Want to change my processor - MXO Forum Archive

Now before I continue please do not laugh at what I use. Yes yes it is prehistoric, I know, but I can't get a new PC yet as my GF won't let me!

So heres my question I want to swap from this:

Product Description

AMD Athlon XP 2000+ 1.67 GHz processor

Product Type

Processor

Processor Type

AMD Athlon XP 2000+

Processor Socket

Socket A

Processor Qty

Clock Speed

1.67 GHz

Bus Speed

266 MHz

Cache Memory

L2 Pipeline Burst - 256 KB

Features

3DNow! Professional technology, MMX instructions set

Compatible Slots

1 x processor - Socket A

To this:

Product Description

AMD Sempron 2600+ 1.83 GHz processor

Product Type

Processor

Processor Type

AMD Sempron 2600+

Processor Model

Model 8

Processor Socket

Socket A

Processor Qty

Clock Speed

1.83 GHz

Bus Speed

333 MHz

Cache Memory

L2 256 KB

Features

3DNow! Professional technology

Compatible Slots

1 x processor - Socket A

I admit I know very little about computers, but I do know that I need something that will help just even by a little bit. I don't know whats important when it comes to smoother gamplay, but all I do know is I need something extra.

Hi sean.kelly,

When it comes to the processors that you have mentioned, phi is right on the money. AMD has included heat-protection (auto-clock-stepping and shutdown) to the FX and Athlon64 line of processors, but it was not present on the Athlon XP chips. The Sempron chip is just an Athlon chip, though I believe the newer ones are made on a reduced die size.

I would follow phi's advice about memory and graphics card upgrades, as your CPU is probably not 'pegged' in most instances yet. When you are ready to upgrade your peocessor, you may want to upgrade your motherboard and CPU at the same time to get a real benefit from newer technologies. The AM2-socket CPUs no longer have an on-board memory controller, so you'll be able to get DDR2 or DDR3 memory, depending on the motherboard's own memory controller.