Upgrade my processor

[Mom3W]

I want to upgrade my processor. i have read and seen a lot of suggestions of what will and won't work. I belive I can can get an AMD Phenom II x4 or AMD Phenom II x6 and it has to be 95 watts. There are so many versions. I just want the most recent and best option for me.

[TheOldMan · Accepted solution]

Here is the support page for that PC

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02628380

Since you mention the MD Phenom II x6, I assume you have seen the recommended CPU upgrades.  Since you already have an Athlon X4 640, the AMD Phenom II X4 will not be a noticeable upgrade.  That leaves the AMD Phenom II X6 10xxT Six-Core (Thuban core) line.  Since it needs to be a 95w CPU, that leaves only a few that would offer a better enjoyment.  The only benefit would be 6 cores vs 4 cores.  Depending on what the PC is used for, I doubt very seriously that much of a realized/noticeable change, especially on a 8 year old PC.

[Mom3W]

Thank you. I know the computer is an older model but it was given to me free. I do not have any problems with it. It's not slow or anything. It even works better than my laptop that stop working that only a few years old. I'm only needing to upgrade the processor for my job. They require my computer to have at least an AMD Phenom II x2, so I wanted to get the lastest processor/best option for my comouter. I'm not a gamer or anything so I'm not looking for anything that's made for that. I actually enjoy my computer.

[TheOldMan]

Well, it should not be too troublesome to change the CPU.  I would go for one of the AMD Phenom II X4 9xx/9xxe/8xx Quad-Core (Deneb core).  I would stay away from any "Black Edition" CPU's just because they are slightly different.  I had an older HP that would not accept black edition CPU's, so just a caution.

Here is an EBay listing for a AMD Phenom II X4 945

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMD-Phenom-II-X4-945-HDX945WFK4DGM-3-0-GHz-quad-core-socket-AM3-CPU-Deneb-9...

You should be able to use the same cooler as the present Athlon X4 640, just clean the AMD Phenom II X4 945 surface and the cooler surface, then add new thermal paste before putting the cooler back in place.  I doubt there will be any noticeable difference in performance but it will comply with the requirements.

[Mom3W]

Thank you very much! I just ordered that processor. Your advice has been greatly appreciated!