Can I use this processor

[alzura]

Hey all, I'm thinking about adding a new processor to my PC, at current it has:

Asus p8h61-mx Mobo

i3 2120 @ 3.3 stock

8gb (2x4gb) DDR3 RAM

1x 7200RPM 500gb HDD

1x DVD-RW

1x GTX 650 Ti

4 USB 2.0 peripherals incl kb/m and wireless adapter & wired xbox controller

And that's all running on a 380w Earthwatts.

I'm thinking about upgrading to this: http://www.ebuyer.com/387256-core-i5-3470-3-20ghz-6mb-lga-1155-box-bx80637i53470

Firstly, i'm assuming if i threw that processor in my computer (metaphorically) all would be well, but is there a possibility it just wouldn't work? would I need a different motherboard etc?

Secondly, would it even make such a huge difference?

Thirdly, will my PSU even be enough for this upgrade?

Thanks.

 

[morgue888]

Looks like the motherboard supports up to Gen 2 i7.
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/P8H61MX/#CPUS

i3 2120 is a gen 2.
i5 3470 is a gen 3.

EDIT:
It does say it only supports Gen 2 but a bios update may have added to the list of supported CPUs.
It goes from 3450 to 3550 seems to skip 3470.

 

[shaun_shaun]

you ll see some noticeable difference in some games.. but you wont see much unless you upgrade your graphics card too...
what is the +12v rating in your current psu ???

 

[alzura]

@Morgue - I see a 3450 on the list of supported processors, probably should go for that one...

@Shaun:
+12V1@17A,
+12V2@15A

 

[morgue888]

I edited my previous post.
It seems to skip the 3470 but there are Gen 3 CPU's in the list.
If you really want the 3470 might not hurt to call or email asus.

 

[shaun_shaun]

looks like your motherboard supported cpu list has i5-3550, i5-3450, but i5 3470 hasn't listed in the supported list.. not sure why ....

your +12v rating looks ok . but I d go with higher watt psu with atleast 80+ bronze rating.. (Corsair Builder Series CX500)

 

[shaun_shaun]

just ignore my last comment , your psu looks good enough for the system ... I wasn't aware that you have a Earthwatts psu....

http://www.anandtech.com/show/3902/antec-earthwatts-ea-380d-green-380w