CPU for socket 939

[Renegade_09]

I have a old Compaq computer. It has a Sempron 3200+ in it right now and I want to upgrade the cpu to a dual core for my sister. The motherboard is a Asus A8N-LA NAGAMI2L socket 939. I'm looking to spend $30-40. What do you guys think about getting a used Athlon 64 x2 3800+ for $30 on ebay? I'm located in Canada and I've tried looking for one locally but I'm guessing these chips are hardly to find now.
I have a 450W BFG PSU powering two HD, DVD drive, and a Nvidia 8400GS video card.

 

[fralexandr]

should be good
you'll probably want to get a new cpu heatsink/fan since the athlon 64x2 has a tdp of 90w (the sempron is 62w and i'm not sure what the sempron's hsf is rated for)

i dunno how much space you have to work with though this should hopefully fit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835200014

 

[shortylickens]

Thats the last sckt 939 cpu I had, and it works great for games or whatever.
30 bucks is darn good, go for it.

Keep in mind you will eventually need to upgrade your motherboard and RAM and CPU to something newer, but for right now you're OK.

My mom has been using a 754 sempron for many years now. I thought I had a much newer 754 high-end Athlon and was going to upgrade her, but I never could find it.
This summer she's getting a new computer whether she likes it or not.

 

[Renegade_09]

Well it's for my sister so I think it's good enough for web browsing and playing movies. As for me I'm waiting for ivy bridge to come out.
Found a $6 socket 939 heatsink fan at my locally store. Going to have to double check if it will fit in the case without interfering with my other components.

Just wasn't sure buying from eBay was a good option. I'd rather get one locally but couldn't find any on craigslist.

 

[mfenn]

Make sure that the BIOS supports dual-core CPUs before you go out and buy one.

 

[KAZANI]

Well it's for my sister so I think it's good enough for web browsing and playing movies.

I have this CPU and it can't handle HD content. 720p may be playable but it will be pushing the TDP limits forcing the fan to spin at top speed. Let me tell you, that's going to be LOUD! 1080p is out of the question.

 

[Renegade_09]

I have this CPU and it can't handle HD content. 720p may be playable but it will be pushing the TDP limits forcing the fan to spin at top speed. Let me tell you, that's going to be LOUD! 1080p is out of the question.

That's disappointing to hear. Even a dual core can't play a 1080p movie. That just don't sound right because my single can play 720p but 1080p no way

 

[AE-Ruffy]

I've run 1080p on 3400+x2 back in the day. Not a smooth as current systems.

Just get a vid card that helps with the decoding.

 

[mfenn]

That's disappointing to hear. Even a dual core can't play a 1080p movie. That just don't sound right because my single can play 720p but 1080p no way

Dual-core by itself doesn't really have anything to do with it. What matters is how fast those cores are.

 

[OVerLoRDI]

I have this CPU and it can't handle HD content. 720p may be playable but it will be pushing the TDP limits forcing the fan to spin at top speed. Let me tell you, that's going to be LOUD! 1080p is out of the question.

I found this to be true as well. BUT I was able to get higher resolution media to play with a multi-core decoder. I remember using CoreAVC to get the job done.