[Seth13]

I would like to know if my current motherboard is capable of upgrading to a C2D CPU. I have a dell Dimension 8400, and when I search that computer it tells me that I have a Intel 925 Express Chipset LGA775. I thought that the C2D were LGA 775, but everyone tells me they are not compatible. I don't understand. Could you please help a fellow member out? Thanks for everything.


P.S. I'm guessing I cannot upgrade due to the FSB difference between the two processors...

 

[Seth13]

bump?

 

[schusterjo]

Its the motherboard chipset not the FSB speed, You would need to check with dell, If it came with a regular old P4 then doubtful it will upgrade to Core Duo.
far as "C2D were LGA 775" well yes they are but again its the motherboard chipset that will allow a certain chip to be run.
Example: you have LGA 775 that will only run core duo
You have LGA 775 that will run both core duo and core 2 duo
You have LGA 775 that will run both core duo and core 2 duo and quad
It all depends on the motherboard and chipset.

 

[Compiler]

Core Duo? Isn't that the PentiumD chips and notebook chips?

Anyways - its a DELL - Drop in CPU upgrades tend to not be possible. Core2 works on various (but not all) 975, 965 and 945 chipsets.

Only AMD (until recently) has done a good job of SOCKET<> CPU compatiblity.

 

[Brum]

Yeah, Compiler is right. I don't even need to look up the specs on your motherboard to tell you that it won't work. Even if it did, I wouldn't do it becuase that processor would be bottlenecked like crazy.

Most of us techies stay clear from Dell becuase they make upgrading a computer a royal pain in the rear. If you really want to upgrade, do yourself a favor and buy a nice new motherboard that will fully support a new processor along with it.

 

[win2kpro]

LGA 775 is just the specification package for the processor. The motherboard chipset determines the supported processors.

Also, Compiler is correct, Core Duo is a socket M (laptop processor) and shouldn't be confused with the Core 2 Duo.

 

[schusterjo]

Yes sorry I was thinking "Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Duo Extreme" not "core duo and core 2 duo". I was watching the colts vs ravens football game a walked by the computer and typed that out. Anyways you should get the general ideal. Its the chiptset not the socket as I mentioned.
By the way colts all the way

 

[Compiler]

yeah... right!

But I do find the history of the "Core" CPU interesting... As they are based of the mobile Centrino CPUs - which are designed like AMD CPUs. I think Intel, after screwing up royaly with the P4 Netburst line (IE: There would be 5Ghz P4s today requiring 600watt PSU for basic systems warming up your rooms) also wants to dump the long Pentium Name. Core2 does sound COOL.

 

[schusterjo]

LOL, I hear you. Something else Pentium has increased is the overclocking potential, now I am against for a new overclocked to even the overclocking on their only computer, and possible burning up their high dollar hardware. But boy has Intel incredi the overclocking potential with the Core 2 duo. Check this out.
Conclusion : $999 Performance For $190! you can overclock the E6300 to match the Core 2 extreme X6800 Another words Core 2 Duo E6300 1.8Ghz standard can be over clocked to 3ghz and more that's 50% they say " Clearly, Intel laid out its Core 2 specifications for ideal efficiency, not for performance"
Like I said probably should not of showed that now because a few amateurs will see that and burn the only computer up. But heck that pretty amazing the chips have that potential

 

[Compiler]

Hence... When it comes to the AVG PC user - the performance difference between an AMD & Core2 system is not that much, for the most part not even noticable. Even today, the Pentium systems is still more expensive than the "AMD" setups... even thou they are SLooooower, by far. Look at HP's line up... both have same stats, but the $50~100 cheaper AMD64 model would be faster than the PentiumD unit. Then they add $100~200 for Core2 versions.

 

[Brum]

Nice Website about overclocking the Core 2 Duo. Hmm. Now that gets me thinking. Are you considered an amateur if you have only started one computer on fire?

LOL

Anyways, I couldn't agree with your last statement any more compiler. I think people are jumping on the Core 2 Duo bandwagon way to fast. Most people would be just as happy with the much cheaper AMD processor. Actually they would probably be happier with it becuase they would save themselves some money.

 

[Seth13]

But my problem is I only have the choice between my two computers. One is the above, and the other is an Athlon 64 3000+(socket 754) with no DDR2 support and only an AGP slot. I didn't really want to overhall the entire computer, and spend a grand in upgrades. I jsut would like to play a new game that I purchased, or rather am playing in beta.(Vanguard) I could just upgrade the motherboard on the dell and use the old CPU and buy a new GPU. Everything else could stay the same. I know they have board out that will support both the C2D and the P4's. What do you think?

 

[Brum]

If you really want to upgrade your computer that is the route I would go. I wouldn't use a Dell mother board but thats just my opinion. I think Upgradeing the Motherboard along with the CPU and a new GPU with DDR2 RAM would be your best bet. If your GPU is in good quality you could look into buying a board with the AGP, but that would only cost you more money if and when you decide you need a new GPU with PCI-E. Same goes for RAM. You could buy a new board that supports your old RAM, but that would be more expensive in the long run if and when you decide you what DDR2 RAM.

Whether you go with Intel or AMD is your choice. I wouldn't buy a Pentium 4 though. If you want the best system on the market upgrade to a Core 2 Duo. If you just simply want a modern computer that will run just about any game on the market and not cost an arm and a leg, upgrade to a newer AMD processor.

 

[Seth13]

The AGP gpu is an X800XT(3Dmark05-5800)... not exactly new. And the PCI-e is a stock 6800.(3Dmark05-3400)

 

[Compiler]

With the AMD64-754 being the AGP system with a pretty decent video card, there isn't much to upgrade on it... or need to, as its faster than the Dell. I don't know if its a clone or a name brand... so you may or maynot be able to upgrade the CPU... but its almost impossible to find any desktop Socket 754s faster than what you have (They topped at 3700) - newegg sells a 3200 for $55 - not worth it. And AMD64-3700-754 goes for about $200~250 (more than the cost of a mobo + dualcore CPU) - so as long as its at least 1GB of RAM - leave the AMD system alone... it should be pretty good.

The Dell with the P4 - toss out. Replace everything... Sell it for $150, put it towards a $600~700 computer build or off-shelf depending on your experince.