Upgrading CPU [ Edited ]

[feng]

Hi. 2years ago, I bought a HP pavilion P6211f Desktop. Today, I decided that I will replace my CPU because it was damaged. Before I get a new cpu, I need to know what socket is my motherboard. At the moment, I have an AMD athlon II x4 620(AM3). The post on the HP site is REALLY confusing. It said it's socket is AM2 on the spec page. But on the general spec page, it said it's a AM2+ socket. I really want to know if my motherboard's socket is either an AM2 or an AM2+. I'm planning to get an AMD phenom II x4 955(NON-BE 95watts) or maybe AMD phenom II x4 945. Any advice or support would be helpful.

EDIT: I forgot to tell you guys. My motherboard is M2N-78LA(violet)

[hapkiman]

You have a AM2+ mainboard as listed here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01892905&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=4041202#N19...

This is the main difference between AM2 and AM2+.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_AM2+

This will be the top CPU for your motherboard:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103280&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&PageSize=1...

It's an old CPU and may be difficult to find.  Good luck.

[feng]

Thanks for the info. Seems like I can upgrade to a phenom ii 945 since AMD cpu's can go backwards. The cpu link that you sent me is very old. Too bad it's out of stock. Should I risk buying phenom II 945? Of course I know it works but I hope it doesn't get fried like my athlon II x3 did.

[wgd]

I have the same motherboard in my p6320y. I bought the amd "975" which was rated 125 watts. I found out after I bought it that the board only supports 95 watt processors. I'mI stuck with the processor...be careful!

[feng]

Oh, Which processor do you have? I might aswell get the same one as you..

[wgd]

No, don't do that. The one I bought would not work with my MB. According to your post you have the same board as I do. If that is correct the processor won't work. Our boards (assuming it IS the same board) won't support a 125 watt processor. Here's what happened. I checked the spec sheet for my board and it stated I could use an AM3 processor. It says nothing about the wattage of the processor, though. I installed the processor and, to make a long story short, had a hard time getting the computer to boot up. After a while it did boot up.  posted this on the forum and one of the guys who knows a lot more then said the processor I installed needed 125 watts to operate properlly. Maybe one of the experts can explain better then me. As you can see I messed up by not researching more, but I assumed (I know) all the info I needed was on the spec sheet. Like I said I'm stuck with the wrong processor because it is non refundable.

[feng]

The one im getting is a phenom ii 955 rev:c3.(95watts) according to newegg's info. Its the fastest 95watt phenom ii cpu there is on the market. Im just worry that it might not support my motherboard. I dont plan to overclock it or anything. The 955 is not a black edition too. Im just trying to make sure if this cpu works on my motherboard. If this does not work, ill go for the 945.any more advice would be helpful.

[feng]

Wait, 1more question. If my motherboard supports athlon II x4, then it should support phenom II x4 (95Watts) right?

[wgd]

I don't know a heck of a lot about this but the spec sheet on HP web site should tell you what socket, and all that stuff you need to know. But it doesn't mention the wattage of the processor. Or at least I didn't see it anywhere. I'm sure that somewhere there is info about the wattage requirements of the motherboard. I believe you have the same one I do and I was told it was 95 watts.