In my ongoing quest to keep my computer playing good games that are a year or two old, I’m finally running up against my old CPU and, consequently, my old motherboard. I’ve got:
It looks like most modern CPUs need at least an AM3+ socket. As near as I can tell, some motherboards with AM3 are forwards-compatible, but mine ain’t, which means I need to replace both board and CPU.
I’d like to be able to play games like Witcher 3, Subnautica, and XCom 2, as well as be able to not replace these components for several more years. I’d also really, really like to keep this purchase on the cheap side: if I go above $150 for both components, I’m going to start feeling the pinch.
(Edit: what prompted this is that Subnautica is slideshowing semiregularly, and crashes whenever I’m around too many manufactured items. I’m almost certain it’s my chip, since that’s the only thing that doesn’t meet minimum requirements, let alone recommended requirements)
Thanks, but a $191 chip is absolutely out of the question. Again, $150 for both components combined is really pushing it.
Edit: that said, your comment led me to research, and I found this article, which suggests that Intel chips are dollar-for-dollar better even on the low end, and also quieter (which is a real issue with my current setup). I’ll look to see if I can find a comparable microATX board and Intel chip.
FWIW, I just bought a GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card, which is ample for my needs. Am I right in thinking that graphics processing on the chip itself is totally redundant? (Several AMD chips mention this feature).
Ahh sorry, I read it as $300 max ($150 per component). the i3 6100 comes in at a little over $100. you might be able to swing a mobo with a combo deal at your local Microcenter or on newegg.
If you need lower than that I’d recommend you wait until you can swing the extra $25 or so.
at $50 after rebate, that’s $170; that’s a bit above what I was aiming for, but I can squeeze that in. I have no idea what to look for in a mobo, other than making sure it has the right socket. Does this look like a reasonable choice?
Biggest question is memory. If your current memory isn’t compatible with the board, you’ll need new memory as well. Upgrading a processor can be a pricy task just because it often includes a new motherboard and memory.
Edit: I see your old board is DDR3 where the new one is a more modern DDR4 so you won’t be reusing your old memory.
Looking around, it seems such boards are both rare and expensive :(. It’d be cheaper just to buy new memory.
Okay, I can find a single 8GB memory stick for $43. Is cheaping out on memory a terrible idea? Because now this upgrade is over $200, more than I was hoping to spend.
Also, do I need a new fan? And what is that stuff called that you use to conduct heat from the CPU to the fan?
This deal has memory, MOBO, and chip for $216. Might be worth doing.
Thermal compound. Your CPU will come with a cooler which will already have thermal compound pre-installed. Just remember to remove the protective covering. If you’re using your own - better - cooler then I recommend Arctic Silver 5. It’s not the very best, but it’s very good and it’s reasonably priced.