CPU watt(s) question ???

[petepav@yahoo.com]

How does the CPU watt rating effect the system? I'm upgrading from a low watt 45w single core CPU to a newer dual core 95w CPU. Do I have to change/upgrade the power supply?

Also are AM2 and AM2+ the same?

Is an AM2+ CPU compatible with an AM2 motherboard?

Pete

[smack323]

it depends on your current power supply. my gut feeling is if your only increasing that small amount you most likely wont need to upgrade the power suppy. Also look up your model number for the mother board to find out if it supprts the AM2+ processor. Most will support both but it doesnt hurt to check and be safe.

[brohandy]

Do the watts of the power supply only matter for the processor, or does it all have to be the same? What're the perimeters for that type of thing? Like is there a range of 80-120 watts, then 120-150 watts or something?

[DragonFury]

if lets say your system is only using 300 Watts of power and you are running a 600+ wattage PSU, then no you wouldn't need to change the PSU. if your current system using 300 watts and you are using a 400 WATT PSU then yes it would need to be. Or if the PSU is of a low quality no name brand, then i would recommend a PSU change out.