# Time for a mobo/CPU upgrade--thoughts? **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [December 26, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623 "2016-12-26T00:32:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/1 "2016-12-26T00:32:28Z")
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: [GIGABYTE GA-MA78LMT-S2 AM3 AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128455) [Athlon II X4 Quad core 3.0 Ghz processor](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871) 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. Do folks have recommendations? I’m wondering if [AMD FX-6300 Vishera 6-Core 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=19-113-286) for my chip and [MSI 760GMA-P34 (FX) AM3+ AMD 760G SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130722) would be reasonable, but I really don’t know how to choose. Also, do I need to buy anything else–a different fan, some conductive gel (whatever it’s called), anything else? (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) ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/2 "2016-12-26T01:45:24Z")
I’d stay clear of AMD if future proofing is your goal. Go for the i5 6500 $191 and the least expensive mobo with the features you need. ---
**Author:** ![Sicks\_Ate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/3 "2016-12-26T01:49:43Z")
Illbedamned. I was thinking about posting a thread along these lines, since I am running a similar machine and want to play Dishonored 2. So, tagging along for the ride. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/4 "2016-12-26T02:00:34Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > I’d stay clear of AMD if future proofing is your goal. > > Go for the i5 6500 $191 and the least expensive mobo with the features you need. 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](http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/here-we-explain-the-basic-differences-between-intel-and-amd-cpus/), 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. ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/5 "2016-12-26T02:07:16Z")
A g3258 intel chip can do some mind blowing things when overclocked. Check out the reviews. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/6 "2016-12-26T02:13:59Z")
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). ---
**Author:** ![Telperion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telperion/32/509_2.png) [@Telperion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telperion)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/7 "2016-12-26T02:47:39Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > 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). Yeah. On-chip graphics can replace an entry-level GPU, but a GTX 1060 blows them way out of the water. ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/8 "2016-12-26T03:02:00Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > 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](http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/here-we-explain-the-basic-differences-between-intel-and-amd-cpus/), 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. 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. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/9 "2016-12-26T08:32:18Z")
AMD are supposed to be releasing their new Ryzen CPU shortly. That should lead to Intel price cuts. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/10 "2016-12-26T14:46:09Z")
> [@Kinthalis](#): > > 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. Hmm…that’s $120. With a: [MSI H110M Gaming LGA 1151 Intel H110 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard](https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130918), 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? ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/11 "2016-12-26T15:15:18Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/12 "2016-12-26T15:27:12Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > 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. Dangit. I bought new memory just last June, but it was DDR3. Is there no motherboard that takes both kinds? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/13 "2016-12-26T15:38:03Z")
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](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820313510&ignorebbr=1) 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](https://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.3068527) has memory, MOBO, and chip for $216. Might be worth doing. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/14 "2016-12-26T16:00:48Z")
> [@Jophiel](#): > > 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. Motherboards using the H170 and B150 chipsets can use DDR3 RAM. [ul] [li] 1 x [Asus H170 Plus D3 Intel H170 (Socket 1151) DDR3 ATX Motherboard](https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus-h170-plus-d3-intel-h170-socket-1151-ddr3-atx-motherboard-mb-660-as.html)[/li][li] 1 x [Asus B150M-A D3 Intel B150 (Socket 1151) DDR3 Micro ATX Motherboard](https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus-b150m-a-d3-intel-b150-socket-1151-ddr3-micro-atx-motherboard-mb-661-as.html)[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/15 "2016-12-26T16:13:02Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Motherboards using the H170 and B150 chipsets can use DDR3 RAM. > > [ul] > [li] 1 x [Asus H170 Plus D3 Intel H170 (Socket 1151) DDR3 ATX Motherboard](https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus-h170-plus-d3-intel-h170-socket-1151-ddr3-atx-motherboard-mb-660-as.html)[/li][li] 1 x [Asus B150M-A D3 Intel B150 (Socket 1151) DDR3 Micro ATX Motherboard](https://www.overclockers.co.uk/asus-b150m-a-d3-intel-b150-socket-1151-ddr3-micro-atx-motherboard-mb-661-as.html)[/li][/ul] Cool–thanks! So, new thought: [ASUS B150M-A D3 LGA 1151 Intel B150 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard](https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132582&cm_re=B150M-A_D3_Intel_B150_%28Socket_1151%29_DDR3_Micro_ATX_Motherboard-_-13-132-582-_-Product), at $40 after rebate [i3 6100 CPU](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=2MN-0004-00002&cm_re=i3_6100-_-2MN-0004-00002-_-Product), at $120. Keeps my old memory, but means I can’t upgrade to DDR4. My current is DDR3 1600; the cheap DDR4 that I’m looking at is 2133. The $60 savings I get with this bundle over the $220 is pretty significant for me. Are there any major red flags in it? ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/16 "2016-12-26T17:01:03Z")
How much RAM do you currently have? I would not recommend less than 8 GB RAM for a gaming PC these days. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/17 "2016-12-26T17:02:44Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > How much RAM do you currently have? I would not recommend less than 8 GB RAM for a gaming PC these days. I have 8. What’s that silver paste I need called? ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/18 "2016-12-26T17:07:34Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > I have 8. Then you’re good. > [@](#): > > What’s that silver paste I need called? 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. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2016, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/19 "2016-12-26T20:12:37Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > [ASUS B150M-A D3 LGA 1151 Intel B150 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard](https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132582&cm_re=B150M-A_D3_Intel_B150_%28Socket_1151%29_DDR3_Micro_ATX_Motherboard-_-13-132-582-_-Product), at $40 after rebate > [i3 6100 CPU](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=2MN-0004-00002&cm_re=i3_6100-_-2MN-0004-00002-_-Product), at $120. Order placed. Thanks, all–I owe y’all a beer! ---
**Author:** ![Kinthalis](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kinthalis/32/16084_2.png) [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2016, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623/20 "2016-12-27T00:49:42Z")
Forgot to check in again, but great recommendations. Enjoy your new PC! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-a-mobo-cpu-upgrade-thoughts/775623.md?page=2)