Looking to upgrade a processor.

[Deemo13]

Hey community,

So I've got an Acer Aspire 1301 custom build that I am doing and I would like to see if I could get a nicer processor than what is currently in the computer. I'm pretty sure the socket is AM3, but I am confused because it runs on DDR2 RAM.

I am not looking to upgrade the board on any conditions.

I was looking at an Athlon II X3 of some sort. I'm looking to play some light gaming on it and alot of watching videos. The processor in it right now is an Athlon X2 215, which is somewhat slow, but I am content with it in there right now.

Here are my system specs:

CPU: Athlon II X2 215 2.7GHz
Mobo: Stock Acer AM3
GPU: Sapphire Radeon 6670 1GB GDDR5
RAM: 4GB DDR2-800
CPU Cooler: Stock Acer
Boot drive:Western Digital Caviar SE 320GB
Case: BitFenix Prodigy Arctic White: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345017
Optical drives: Lite-on SATA DVD-RW
PSU: Antec Earthwatts EA-380D
OS: Win7 Home Premium 64-bit
Network: Netgear Wireless USB Adapter-300MB/s
Display: Magnavox TV"

It is also going to have a Happague TV tuner placed in it. My new Prodigy case is not here yet, and it will be here tomorrow. My plan is to use this computer in college for most of my light gaming, and anything that requires heavier gaming I can use my gaming rig. The dorm I am staying in has a pretty old power system. This computer will most likely be on more than off.

EDIT: I was looking at the Athlon II X3 450, but if you guys have any other suggestions that would be awesome. Price within reason is great. I dont care when I have to buy it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103886

 

[davemaster84]

AMD phenom II x4 850, 3.3ghz and 95w power! It will the best upgrade in your conditions:

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/phenom-ii/Pages/phenom-ii-model-number-comparison.aspx

 

[rds1220]

Yes I know. I didn't see that list you posted all I saw was what I posted.

 

[Deemo13]

Actually on Newegg it reads as a 95!

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

If not, I'm kinda screwed. I was looking for an 840 or something.

I thought it was 125 as well. But maybe I am wrong.

 

[rds1220]

His best bet would be to go with a 95 Watt Phenom II. There really is no point in getting an 3X Athlon thats not really going to be much of an upgrade.

 

[Deemo13]

Well apparently that 955 wasnt the BE, so its 95W. Makes sense. I bought it and will get back to this thread to see how it works.

 

[rds1220]

Even if it could fit a Black Edition you probably wouldn't be able to overclock it since pretty much all OEM's have a locked BIOS that doesn't allow for overclocking.

 

[Deemo13]

I'm glad its not a Black Edition then. I didnt know they made standard 955's.

 

[Deemo13]

Well I have just installed the processor. I noticed while the installation was going that the socket itself read AM2, but I tried it anyway and it works. Windows picks up the 955 perfectly.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[Deemo13]

Best answer selected by Deemo13.