Recommended CPU for ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO Motherboard.

[FlamingFox]

I need a recommendation for which possible CPU to grab for an upgrade.

Currently I run AMD Athlon II X2 250 Processor and an ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO Motherboard. I have everything else.

What is the best CPU upgrade ranging from roughly 100 to 200 dollars (give or take a few)? I am aiming to play some of the more modern, CPU intensive games (such as Subnautica, Fallout 4, and XCOM 2). I don't need anything ridiculous. Replacing my motherboard is an absolute last resort.

Also, how safe is it to replace a CPU on a motherboard? This will be my first (and perhaps only) attempt at it.

 

[clutchc]

That motherboard uses the older AM3 socket. The CPUs it supports are long since out of new stock. Any you come across on someplace like ebay will no doubt have gone thru several hands. This is the CPU support list for that board along with the BIOS update needed for the processor to be recognized: https://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M4A785TDM_EVO/HelpDesk_CPU/
The Phenom II X4 965, 975, and 980 and Phenom II X6 1090T are the fastest processors that were produced commercially for that socket.

 

[FlamingFox]

Alright... I do see some for sale on Amazon roughly 60-70$ used or 220$ New. Could you probably suggest a Mobo and CPU that could meet Minimum or above standards but is also not expensive?

 

[clutchc]

Alright... I do see some for sale on Amazon roughly 60-70$ used or 220$ New. Could you probably suggest a Mobo and CPU that could meet Minimum or above standards but is also not expensive?

Do you mean moving to a new platform? Intel? If so, I need to know your budget for a board and new CPU.

 

[FlamingFox]

Whatever is best... looking no further than $250-350 for CPU and Motherboard combined. Also, as long as it can work with two 7200 RPM internal disk drives, one 5200 RPM external disk drive, 8GB of RAM, GeForce GTX 750 Ti and an HP 1920 x 1080 60hz Monitor

 

[clutchc]

If you move to Skylake, you will want to go with one of the DDR4 Z170 boards, rather than keep you slower DDR3 RAM and try to find a decent DDR3 Z170 board.
These are the boards that OC with the K CPUs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%20600567584%20600567554%204814&IsNodeId=1
This is the lowest priced K processor for OC'ing: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117561
You'll need at least 8GB of DDR4 RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600521523%20600006069&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=30

 

[FlamingFox]

Ok... I guess I'll have to save up then for a major upgrade. Thanks for your input.

 

[clutchc]

You can also stay with an AMD platform. This combination will play any game at max settings (with a high-end gfx card, that is). And it stays within budget.
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284
M/B: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128887

Btw, I'm assuming your case supports ATX boards.

 

[FlamingFox]

It's an iCAN A2012 Mid Tower Gaming Case. I should also mention I have a Corsair CX430 PSU.

 

[clutchc]

It's an iCAN A2012 Mid Tower Gaming Case. I should also mention I have a Corsair CX430 PSU.

I've never heard of that case. But if it is a mid tower, it should handle ATX boards. If the back of the case has more than 5 expansion slots, it accepts ATX.

 

[FlamingFox]

It is a mid tower, so I am assuming it is ATX.