Which CPU to upgrade to?

[fields999]

Hey

Im looking to upgrade my cpu to a intel core 2 quad or possible an i7. Are there any good AMD equivalents that i should consider?

And where are some good places to buy the processors when ive decided which one to get, as i dont want a whole machine, just the cpu.

 

[Everlong]

Well you'd save money if you stayed with AMD as you wouldn't need to upgrade your motherboard.

An equivalent AMD processor would most likely be an AMD Phenom II x4 processor, so you could have a look at them.

www.scan.co.uk is a good place to buy PC parts or www.ebuyer.co.uk. I've bought a lot of stuff from these two places with no problems.

 

[fields999]

Ah ok il have a look at that one, but why wouldnt i need to upgrade my motherboard with a AMD one and i would with an Intel?

 

[Everlong]

Because the motherboard you currently have is a socket AM2+, and there's two versions of the Phenom II; an AM2+ socket and an AM3 socket one.

You could upgrade your motherboard if you want to, but if you do stick with AMD it wouldn't be a necessity to upgrade like it would if you wanted to use an Intel.

 

[AstaLaVista]

Aside from having to change mobos, if you go with the new i7 CPUs you would also have to spruce for new DDR3 Ram so, if you only want to upgrade the CPU, stick with AMD but, as everlong stated... make sure you buy the same SOCKET CPU that you have now.

 

[merkat106]

Always consider the processor you want then worry about getting a mobo with the correct socket. What you want the computer to do, & what kind of apps or games you have should determine the CPU to upgrade to. Both AMD & Intel make good processors. Search for benchmark ratings on Google for performance comparisons.