Help with AMD processors

[Traenan]

Alright, So I'm going to be upgrading my AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ processor. Only problem is, what the hell do I buy? Their specifications are screwing around with my head. What are these 'pins' for, do they decide if it goes with the motherboard or not? I know how to install computer parts easily, I just don't know much about AMD processors as the computer shop I worked for only dealt with Intel processors. How do I tell if something is dual core? Or what is better?

Is this one better or worse then the one I have, does Skt mean something?
AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3500+ 2.2GHz 939pin Skt CPU



Or would it be better to change my motherboard to a Intel and get a Intel chip?

[freeloader105]

Or would it be better to change my motherboard to a Intel and get a Intel chip?

This. I also had a Socket 939 system and this socket became dead over 2 years ago. There is nothing you can upgrade to for a reasonable cost. The top of the line dual cores for this socket (the FX-60 or the x2 4800) cost so much that it is cheaper and better to buy a new motherboard and cpu.

I went the Intel route (e8400 cpu + GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L motherboard), with the total costing me around $230, but I'm sure you could even find better deals. AMD is still the king of value. They even came out with a $99 Quad-Core. You have to consider your options carefully.

Unfortunately, it seems that any choice you make now may leave you outdated pretty soon. Intel is coming out with 32-nn (and a littler later - 22-nn) architecture. OK, but I've been in this situation before. Come to think of it, there is no perfect time to upgrade. ;)

[renegadeafk]

His X2 4200+ could be a 939 or AM2 we need to know which to see if you need a new mb or not

Download cpuz
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Open it and and you can see what socket you have:
http://imgur.com/AMJYD.png

If you are 939 you need a new mb for an upgrade, if you have am2 you have options. Also you can see what motherboard you have in the mainboard tab which is also helpful.

[Baron_Fel]

Upgrading wouldnt be ideal here, even if you have an AM2 board. How much are you willing to spend on a new mobo/CPU/RAM?

[Traenan]

Erm, Money isn't an issue, if an upgrade isn't optimal I'll just build a whole new machine which I was feeling reluctant towards.

[Baron_Fel]

Upgrading could be done (if you have an AM2 board), it would just be with old parts that arent worth the money.

[Pickanewnameplzkthx]

Erm, Money isn't an issue, if an upgrade isn't optimal I'll just build a whole new machine which I was feeling reluctant towards.

If money is no issue, I'd definitely say go with Intel and the higher performing stuff. There would be no reason not to. If it's time to upgrade and you wanna do a new build, then Intel is definitely the way to go.

Wdited Add: Also see my post here ---> http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showpost.php?p=11379750&postcount=8 that explains why.

[DarkWasp]

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=100&p2=102

I set it to compare an AMD Phenom II 965 BE and an i7 950

Scroll down to the bottom if you are mainly a gamer and don't do encoding/compiling type stuff. The performances are very close, the prices are not.

You can switch the CPUs or just look at all the CPUs together with this website. It's up to you what you want to get in the end.