Socket AM2 motherboard...lookin to upgrade single core to dual core processor

[BradS]

I've been researching a bit on the internet about my motherboard that I have in this prebuilt Acer Aspire T180. I'm currently looking into maybe upgrading my current processor from a single core to a dual core. Using Everest, I was able to find out what cpu socket my motherboard has. It has a Socket AM2. From what I have seen from my research, this socket can be used with both single core and dual core processors. I searched socket AM2 dual core processors on Newegg and these are the results:

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,CPUs / Processors,Processors - Desktops,Socket AM2

To me, these dual core processors seem pretty cheap and they also seem to be getting good reviews. My only worry is whether my system's power supply will be able to handle a newer processor. You would think not because newer processors don't use as much power as older processors (unless I'm wrong...).

So, anyway, should I look into getting a new power supply or am I able to upgrade my processor with no hiccups?

 

[Trotter]

Unfortunately Acer doesn't give much in the way of actually technical specifications for their products. From what I could find, your best bet would be this one:

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops
$62 w/free shipping

If uses the same technology and wattage as your current CPU. You would not need a new PSU for a CPU upgrade, as it would use the same power as your current one.

 

[baih777]

open your computer and see if your motherboard looks like one of these.
Foxconn - Products: Motherboard