Can I get some help with my potential new mobo and cpu?

Discussion in 'Building a new PC' started by joshoojbd, Jan 18, 2009.

  1. joshoojbd

    joshoojbd Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    I am looking to upgrade to a AMD Phenom 9950 BLACK EDITION and a MSI K9A2 Platinum AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard. I think this should be a nice fit from what I have read on the AMD site. Is this a good match? Also is this quad-core setup a good way to go or am I going to be sorry in 6 months? I have a MSI K9N Platinum Mobo and Amd x2 4600+ now. I don't want to spend more than about $300-$400 total for all of this and this is the best setup I came up with. Thanks for the help.
     
    joshoojbd, Jan 18, 2009
    #1
  2. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2004
    Messages:
    33,335
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    118
    If you're upgrading your motherboard, there's no need to go with a crappy CPU like the 9950. Either use a Phenom II 940, or preferably, use a Intel Core 2 Quad. With either you can keep your DDR2 memory. If you must use AM2+, use a Gigabyte GA-MA790GP-DS4H:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128352
    If you want to use Intel, which I would recommend, then use a Gigabyte EP45-UD3R:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359
    and as good a Quad core as you can afford/need:
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017 - similar to the Phenom 9950.
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115131 - 20% better
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041 - 10-15% better again


    Quad core processors (especially AMDs) use a lot more power than dual cores, even inefficient ones like the X2s. What power supply do you have?
     
    sammorris, Jan 18, 2009
    #2
  3. joshoojbd

    joshoojbd Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    I am looking to probably go with the Q6600. I did have a question. It says it has the following L1 cache. How does that work with only having 2 sets of memory for it and having the CPU be a quad-core?
    L1 Cache 128KB+128KB

    I have a 24 pin 485 watt enermax noise taker. Is this going to be compatible with the new components. How would I know whether or not they were.
     
    joshoojbd, Jan 18, 2009
    #3
  4. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2004
    Messages:
    33,335
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    118
    Depends what graphics card you use. If it's a fairly lightweight one then it'll be alright, but a high powered card may stress that unit as Enermax aren't one of the best brands for long term reliability under heavy loads.
    I wouldn't worry about the L1 cache on the Q6600, suffice to say it's a decent enough processor.
     
    sammorris, Jan 18, 2009
    #4
  5. joshoojbd

    joshoojbd Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    I also have a Nvidia 8800GT.
     
    joshoojbd, Jan 18, 2009
    #5
  6. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2004
    Messages:
    33,335
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    118
    You should be fine as long as you use the Core 2 Quad, the Phenom could have posed a problem.
     
    sammorris, Jan 18, 2009
    #6
  7. joshoojbd

    joshoojbd Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2007
    Messages:
    6
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    11
    So then what is a good brand of power supply. Something that will work well that is still not horribly expensive.
     
    joshoojbd, Jan 19, 2009
    #7
  8. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2004
    Messages:
    33,335
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    118
    A Corsair VX 450W will easily handle a Core 2 Quad and 8800GT.
     
    sammorris, Jan 19, 2009
    #8

Share This Page