CPU upgrade heatsink/cpu fan question

[afewquestions]

Hi, I currently have a partially prebuilt Compaq. I've ordered a PSU and some new ram. I wanted to get a graphics card (limited to $100 or less per pay day) so I'm ordering parts slowly but surely. As I said I wanted to get a new graphics card next, and was planning on upgrading CPU later on. Well being that its an older prebuilt compaq I'm limited to 95w AM3 processors, and I've read that AM3 cpu's are no longer in production.

So now I'm thinking I should get the cpu next before everywhere sells out of the decent AM3 processors, because I want to keep this mobo/case for the time being.

NOW FINALLY, you have my back story. Time for my question. If i purchase a OEM - phenom II x4 955 for $99.99 + Thermal compound, can I just reuse my current fan/heatsink?

Current processor is a athlon II x2 240 w/ a cooler master fan of some sort.

 

[Ubrales]

The TDP of the new processor is 125 watts (your present processor athlon II x2 240 TDP is 65 watts). That's a big difference in TDP and heat produced.

References: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2754
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/K10/AMD-Athlon%20II%20X2%20240%20-%20ADX240OCK23GQ%20(ADX240OCGQBOX).html

Therefore, you certainly need a new heatsink with higher heat transfer capabilities for the new Phenom II x4 955.

 

[bartholomew]

And also make sure that your motherboard would support a 125W CPU.

 

[afewquestions]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113007

There is a link to the cpu, it says it is 95w. As well as people's reviews about it refer to it as 95w not Black Edition.

ALTHOUGH. When i google the product number it says on AMD site that its TDP is 125w. So I'm slightly confused, because there are at least 3 reviews (out of only 12) that refer to it as 95w, one guy says specifically this is not the black edition (which is 125w.)

You would think if it was 125w there would have been more people complaining. Some who comment said they bought it BECAUSE their mobo only supports 95w cpus. IDK, but any help is appreciated.

 

[Ubrales]

Please refer to this review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2754

It states the TDP.

 

[afewquestions]

Please refer to this review: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2754

It states the TDP.

Thank you for digging that up and I already did skim through it, and noticed the TDP said 125. But check out this thread.


http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/298389-28-phenom-125w-diferences

I was able to find this, which explains that there is a 95w version that was only released as OEM, and they came to the conclusion that they all have the same product number. As well, they said the AMD has never officially posted the specs to what according to that thread in japan is referred to as the non-black edition.

EDIT:
Also in that thread is a link to his mobo's supported processors.
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=2694

Which may seem irrelevant to my situation, but if you look at the list, it lists a 125w and 95w version of the 955. Just saying, more people acknowledging its existence.

 

[bartholomew]

Go for the 95W non black edition if your not planning to overclock.
The multiplier will be locked, no heatsink & fan. That's it. There isn't really any performance difference.
You can use your cooler master heatsink for it. If it runs hot, you can always get a better cooler.

 

[afewquestions]

Go for the 95W non black edition if your not planning to overclock.
The multiplier will be locked, no heatsink & fan. That's it. There isn't really any performance difference.
You can use your cooler master heatsink for it. If it runs hot, you can always get a better cooler.

Alright, thanks a lot guys. I'm going to select a best answer. But if somebody else has something to throw in before thread is closed, feel free.

 

[afewquestions]

Best answer selected by afewquestions.