New CPU time? (AM2+ upgrade)

[Rob_B]

So I'm currently running a X3 435 @ 3.3Ghz on an Asus M3N78-VM
I'd like the opportunity to unlock cores & get better OC options as this boards isn't exactly great. Onboard video or mATX is no longer a requirement as it was when I first purchased my current setup.


I'm torn between just buying a Phenom II (board takes upto a 140W so it says) and just overclocking it a bit

or

Getting an 'proper' AM3 board, a Phenom & of course I'd need DDR3


Of course the 2nd option is probably the best but also the most expensive, to be realisitic I barely even NEED a triple core @ 3.3Ghz never mind an overclocked Quad or Hex!

As mentioned I don't really need it, I'd like a Phenom for the L3 cache to help with gaming (so the 840 is out), I also do the odd bit of encoding and F@H but other than that it's basic use.
I'm tempted to just buy a Quad or Hex Phenom II & just pop it in for ease! The 965 or 970 black editions look tempting

So, any suggestions?

[Kumagoro]

Seeing as you say you dont really need to it seems somewhat pointless spending money on a new
mobo cpu and ram, surely it would be better to wait for bulldozer.

I think going with a black edition makes more sense.

[Behemoth]

You could always do what I did and grab a Phenom 2 X2 555 and an AM3 mobo and DDR3 and unlock that. All 4 cores on mine have unlocked and are prime 95 64 bit stable over 48 hours.

I know Nibbler said his core unlcoks have failed recently, but I think that was due to his over clocking it.

[Rob_B]

I would, and did think about it but it's not guaranteed and a Phenom X4 would be about £130ish (plus I sell my current one) rather than the loss I'd take by selling/CPU/mobo & RAM to replace them.

I'm torn, if I was going the whole hog I would probably buy an i5

[Ultima2876]

Totally wait for Bulldozer. You won't get anywhere near as significant of an upgrade, and if bulldozer comes out and is too expensive/underwhelming I guarantee prices will drop at least slightly

[Pob255]

I'd wait for bulldozer.

although there is a 3rd option, am3 motherboard and ddr3 memory and keep the current cpu.
However I seem to remember there's really very little difference.

[Domestic_Ginger]

I would only get a AM3+ board that is BD compatable.

If youu must spend some money then get some stupidly cheap DDR3 for now. MOBO on release; sell mobo and ram and then CPU. (these are my tictacs).

A 955 will be about 100 smackers. There is no point getting a 965/970 imo. I can not see so much improvement as an upgrade to BD though. A hexcore maybe might be an improvement for folding........