New CPU to replace my old AMD Athlon II X4 630

[apocalypticazn]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a new CPU thats compatible with my rig and I'm looking for some recommendations since my old one is starting to fall behind. The processor will mainly be used for gaming. My budget is $200-$250, any suggestions? Here's my specs http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-p6510y/4507-3118_7-34121955.html
(I'm using a GTX 460 instead of the integrated graphics card along with a 600w PSU, if that matters. I'll also be using it on a 1366x768 monitor.)

 

[mocchan]

I'm not sure what TDP your motherboard can support, so I would stick with a 95w Phenom II CPU just to be safe...
I would recommend a Phenom II 960T but I can't seem to find it anywhere :/

 

[melikepie]

Sorry but it does not say which socket or any compatibilty for that matter, your best bet is to look inside your case and if it's ATX you may want a upgrade. If so take a look at these.
- Intel Core i3 2100 LGA 1155 Sandy Bridge $125 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115077
- GIGABYTE LGA 155 Motherboard $95 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128548
- Kingston Hyperx 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104173

This should get you started and if you dont know this should be a great buy but and help your computwer get updated
but keep in mind i recommend buying a 2500k or 3570k if you want to see a HUGE difference!
Good Luck!


NOTE: The Motherboard Has 2 PCIe x16 Slots Although One Is PCIe 3.0 x16 @x16 The Other
Is PCIe 2.0 x16 @x4, Probely Not Gonna Effect Anything But Still Look Out!
I Also Own That RAM And It's Great!

 

[Proximon]

Service manual
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01859455.pdf

I'm having a little trouble accessing it atm, but it should provide better upgrade info.

 

[ohyouknow]

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02174835&cc=ad&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_r1002_usen#N208

It will support Phenom 125watt. But no thubans are supported.

Word of caution.

I also originally did upgrade my HP desktop from a duo athlon to a athlon x4 but the computer started to act weirdly even though it was stated as being supported from the hp website. The motherboard had trouble detecting the new cpu temp and would speed up like crazy, slow down, speed up. All day like a yoyo. Since you can't update your motherboard bios or anything like that, it is going to be a gamble.

Also read this article

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-7.html

The athlon x4 645 is only 3 mhz faster than the one you currently have. Judging by the benchmarks your performance is realistically pretty darn close to the phenoms at stock speeds. Save your money for a better GPU or a whole platform upgrade/strip your hp of all usable parts for a new build.

I ended up building a computer, didn't like dealing with the hassle.