Need advice for upgrading my dual core processor to a quad core (AMD only)

[Dodger]

Greetings Blockland forums, I am in need of some advice on the best upgrade to my computer's processing power. With Christmas and Birthday money coming in the next few months, I'll have the appropriate funds to acquire and install a better processing component.

My current processor is a AMD Phenom II X2 560 3.3hz Processor (No, I cannot get intel)

Current motherboard is a GA-870A-UD3 (Not sure if this needs an upgrade or not)

Budget can be ~ 200$, but I would like a good value. I don't demand the best performance, but I would like the run new games which highly recommend quad cores such as BF3 well.

[Ad Bot]

[Kalphiter]

I have to say, Gigabyte motherboards are a great choice.

[Marcem]

I have to say, Gigabyte motherboards are a great choice.

This.  The two boards I've owned were great.

[Mr.jacksaunt]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106011
It's totally overkill and probably won't work with your motherboard and psu considering you had a dual core but I'm just guessing.
and it might be a server hosting cpu because im just that dumb

[TheChaosCarrier]

good choice picking AMD.
let me look up stuff on tigerdirect and new egg and get back to you.

[Ben Grapevine]

good choice picking AMD.
let me look up stuff on tigerdirect and new egg and get back to you.

Don't listen to him

[TheChaosCarrier]

Don't listen to him

it's not like he has a choice of getting an Intel anyway, his motherboard isn't compatible with them.
i never said Intel was a bad choice either.
i was being half-sarcastic, too, so.

also:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
this one is rather affordable and a large step up from what you currently have.
it is compatible with your motherboard as well.

[Dodger]

Well, from the little I know, AMD is usually better for a budget, and has alright reliability, even if it doesn't have as good of a potential. I didn't have much choice when I had it constructed though.

[Ben Grapevine]

Well, from the little I know, AMD is usually better for a budget, and has alright reliability, even if it doesn't have as good of a potential. I didn't have much choice when I had it constructed though.

Intel has WAY better drivers.  This is coming from a dude that's owned both AMD and Intel.  With my AMD setup I could not enjoy half the games I owned because getting drivers was either hard or there weren't any.

[TheChaosCarrier]

here is also your motherboard specs to help you if you decide to do your own looking around:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3423#

and a list of compatible CPUs:
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3423

[Mr.jacksaunt]

Intel has WAY better drivers.  This is coming from a dude that's owned both AMD and Intel.  With my AMD setup I could not enjoy half the games I owned because getting drivers was either hard or there weren't any.

amd has terrible software stuff but that's no reason to barge into someone's topic. I myself cannot run any openGL applications on my discrete card because of amd but I still think they're a good choice

[TheChaosCarrier]

you also might need to buy thermal paste, i can't remember if the manufacturers sell the CPUs with it already applied.
correct me if I'm wrong.

[Dodger]

here is also your motherboard specs to help you if you decide to do your own looking around:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3423#

and a list of compatible CPUs:
http://www.gigabyte.com/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=3423

Thanks, I also realized I still have the packaging to it and saw it can support up to 6 core processors

I don't know about my PSU though, I don't want to open my comp, will have to consult the manufacturer.

Intel has WAY better drivers.  This is coming from a dude that's owned both AMD and Intel.  With my AMD setup I could not enjoy half the games I owned because getting drivers was either hard or there weren't any.

I haven't had any significant problems with drivers for my current 64-bit processor.

[TheChaosCarrier]

well depending on how old your system is, most PSUs are commonly 250-500W, which is perfect for that 125W quad-core I listed.

I would still make sure, however.
and yes, consult your manufacturer, but it is quicker if you open your case and take a quick look at your PSU.