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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photography Equipment => Computer Hardware => Topic started by: dnavarrojr on September 17, 2008, 07:40

Title: Need help with AMD processor info
Post by: dnavarrojr on September 17, 2008, 07:40

I recently bought a new motherboard and processor (AMD X2 4800+ 2.2 GHz CPU).

I got a really nice payout this month and I want to upgrade my processor to a Phenom (Quad Core).

However, I can't find any information on the difference between the 65W and 125W versions of the same CPU.  Other than the power consumption and heat generated.

Is the 65W more desirable because of lower power requirements and heat?  Is the 125W more powerful because it uses more power?

My current CPU is 65W, so I know my motherboard will work with either.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Title: Re: Need help with AMD processor info
Post by: Sid Icarus on January 13, 2009, 00:57

Hey there, I had previously done some research on a similar subject when outfitting my then gaming PC. When it comes to the difference in voltage, there really isnt any difference in performance. The 65w version obviously uses less power and runs much cooler. The power consumption is somewhat negligible  and unless you use the PC for solid gaming or it is in a very poorly ventilated area, the higher operating temp is a non-issue.

However the problem you are going to run into is motherboard compatibility. Seeing as how you PC most likely came equipped with a 4800+, you are going to have a AM2 motherboard.  While the AM2 chipset is technically capable of running a quad core phenom processor, the results are a mixed bag. In most cases, if your going to stick with the AM2 chipset, your better off going with a higher end Dual Core processor.

I would personally recommend a Athlon x2 6000+. Its cheap and ist performance gained would most likely be greater than dropping a phenom into your AM2 socket.  It's also what I originally used when I built my gaming PC last year. Although I dont really use it for gaming anymore, it is a multimedia monster.

Here on some links to help you out;

(deals with Phenom + AM2 chipset compatibly issues and fixes)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/phenom-motherboards,1749.html

(performance benchmarks comparing the less powerfull x2 5600+ to Phenom 9900+)
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/amd-phenom-athlon-64-x2,1746-11.html

(performance benchmarks, comparing the X2 6000+ to other processors including Intel chips)
http://xtreview.com/review177.htm