Can my PC's original motherboard handle a shiny new CPU and graphics card?

[Lindsey89]

Hi all,

I've had an ASUS Essentio CM1740 since 2011 and I want to upgrade to a new CPU and graphics card, just in time for Christmas. But I've never done this before, so I'd be grateful for your advice on compatibility and suitability.

I made sure that the upgrade parts are the same manufacturer as what the PC currently has (AMD to AMD CPU, Nvidia to Nvidia graphics) to keep it simple, but I'm still unsure whether these new parts will play nicely with the original hardware.

I currently have (all original hardware):
- CPU: AMD A8-380
- RAM: 12.0GB DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24)
- Motherboard: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. CM1740 (FM1 )
- Graphics: W1943 (1360x768@60Hz). 2047MB NVIDIA GeForce GT 530 (ASUStek Computer Inc)
- Storage: 1863GB Western Digital WDC WD20EARX-00PASB0 ATA Device (SATA)
- Optical Drives: ATAPI DVD A DH24ABS ATA Device
- Audio: NVIDIA High Definition Audio
Also, I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1 OS.

I want to install:
- CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz Socket AM3+ 16MB Cache
- Graphics: Zotac GTX 960 2GB GDDR5 DVI HDMI 3 x Display Port PCI-E

What are your thoughts? Will this build work, and if not, what next?

Thanks all

 

[getochkn]

No, the socket of the current motherboard is not compatible with the 8320, so you would need a new board as well. Pronanly a new PSU as well for the GPU.

 

[80-watt Hamster]

The FM1 socket doesn't really allow for any meaningful CPU upgrade, and the power supply won't push too much more juice for graphics. If you want to limp along with it for awhile, though, a GTX 750 or 750ti will drop in nicely and be a healthy jump in graphics performance.

 

[Lindsey89]

Thanks for your comments. I'm getting a consensus that more replacements are needed for this to work. FYI - my aim is to play 2015 releases (i.e. Fallout 4, Witcher 3) on medium-high settings.

So, now I'm thinking the following - would this work?

- Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Socket AM3+ 8 Channel HD Audio mATX Motherboard
- PSU: CIT Gold 500W PSU
- CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz Socket AM3+ 16MB Cache
- Graphics: Zotac GTX 960 2GB GDDR5 DVI HDMI 3 x Display Port PCI-E
(total spend £335 approx.)

If not, what would you recommend? If so, is it possible to achieve the same performance for better value?

 

[80-watt Hamster]

Thanks for your comments. I'm getting a consensus that more replacements are needed for this to work. FYI - my aim is to play 2015 releases (i.e. Fallout 4, Witcher 3) on medium-high settings.

So, now I'm thinking the following - would this work?

- Motherboard: Asus M5A78L-M/USB3 Socket AM3+ 8 Channel HD Audio mATX Motherboard
- PSU: CIT Gold 500W PSU
- CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz Socket AM3+ 16MB Cache
- Graphics: Zotac GTX 960 2GB GDDR5 DVI HDMI 3 x Display Port PCI-E
(total spend £335 approx.)

If not, what would you recommend? If so, is it possible to achieve the same performance for better value?

Looks pretty good, though you may want to consider a 4GB R9 380 if you're not set on an Nvidia GPU. It outperforms the 960 in most games, and has the memory bandwidth to effectively use a 4GB frame buffer. Uses more power, though. Realistically, you'll probably be happy with either.

 

[getochkn]

That motherboard isn't really good 125w CPU's like the 8320. Yes, it's compatbile so they say, but it has really bad power phases and has trouble keeping it.

 

[Lindsey89]

Thanks for the update on the motherboard's power performance. Needless to say project has expanded - my PC = Theseus' Paradox. Now looking at spending approx. £600 - so if you have any suggestions for making above build work, feel free.

 

[Lindsey89]

Hi all. Just a follow-up... What are your thoughts on this setup?

CPU - Intel i5 4460 Quad Core CPU (3.20GHz, 6MB Cache, 84W, Graphics, Turbo Boost Technology, Socket 1150)
Motherboard - ASUS 90MB0JP0-M0EAY​0 - Asus Z97-P Intel Z97 (Socket 1150) DDR3 ATX
Memory - Crucial CT500MX200SSD1 MX200 500GB 2.5inch 7mm with 9.5mm adapter SSD
Graphics - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 GPU (or the AMD R9 380, as 80-watt_hamster suggested)
Power supply - Corsair CP-9020090-UK RM550X 550 W ATX/EPS