Looking for a new processor, help please.

My computer's been making some funky noises lately while running The Sims 3 and I've looked at the CPU usage during the running and it's been shooting up along with my Memory usage. The noise is like a fan is running on full blast. When this happened with my last computer almost 3 years ago it started to give me the blue screen of death alot and I ended up having to get another computer. So because it's been happening lately, I've been looking at new processors. Now, I'm not very hardware savvy, I'm more software savvy, so please forgive me if things confuse me and are needed to be explained more than once; But I found this AMD processor on Ebay and figured I'd get your thoughts on it first. I won't have the money to buy anything until January, but I'd like to go ahead and start looking for one that will run all TS3 expansions and stuffs along with WoW and all it's.. expansions. Here's what I found.

Item specifics
Condition:
New: A brand-new, unused, unopened, undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is ... Read more
Processor Manufacturer: AMD
Number of Cores: Eight Core Clock Speed: 3.6 GHz
MPN: FD8150FRGUBOX Socket Type: AM3+
UPC: 0730143300902
Detailed item info
Description
The AMD FX core processor is a powerful system booster for any PC with an advanced motherboard. This AMD FX 8150 processor boasts turbo CORE technology that can maximize the device’s speeds for overclocking needs. Ideal for graphic-heavy games, video editing, and 3D modeling, the 3.6 GHz octocore processor keeps even the most resource-intensive programs running quickly and smoothly. For basic usage, such as Internet browsing or Skype chatting, this AMD FX core processor provides ultra-fast load times and zero lag, eliminating the frustration of unnecessary waiting. The simple-to-install AMD FX 8150 processor also has a built-in, unique HyperTransport feature that assists in full duplex transfer of data. Compete with a 125-watt thermal design power CPU, this 3.6 GHz octocore processor can self-regulate temperature and enhance efficiency during tasks like audio streaming that require higher performance. The AMD FX core processor is an appropriate solution for any user who needs to multitask different quality programs while maintaining a quick, error-free system that is able to handle the stress of complex games or software.

Product Identifiers
Brand AMD
Processor Model FX 8150
MPN FD8150FRGUBOX
UPC 0730143300902

Key Features
Clock Speed 3.6 GHz
CPU Socket Type AM3+
Multi-Core Technology Eight Core
TDP 125 W
Processor Quantity 1
Product Type Processor

Cache Memory
Level 1 Size 48 KB
Installed Size L3 8 MB

Expansion / Connectivity
Compatible Slots 1 x processor - Socket AM3

Other Features
Bus Speed FSB Speed - 5200 MHz
Manufacturing Process 32 nm
64-bit Computing Yes
Architecture Features PowerNow! technology, HyperTransport technology, integrated memory controller, AMD Virtualization, AMD Turbo CORE technology
Platform Compatibility PC

Miscellaneous
Package Type AMD Processor in a Box (PIB)


Also, here's one of the reviews that someone had posted about it. I need help understanding this..

"Bulldozer FX-8150 Best processor ever....or seriously lacking...??" by: 9098e81790ee3da9c342e91c58452bb61102589538 ( 0 )
AMD's FX-8150 is the first processor we've seen that uses the new Bulldozer core - the first all-new AMD core since 2007's K10. This top-of-the-range model has a whopping eight cores running at 3.6GHz, and can boost up to 4.2GHz in Turbo mode when lightly-threaded applications aren’t using all the cores.

Like AMD's Llano processors, you'll need a new motherboard to use a Bulldozer chip - it requires a Socket AM3+ motherboard with an AMD 990FX chipset. The cheapest board currently available is Gigabyte's £115 GA-990FXA-UD3, but prices should come down as more boards are launched.

I'm not sure where to find my computer's current info on a Windows 7, but here's what I found. Maybe it'll help enlighten what I have.

Windows 7 Home Premium
Copyright 2009
Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard Company
Model: HPE-400f
Rating: 5.0 Windows Experience Index
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II x4 945 Processor 3.00 GHz
Installed Memory (RAM): 8.00 GB
System type: 64-bit Operating System
Pen and Touch: No Pen or Touch Input is available for this Display
Windows activated
Product ID: 00359-OEM-8992687-00010
ATI Radeon HD 5450 graphics card with 512 MB DDR3 dedicated graphics memory
1 TB hard drive

Ah, yes. I've seen that picture before.. two years ago when my last computer was opened up I'm just too afraid to clean it out because of touching or having the dirt and debris touch something that's never meant to be touched.

What AMD type processor would you recommend me get if the 8-core is too much power? Plus, if it's going to take replacing the motherboard, it's probably not worth it since I don't have enough to do that. Would getting an updated quad-core be ok and would it have any effect at all?

