If the last WCG challenge showed anything then it was that we need more cores/threads in the team.
There are two ways of achieving that.
- Blindy buying ever more CPUs, till the power company cuts you off due to unpaid bills.
- Buying CPUs that need just as much -or less- juice, but have more cores/threads.
The latter approach is of course the only sensible one. What can you do with your older mobos, per platform?
- AM2: Your socket supports at most dual-core Athlon 64 X2 CPUs. If you still are running with a single core, try to replace it with a dual core of the same -or less- tdp.
You must ask yourself if it is economically sustainable to run such an old board/CPU combination.- AM2+: Your socket supports at most quad-core Phenom X4 CPUs. If you still are running with a single-, dual- or triple core, try to replace it with a quad core of the same -or less- tdp.
Quad-core Phenom X4 CPUs are only offered 2nd hand, but for an AM2+ system they're a decent upgrade.- AM3: Your socket supports at most hexa-core Phenom II X6 CPUs. If you still are running with a single-, dual-, triple- or quad core, try to replace it with a hexa core of the same -or less- tdp.
Hexa-core Phenom II X6 CPUs are only offered 2nd hand, but for an AM3 system they're a decent upgrade.- AM3+: Your socket supports at most octo-core FX CPUs. If you still are running with a single-, dual-, triple-, quad- or hexa core core, try to replace it with a octo core of the same -or less- tdp.
THey are dumping their last FX-es, so be quick- FM1: Your socket supports at most quad-core A8-3870K CPUs. If you still are running with a dual- or triple core, try to replace it with a quad core Athlon or A8 of the same -or less- tdp.
An A8 has as advantage that it has a IGP running along too and it can be combined with cards up to HD7500.- FM2: Your socket supports at most quad-core A10-6800K CPUs. If you still are running with a dual core, try to replace it with a quad core Athlon or A10 of the same -or less- tdp.
An A10 has as advantage that it has a IGP running along too and it can be combined with cards up to HD7500.- AM1: Your socket supports at most quad-core Athlon CPUs. If you still are running with a dual core Sempron, try to replace it with a quad core Athlon of the same -or less- tdp.
The CPU to go for here is the Athlon 5370. When you are using an AMD onboard system with a single- or dual core CPU I can advice you to try and buy a 2nd hand AM1 system with an Athlon 5350 or 5370 as replacement.- FM2+: Your socket supports at most quad-core A10-8750 CPUs. If you still are running with a dual core, try to replace it with a quad core Athlon or A10 of the same -or less- tdp.
An A10 has as advantage that it has a IGP running along too and it can be combined with cards up to HD7500.
When I checked our local prices for new CPUs today, I saw that an AMD FX-8350 goes for just 73 Euro's. The 125Watt tdp is a bit of a worry though, running 24/7/365
If local prices around your residence at at the same level upgrading won't have to cost you an arm and a leg.
But keep in mind that a decent AM4 board can be bought for as little as $60, and that an up-to-date Ryzen 5 will give you 8 threads too...and a Ryzen 7 even 16!
