Does my CPU have much life left?

Nekrovar

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Mar 24, 2014
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Hello,

So I built this thing 5-6 years ago and deciding to finally go through a core component upgrade, but before I break the bank, what can I do to squeeze every last breath?

OS: Windows 10 Pro

CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T - 3.3GHzThuban 45nm (liquid cooled, no OC)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-870A-UD3 (Socekt M2)

RAM: 8GB G.Skill Ripjaws 1333MHz - 9-9-9-24-2N (upgraded)

GPU: 4GB Saphire AMD R9 290x - Tri-X OC(UEFI) (upgraded)

SSD: 500GB SAMSUNG 850 EVO (upgraded)

SSD: 120GB OCZ-Agility3

HDD: 500GB Western Digital

PSU: Corsair CX750M (upgraded)

So, can I drop the old beast onto a new AM3+ mobo and squeez some life out of the CPU with some OC magic?
 
Solution
The cost of a decent motherboard to overclock that CPU may not be worthwhile. I don't recall the Phenom II x6's being overly generous at overclocking, and the power draw may not be compatible with anything less than high end VRM circuitry.

You actually have decent VRM circuitry on your motherboard, if you properly cool it by adding a heat sink to the mosfet chips.

The Enzotech MST 88 mosfet heat sink is compatible with the GA-870A-UD3 motherboard and would be far cheaper and easier than swapping in a new motherboard.
The cost of a decent motherboard to overclock that CPU may not be worthwhile. I don't recall the Phenom II x6's being overly generous at overclocking, and the power draw may not be compatible with anything less than high end VRM circuitry.

You actually have decent VRM circuitry on your motherboard, if you properly cool it by adding a heat sink to the mosfet chips.

The Enzotech MST 88 mosfet heat sink is compatible with the GA-870A-UD3 motherboard and would be far cheaper and easier than swapping in a new motherboard.
 
Solution


dont buy any AMD machine before the AM4 comes at the beginning of 2017 (January)

AM4 and Zen will have 8-32 ccores , 8 Channel DDR4 RAM , PCIE 3.0 and they say (AMD) will be competetive with Intel.

so wait , enjoy your pc until then
 
I am very interested in the Z170 chipset, but I still can play modern games at a decent frame on this machine. I was about to drop around $500 for a new mobo, cpu and ram kit, but I figured I'd wait and see.

Is the new AMD CPU series really going to be able to compete though? In the past few generations, they've been tailing behind. I've always been a fan, but I prefer solid performance over numbers. Also, is there any news to a new chipset for them, or are the still on the X99 with the new stuff?
 


A new power supply? I don't see the justification in that or any reason. I feel that I'm definitely over spec'ed. I don't plan ever to run crossfire\SLI. I'm not trying to argue or defend, just wanted to see what your thoughts were. To me a psu is a psu, as long as it's been made in the past few years.
 


I've always rooted for the underdog and the guys who have a historical stand in computing, but I do agree that the market is crushing their potential. It's a shame to see that happen, but at least they still have their foot in for graphical computing (for now).

Anyway, I would just hate to spend now, when their next generation tech could potentially be worth something. I mean I've lasted this long on this build. Why switch now if it's perfectly fine, but also the fact that I'd like to be set up for another 5 years. In the end, I suppose I'll switch over to use the Z170. I here that it is pretty phenomenal, especially with all the new DDR4 and DX12.
 


That is interesting. I will definitely look into that. I've never heard about doing that either. I'm pretty new to system tweaking. I just build cheap until it can't run current titles anymore.
 


For AMD's sake, it has to compete. Not saying I'd bet on it myself, but it's really down to 'now or never' territory.



That is the same viewpoint as a lot of others - but just take a look around the forum for PSUs issues where people view "a psu is a psu". Quality matters. The CX line isn't the best (although latest revisions have made it 'better', it's still only 'ok' at best). The CX750M should continue to be ok if you're not overclocking - worst case, it dies. It has sufficient protection that your other components should still be fine. If you decide to OC, or decide to build a new rig, I'd replace the PSU at that point............ unless it fails in the meantime, of course.
 


According to AMD , they said they tested the ZEN and met their expectations. If they are not lying it will be a success.