I just upgraded my processor and I was unsatified with my .1 rise in the Vista performance chart. I plan on returning it for a better one but I am a little nervous about buying a dual core processor because I am uncertain whether it is compatible with my motherboard.
I have upgraded everyother aspect of the Wal Mart computer and it has become quite a sterdy machine capable of doing many task such as gaming. A processor will really seal the deal.
My PC is an Acer Aspire t180 series with default motherboard. I just put an athlon 64 le 1640 processor in it. The processor that I am hoping to get is an athlon 64 x2 5200. I am hoping that it will be compatible.
AMD socket AM2
And also if you could recommend that best cpu I could get for this system I would be grateful.

Other specs if you need them:
3 gb ddr2 ram (Upgraded)
nvidia geforce 8600 video card (upgraded)
160 gb hard drive space.
Creative sound blaster audigy 7.1 card (upgraded)

Oh yeah my motherboard is em61sm with chipset mcp61
Bios version r01-b3

The only specifications listed on both the consumer and reseller Acer support sites indicate "AMD AM2 Athlon 64 x 2 or Athlon 64 or Sempron (940 pin)". So, I'm going to suggest you contact Acer's technical support multiple times and ask what is the maximum processor supported until you get a consistent response. Also inquire as to what BIOS revision is needed for the processor they respond with. Upgrade the BIOS first and then the processor.

Dial 1-
877-SUPTRIX (1-877-787-8749) and
Provide the promo code "supportcall"