Ohh, alright Thank you

And, I ran speccy and this is what it said

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
CPU
AMD Phenom II X4 945 104 °F
Deneb 45nm Technology
RAM
8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 666MHz (9-9-9-24)
Motherboard
FOXCONN 2AB1 (CPU 1) 121 °F
Graphics
SyncMaster (1920x1080@60Hz)
ATI Radeon HD 5450 (MSI) 139 °F
Hard Drives
932GB Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 SATA Disk Device (SATA) 97 °F
Optical Drives
hp DVD-RAM GH60L SATA CdRom Device
MagicISO Virtual DVD-ROM0000
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

I don't understand why it's over 100°F on everything but one thing. And I have no clue what the motherboard is. Help, please?

Ok, I clicked the tab and this is the info about the motherboard.

Motherboard
Manufacturer FOXCONN
Model 2AB1 (CPU 1)
Chipset Vendor AMD
Chipset Model 785G
Chipset Revision 00
Southbridge Vendor AMD
Southbridge Model SB700
Southbridge Revision 00
System Temperature 103 °F
BIOS
Brand American Megatrends Inc.
Version 6.02
Date 07/21/2010
Voltage
+5V 5.061 V
CPU CORE 2.220 V
VIN3 1.668 V
VIN4 2.220 V
+3.3V 2.773 V
VIN6 2.220 V
VIN7 1.644 V
VIN8 1.620 V
PCI Data
Slot PCI
Slot Type PCI
Slot Usage In Use
Bus Width Unknown
Slot Designation PCI-E x16
Slot Number 0
Slot PCI
Slot Type PCI
Slot Usage In Use
Bus Width Unknown
Slot Designation MINI PCI-E x1
Slot Number 1
Slot PCI
Slot Type PCI
Slot Usage Available
Bus Width Unknown
Slot Designation PCI-E x1
Slot Number 2
Slot PCI
Slot Type PCI
Slot Usage Available
Bus Width Unknown
Slot Designation PCI-E x1
Slot Number 3
Slot PCI
Slot Type PCI
Slot Usage Available
Bus Width Unknown
Slot Designation PCI-E x1
Slot Number 4

Well, I personally don't know how to, but I think my little brother knows, if not, I know my dad does cause he's rebuilt my computer before when I was younger. So that's not a problem. But out of all that information, how would I find which parts to use for finding a processor?

I'm sorry, I know I'm becoming a pain. I just don't trust anyone else other than this site to ask (because the computer shops around here will lie their butts off just to sale you a computer).

Hey.

I looked up your motherboard, came up with some information you can check out by searching " Foxconn 2AB1 " (I'm unable to post new links yet :newfag:)

It shows supported CPUs your MOBO accepts - from what I understand the CPU you're looking at is not compatible with your motherboard, as the CPU is too powerful for the board. (Too much wattage) I'd recommend looking for an AMD Phenom X6 family processor.

But, honestly I don't think that the CPU is your problem here. Your PC is much better than my own intel 2.80ghz dual core cpu, and it runs quietly and relatively smooth. Although it does use most of the CPU, pushing it to 100%.
Your fan running loud means it's struggling to cool the computer. This can mean a few things, it's hard to say. Could mean you have to clean the case out, or apply new thermal paste. It's also possible malware or defective processes running. Could also mean not enough cool air is getting into the case - a warm room will only circulate warm air into the cpu. If computer tasks don't feel sluggish, then the CPU most likely isn't the cause.

Thank you for the reply CHill-F2D (and welcome ) I understand what your saying about the processor. It's not running near 100%, but it makes the noise whenever running over 20% - 25%. I did open up the case earlier today to see how bad it looked and surprisingly for it being almost 3 years old it didn't look that dusty. The most dust were around the fans which we're gonna take care of when I can get my little brother to clean it out. As for the computer lagging, it does have a vear small bit of lagging. But barely noticable. (Mostly just when I play sims) and I noticed while running the game that my Memory (Private Working Set) is always 1,700,000+ KB, but under performance the Memory is usually between 2.00 - 3.99 GB. So I'm not really sure if that's a problem or not though. Do you think maybe my RAM needs upgrading?

Oh, alright then. Thank you Lady for helping me figure this out I have one more question, do you think cleaning the fans will help it to not sound like it's over heating, or should I maybe replace the fans or set a house fan beside it were it can get cool air?

Well yeah, what has been said earlier, your CPU isn't the issue, cleaning your system will help.

You have 8 GB of ram installed, so no real need to get more.

I would say probably background task from programs you installed and don't use often that start on startup, and see if some of those are actually taking up a bit of CPU while seemingly doing nothing, since if you can remove them every little bit does help.

Well, I do that anyway. I only have Windows and what Windows needs to run. I always close out any and all programs I don't use. But it was still doing it. But thanks for the reply