upgrading my amd cpu

[benhonda]

I have an emachine with a MCP61PM-GM mother board that has a AM3 socket and currently a Athlon 235e x2 cpu. I am wondering if I can upgrade to a Athlon II X4 630 Quad Core 2.8Ghz. I know the newer cpu will fit in the motherboard, but im sure there must be other factors and don't know them or how to find them.

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

See this thread: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/304745-28-mcp61pm-compatible-processors

 

[benhonda]

thread not much help, except for the last post that said he has the same board and was able to run the Athlon 640 quad core.
In comparing specs, I do notice my current cpu uses 45 watts and the 630 uses 95 watts. I have also already upgraded my graphics card to a GeForce GT 430...but if I upgrade the CPU I will get either the GT 740 or the GTX 480. Should I assume these 2 upgrades will require upgrading the PSU as well?

 

[Phillip Corcoran]

"Should I assume these 2 upgrades will require upgrading the PSU as well?"

Well since that depends on your current PSU specs (which you haven't posted) I can't answer that.

 

[benhonda]

been doing some searching and reading. I now know my MoBo is a limiting factor. I cant even try to overclock my current cpu because the options are locked out.
I was able to overclock my current video card. no huge gains tho.

Im still wanting to go with the Athlon quad core. what is a good, budget friendly MoBo that will work with the Athlon x4 630? And what is involved in swapping the MoBo (other than obvious plugs and connections)