MOBO with Phenom I accepting Phenom II?

[BioFoxx]

Before I spout my dilemma, I'll list my specs:

Model: HP a6700f
GPU: GTX 560 (disabled my integrated chipset)
Memory: 4GB DDR2
Motherboard: ECS MCP61PM-HM (Nettle3)
Current CPU: AMD Phenom x4 9150e 1.8 ghz AM2+
Future CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 945 3.0 ghz AM3
OS: Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit

Okay, so I'd really like to upgrade my CPU. The stock 1.8 ghz is bottlenecking my new GPU and I'm quite frustrated about it. So far, the highest CONFIRMED cpu I can get is a 2.3 ghz Phenom 9600 (which would probably not make much of a difference.) I kept looking and noticed that the wattage limit on quad-cores for my MOBO was 95w, and that the Phenom II 945 3.0 ghz (non-black edition) was 95w as well, and that it's backwards compatible with my AM2+ socket. I'd like to know if it would accept the new CPU. I've googled it a few times, and read some forum posts, yet all i've found is a thread saying the 945 "Black edition" wont work because of the 125w requirement. I've yet to find anything about the 95w version on my MOBO.

Will this thing work, or will I have to delve into the dark waters of BIOS modding?

And before anyone suggests, yes I'm aware a new motherboard would solve my predicament. I'd simply like to know if this will work or not.

Thanks in advance.

 

[lazyboy947]

first of all its an am2+, which u know and doubting since it came in a hp its on of the few motherboards that support the am2/am2+/ and am3 sockets in one, and the hp site says otherwise to, so a replacement motherboard can get u a 965 BE for $90 with a $60 asus M5A78L motherboard

 

[BioFoxx]

So you're saying that although its an AM2+, it might not support a backwards compatible AM3? I thought all AM3s worked with them.

 

[lazyboy947]

oh srry forgot that it should be fine as long as u use the ddr2 ram which since u got the am2+ cpu u got lol i guess my first post was for using ddr3 and a am3 phenom ii on a am2+ motherboard, if it doesnt work well its only a small fix for a new motherboard and $20 ram lol

 

[BioFoxx]

Okay, awesome. Just so we're clear, whether it's a Phenom I or II makes no difference?

 

[lazyboy947]

well im not 100% on this but am3 cpus as long as they fit the tdp wattage should work with am2+ sockets, not sure of anything else matters.

 

[whatsthatnoise]

You are looking at a new mobo+cpu+ram combo. Even if the Phenom II would work on your board, it would be crippled by DDR2 RAM and you probably couldn't overclock it, too.

Which means you can decide going with a Phenom II or an i3/i5.

 

[BioFoxx]

Overclocking isn't really my main priority as of now, I just want my my new GPU to be not as bottlenecked. Suppose I get the CPU now, then upgrade my RAM and MOBO later down the road (which I plan on doing anyway) will a limited Phenom II 3.0ghz show a noticable improvement over my phenom I 1.8ghz in the meantime?

This is only to determine if I should go ahead and get the new CPU now for a slight boost or just wait and get the mobo/ram/cpu all together.

 

[whatsthatnoise]

I'd definitely wait and upgrade the whole combo at once. That CPU isn't going to cut it for long. It's not even one of the better Phenom IIs and even they are outdated.

 

[BioFoxx]

You have a good point. I'll have a better selection of CPUs with that new mobo anyway.

 

[lazyboy947]

either way get the am3+ motherboard ram combo and i guess the phenom, but piledriver will be out by the time u can upgrade and steamroller will still b on am3+ socket, win there lol

 

[BioFoxx]

Sounds good. Thanks for the input, guys. I appreciate it!

 

[BioFoxx]

Best answer selected by BioFoxx.