Should I upgrade?

[astrofighter122]

Hey guys, I currently have an AMD Athlon X4 640 and I would like to upgrade to an AMD FX-8320E. Is it worth it for me to upgrade the CPU? I would like to play the most current games on moderate settings that would get me stable frames. Also, keep in mind I am a budget gamer.

 

[Thelps]

There are a large number of factors to consider.

First of all is your Motherboard compatible with the new CPU ( AM3+ Socket )? From my research the Athlon X4 640 is a Socket AM3 board. It won't accomodate the CPU you're considering.

The Motherboard is nearly always the limiting factor in deciding whether to upgrade or save for an entirely new rig. I'd recommend the latter in your case.

 

[astrofighter122]

There are a large number of factors to consider.

First of all is your Motherboard compatible with the new CPU ( AM3+ Socket )? From my research the Athlon X4 640 is a Socket AM3 board. It won't accomodate the CPU you're considering.

The Motherboard is nearly always the limiting factor in deciding whether to upgrade or save for an entirely new rig. I'd recommend the latter in your case.

I'm also getting this motherboard: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0444287

 

[Ecky]

If you're getting a new motherboard, I would not buy an AMD CPU. They often make sense as a drop-in upgrade, but the performance is generally pretty poor compared with similarly-priced Intel choices.

That is, unless you're getting the board free in a bundle - Microcenter has those occasionally.

 

[astrofighter122]

If you're getting a new motherboard, I would not buy an AMD CPU. They often make sense as a drop-in upgrade, but the performance is generally pretty poor compared with similarly-priced Intel choices.

That is, unless you're getting the board free in a bundle - Microcenter has those occasionally.

Yeah, it's in a bundle, but are there any good Intel bundles as well around the same price?

 

[Ecky]

Microcenter has a really hard time selling AMD CPUs (everyone does, really) which is why they often give motherboards away for free. With a free board, an 8320e really isn't a bad deal. It's about as fast as a Core i3 in gaming, and pulls ahead in tasks like video editing. The downside is that it produces a ton of heat and draws a lot of power, which may drive up your costs if you feel you want an aftermarket cooler. With a free motherboard though, it comes out cheaper than an i3, and again, is faster in certain things.

What's the total cost of your bundle?

 

[Rogue Leader]

The whole deal is like $120 right? Yeah if you're a gamer on a budget its worth it. Generally I recommend against AMD FX these days since its kind of dead technology, but for $120 for a motherboard and CPU, that will keep up with todays games for the most part, you can't beat that.

 

[astrofighter122]

Microcenter has a really hard time selling AMD CPUs (everyone does, really) which is why they often give motherboards away for free. With a free board, an 8320e really isn't a bad deal. It's about as fast as a Core i3 in gaming, and pulls ahead in tasks like video editing. The downside is that it produces a ton of heat and draws a lot of power, which may drive up your costs if you feel you want an aftermarket cooler. With a free motherboard though, it comes out cheaper than an i3, and again, is faster in certain things.

What's the total cost of your bundle?

I'm also getting an EVGA 500B PSU and a Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case. This is because HP happens to place motherboards on the left side of the case, and I need a case that can actually put mobos on the right. The total cost will be $226.42.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Microcenter has a really hard time selling AMD CPUs (everyone does, really) which is why they often give motherboards away for free. With a free board, an 8320e really isn't a bad deal. It's about as fast as a Core i3 in gaming, and pulls ahead in tasks like video editing. The downside is that it produces a ton of heat and draws a lot of power, which may drive up your costs if you feel you want an aftermarket cooler. With a free motherboard though, it comes out cheaper than an i3, and again, is faster in certain things.

What's the total cost of your bundle?

I'm also getting an EVGA 500B PSU and a Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case. This is because HP happens to place motherboards on the left side of the case, and I need a case that can actually put mobos on the right. The total cost will be $226.42.

Correct thats called a BTX motherboard, and they haven't made aftermarket ones for about 4 or 5 years.

Sounds like a decent budget combination.

 

[Thelps]

-deleted-

 

[astrofighter122]

Microcenter has a really hard time selling AMD CPUs (everyone does, really) which is why they often give motherboards away for free. With a free board, an 8320e really isn't a bad deal. It's about as fast as a Core i3 in gaming, and pulls ahead in tasks like video editing. The downside is that it produces a ton of heat and draws a lot of power, which may drive up your costs if you feel you want an aftermarket cooler. With a free motherboard though, it comes out cheaper than an i3, and again, is faster in certain things.

What's the total cost of your bundle?

I'm also getting an EVGA 500B PSU and a Thermaltake V3 Black Edition Case. This is because HP happens to place motherboards on the left side of the case, and I need a case that can actually put mobos on the right. The total cost will be $226.42.

Correct thats called a BTX motherboard, and they haven't made aftermarket ones for about 4 or 5 years.

Sounds like a decent budget combination.

I happened to have this computer for 5 years.

 

[astrofighter122]

Microcenter has a really hard time selling AMD CPUs (everyone does, really) which is why they often give motherboards away for free. With a free board, an 8320e really isn't a bad deal. It's about as fast as a Core i3 in gaming, and pulls ahead in tasks like video editing. The downside is that it produces a ton of heat and draws a lot of power, which may drive up your costs if you feel you want an aftermarket cooler. With a free motherboard though, it comes out cheaper than an i3, and again, is faster in certain things.

What's the total cost of your bundle?

Would the CPU come with its own thermal paste?

 

[Ecky]

It should. I haven't bought a retail AMD CPU in a very long time, but retail heatsinks should come with some sort of thermal compound pre-applied to the bottom.

 

[Rogue Leader]

Yes the factory heatsink has thermal paste already applied