- Joined
- Dec 14, 2010
So, I was recently asked by a relative whether it would be worthwhile to upgrade their CPU or CPU+motherboard, as their system was built about 6 years ago. They have a tendency to keep their PC for quite a while, last PC was used for around 7-8 years before upgrading in 2010 to the current system.
They don't do any gaming, and aren't a power-user, so no real heavy usage. Mainly internet surfing, sending and receiving emails, and some light video editing now and then (but are looking at getting more into that this year probably). The main reason they asked is they were uncertain whether their current CPU would be sufficient for their video editing. They're somewhat of a die-hard AMD fan, so Intel isn't really an option.
They're skeptical about overclocking, or afraid of killing their system by doing it, so that's not really an option. Plus their case airflow is terrible, so overheating would be pretty likely. And overclocking with a stock heat sink isn't a great idea to begin with, as Phenom II's put out quite a bit of heat when overclocked.
Current system:
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 965 (stock 3.4GHz with stock cooler)
Motherboard: Asus M4A89GTD Pro/USB3.0
RAM: 2x4GB G.Skill Ripjaws 1600MHz
PSU: Ultra X4 750W
Case: Some POS XION AXP600 case with abysmal airflow
HDD: WD 320GB Caviar Blue
I'm uncertain whether upgrading to something like a Phenom II x6 1055T, 1075T, 1090T, or 1100T would increase the longevity of the system or increase performance. Or if I should try to source a higher speed Phenom II x4, like a 975 or 980. Or if upgrading to AM3+ with something like an FX-6300, FX-6350, or FX-8350 would be a better idea.
Or would waiting for Zen to drop be a better idea? I hear the current rumor is that it's slated to release somewhere around October-ish, of course that's just a rumor though, so it might be as late as next Spring.
They don't do any gaming, and aren't a power-user, so no real heavy usage. Mainly internet surfing, sending and receiving emails, and some light video editing now and then (but are looking at getting more into that this year probably). The main reason they asked is they were uncertain whether their current CPU would be sufficient for their video editing. They're somewhat of a die-hard AMD fan, so Intel isn't really an option.
They're skeptical about overclocking, or afraid of killing their system by doing it, so that's not really an option. Plus their case airflow is terrible, so overheating would be pretty likely. And overclocking with a stock heat sink isn't a great idea to begin with, as Phenom II's put out quite a bit of heat when overclocked.
Current system:
CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 965 (stock 3.4GHz with stock cooler)
Motherboard: Asus M4A89GTD Pro/USB3.0
RAM: 2x4GB G.Skill Ripjaws 1600MHz
PSU: Ultra X4 750W
Case: Some POS XION AXP600 case with abysmal airflow
HDD: WD 320GB Caviar Blue
I'm uncertain whether upgrading to something like a Phenom II x6 1055T, 1075T, 1090T, or 1100T would increase the longevity of the system or increase performance. Or if I should try to source a higher speed Phenom II x4, like a 975 or 980. Or if upgrading to AM3+ with something like an FX-6300, FX-6350, or FX-8350 would be a better idea.
Or would waiting for Zen to drop be a better idea? I hear the current rumor is that it's slated to release somewhere around October-ish, of course that's just a rumor though, so it might be as late as next Spring.
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