboard for my current cpu... It would cost less but then there is the cooling problem. And if I buy some liquid cooler. Price with board and cooler would be about 350€ with that setup too... :S

Any other suggestions?

Better off with the i5 6400 and board. It will perform better and you don't need crazy cooler and you don't have the chance of it STILL not working right. The i5 is a guaranteed win.

And you can sell that CPU, look at my ebay link. Just get SOMETHING out of it which will help you.

Last few questions. What you think if I buy... Lets say FX-8350 do I have to still upgrade my motherboard better one?
It just would be cheapest solution I can think of if I dont have to buy better motherboard and better cooler for that CPU?

 

[Rogue Leader]

Last few questions. What you think if I buy... Lets say FX-8350 do I have to still upgrade my motherboard better one?
It just would be cheapest solution I can think of if I dont have to buy better motherboard and better cooler for that CPU?

That motherboard really can't handle a 125w CPU properly, it has weak power phases. So the FX-8350 could work ok, or it could still be unstable. Its a gamble.

Buying yourself the i5 setup and selling what you have for whatever you can get is a far better choice. You'll end up with a faster, better, longer term use platform.

 

[Darnacus]

I want to thank you all for good and fast answers. I try to sell my CPU and get i5 CPU and motherboard for that.

Thanks for all!

 

[4745454b]

I still vote for holding. Ryzen is coming and should shake up CPU prices some. An ~ month of waiting could get you a better/cheaper CPU.

 

[madmatt30]

^ probably going to be 6-8 weeks before the retail release of the 1600 series though - long time without a PC.

Drop that CPU to 3500 MHz (17.5 multiplier) , turn off turbocore, drop the voltage to 1.36.

Should run at that fine in the meantime.

 

[Darnacus]

^ probably going to be 6-8 weeks before the retail release of the 1600 series though - long time without a PC.

Drop that CPU to 3500 MHz (17.5 multiplier) , turn off turbocore, drop the voltage to 1.36.

Should run at that fine in the meantime.

I tried to drop CPU voltages, but it only let me to drop low as 1.4v if I try to lower the value, when booting it says "overclocking failed" :/