CPU upgrade?

[bjlockie]

I'm thinking of upgrading my CPU but I am unsure if my power supply will handle it.
I currently have an AMD X5 5000+ (2500MHz, 65watt) and my UPS says I'm using about 55%.
I want to put an AMD Phenom X4 (2500MHz, 125watt).
It is an old motherboard and the new CPU is close to the max that is supported.

I have an Antec EarthWatts 430.

 

[Zap]

I would be more concerned that your motherboard supported the higher wattage CPU than your PSU. The EarthWatts 430W would be fine.

 

[bjlockie]

That CPU is one the supported CPUs for that motherboard.
I've been looking around and the only CPUs seem to be OEM and I don't really want to buy a $30+ fan for it.
The highest 65watt is a Phenom 9350 but would the X4 @2000MHz be faster than my existing X2@2500MHz?

 

[fffblackmage]

The highest 65watt is a Phenom 9350 but would the X4 @2000MHz be faster than my existing X2@2500MHz?

That will depend on what you do.

Most games benefit more from higher clock speeds because they're simply not optimized for more than two cores.
Video encoding duties are better with more cores.

 

[bjlockie]

That will depend on what you do.

Most games benefit more from higher clock speeds because they're simply not optimized for more than two cores.
Video encoding duties are better with more cores.

Mostly everyday stuff.
I suspect I would notice the drop in speed.
Plus this computer is old and it aint broke, don't fix it. 🙂
My 8GB of DDR2 doesn't seem old enough to replace, maybe when DDR4 is common.