Which CPU or APU?

[K3v1n]

Ok, so I am going to upgrade from my Phenom II x2 which I have unlocked to a X4 @3.6-3.8 Ghz...
Should I go for the AMD A8-3870K to pair with my HD 5770 or get a Phenom II X6 1090T? I am getting a new motherboard either way and I do overclock a good bit so what would be better? I am mainly gaming but I use my PC also for my work..which is photography


Please do not suggest Intel...i realize the are better right now, but I am a AMD fanboy lol

 

[wr6133]

The X6 is spending more than you need for gaming. If you really want to upgrade get a X4 960T (it may unlock to an X6 1605T) or a 965BE or 980BE but really you will OC to 4GHZ on any of them which seems slim improvement on what you have now.

Personally wouldnt even consider Llano for gaming and also the FM1 socket will be replaced soon.

Why not get another GPU and Crossfire? That would be a more logical upgrade for you.

*edit to add* or just upgrade to a newer single card GPU

 

[K3v1n]

I like the idea of the X4 960T, I just am trying to think ahead as i am going to college this year for computer programming/engineering and I want a good PC. The main reason for the CPU upgrade is one of the cores in my X2 is unstable and my motherboard is fried so i thought I'd get both replaced

 

[wr6133]

Whats your budget? The set up in my signature is pretty cost effective if you want the Phenom II route. The mobo is good and supports unlocking if the CPU allows it. I think both can be had in the UK now for around £180 and in the US for about $230-ish

 

[wr6133]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995
AMD Phenom II X4 960T

$124.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128510
GIGABYTE GA-990XA-UD3 AM3+

$129.99

Total $254... theres a mail in rebate to make it $244

or if lower budget this mobo

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131795
ASUS M5A78L-M LX PLUS AM3+

$59.99

Less features on the Mobo but makes the total $185

 

[K3v1n]

Im trying to keep tha CPU and Mobo under 300, so I can get a second 5770 for crossfire. I have been looking at both of those but I may get this:

ASUS M5A97 AMD 9 Series AM3+

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=779339&CatId=7248

 

[truegenius]

for gaming, you need a new gpu
for general use, 960t is very cost effective if unlocked.
A8 is less powerfull than phenom2 x4@3.6ghz.

 

[K3v1n]

Nevermind on that mobo...just realized it wont work with my PSU and the second x16 is in x4 mode

 

[K3v1n]

I think I will be getting the 960t and that Gigabyte mobo
then in a month or two a second 5770