Introduction

Upgrades are a way of life when your hobby revolves around computers. Aside from the most basic office tasks, pretty much any task that uses a computer will require something better in what feels like no time at all. The cycle is one that we are all familiar with and it marches on, whether we hop on board or not. Not many years ago, the option to go over the 3.0 barrier was something reserved for the crowd willing to shell out a higher premium, and quad core was something often just out of reach.

AMD has been coming out strong with a solid line of processors that won't require an arm and a leg in exchange for a great bit of power. With strong performers across the gamut, every build has a spot, whether you are looking for a dual core or wanting to push things with a six core monster. Where does that leave the ones in the middle, the ones who want to get things done and keep up in this always changing electronic world? For the average person, breaking the bank isn't always an option, but skimping to get by shouldn't be either.

The AMD Athlon II X4 645 is next in a line of quad core processors at $122. The AMD Athlon II X4 645 ups the speed to 3.1GHz on this AM3 socket chip. As with the others, it is compatible with the AM2+ chipset, as well a wide range of motherboard options. When planning out any system, having a large list of compatibility to work with allows a wonderfully vast selection of options in the long run. This, in turn, brings into play an extremely comforting range of customization for any project you have in mind.