AMD Phenom II X6 10XXT vs AMD Phenom II X6 1100T

[okcfireman]

My son's HP Pavilion p6803w specs show that the AMD Athlon II X2 220 is upgradable to AMD Phenom II X6 10XXT. As this information is probably old, I am wondering if I could upgrade it to the AMD Phenom II X6 1100T, as this is the highest performance cpu of that am3 series of processors.

 

[kanewolf]

The 10xxT (1055T for example) is a 125W CPU, same as the 1100T. If the quad core X4 965 is listed on the compatibility list, it is actually faster than the X6.

More cores, X6 vs X4 doesn't always mean faster, especially for a gaming system.

 

[okcfireman]

Not for gaming, however he's learning to use Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw, as well as some CAD programs for his robot engineering. I assume the same holds true for this arena.

If I order one, what's the best heatsink/fan I can order? Having a hard time deciphering what is compatible.

 

[kanewolf]

The case size will determine the cooler options. You may need to measure the distance to the side panel from the top of the CPU. Use a straight edge across the case and a mm ruler to measure. I think the heatsink mounting plastic will give a reasonable estimate. Just look for something under your measurement in height.

 

[mittewi]

Be Careful! Even though the "10xxT" series is listed, you have to pay attention to the Wattage! According to HP, the Pavilion p6803w is only designed to handle up to a maximum 95W Processor. Only about half of the 1000-series is 95W, the others are 125, and even 145W and may quickly blow the VRMs (voltage regulators), if they even let it run at all. I would not take that chance on a 5-7 year old motherboard unless you want an excuse to buy new.

Wikipedia has an easy chart of all the processors and their wattage. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Phenom_microprocessors
That 1100T you mentioned needs 125 Watts; the 965 Quad Core that @kanewolf mentioned is either 125 or 140 Watts; both Waaay to power hungry for that PC.

At a cursory glance, it looks like the best processor you can do is X6 1065T.

For a 95W processor, you'll be o.k. with any aftermarket cooler made for the AM3 socket, as the socket on other motherboards can handle up to 140W processors. Something like the Wraith Silent or Noctua L12 that has a horizontal fan will get you around the case-height clearance issues.