Hi, I'm looking for some advice on upgrading my Cpu.

I have an AMD Sempron 3600+ oc'd to 2300Mhz. I'm lookingto upgrade to dual core using the same motherboard I already have. It's a MSI-K9VGM ... MSI Computer Corp. - Product

On the motherboard's website it says the highest compatible Cpu it can take is the Athlon 64 X2 5200+. It's a socket AM2, however i'm wondering can my motherboard take either of these two processors, as they are also AM2?

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (3GHz) Socket AM2 L2 2MB (2 x 1MB) Cache OEM Processor - Ebuyer

AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 6400+ Socket AM2 Black Edition 3.20GHz Retail Boxed Processor Without Fan - Ebuyer

Thanks

Hi and welcome to PCHF!

You should be fine upgrading to either one as you said.


If you don't know how to do it, I would recommend having an expert doing it as your CPU is a VERY delicate and essential piece of your computer. You will need to make sure the heatsink and other components and materials are done exact or you will have overheating or other issues.

Otherwise, I would recommend the first one, the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+. My reasons for that are it is much cheaper and the more expensive one is only better by 200 MHz (.2 GHz) and that is not enough in my opinion. Also, from the more expensive one, it says "NOTE - This product is not supplied with a heatsink & fan." and that scares me. You would also need to find the right heatsink and fan for the CPU.

Hope this helps,
Adam

Thanks for the reply. I just found another link with a compatibitly page.. MSI -- MICRO-STAR INT'L CO., LTD.

Says I can only use 89W version of 6000+. On the 6000+ there is an 89W and 125W ...are these two completely different processors? Or can the 6000+ work at both settings?

If they are different, I can't find anywhere that sells an 89W version, all say 125W in spec. Would it just be easier to buy the 5600+ and oc to 6000+ speed?

Thanks again

I'm not sure to be honest. I have contacted the tech support team.. one of them will be with you shortly.

Sorry,
Adam

they are two completely different cpus. 125watt CPUs use the 90nm Windsor core, and the 89watt cpus use the 65nm Brisbane core. if i were you, i would go with the +5200 with the Brisbane core, and just overclock it. you save money because teh extra 400mhz between them is not worth the extra cost.