upgrading my processor

[karshman]

My new computer is a dell inspiron 530. it has a core 2 duo 2.20 ghz 2 mb cache e4500. Can i upgrade to a better dual core or quad core?

[Fadingz]

E8400 should fit in there, but you might need to check your mobo support for quad core.

[skoreanime]

Wouldn't doing that void your Dell warranty ?

And it's a Dell. They use their own brand of (POS) motherboards so it's safe to assume they don't support the recent Wolfdales, the E8xxx series. I'm positive it should support all the E6xxx series CPUs, and maybe the Kentsfield quads.

Run a CPU-Z for us karshman and tell us what it says in the motherboard tab.

[cottonvibes]

why did you buy a new dell computer, and now you're going to change the processor?

anyways, like skoreanime said, dell mobos are usually crap, so it wouldn't suprise me if it dosn't support a different CPU.

are you able to OC your CPU with that mobo?

[Fadingz]

oh I didn't see the Dell part XD, then you really wouldn't wanna change that system .
or you might end up building a new comp using that dell case XD

[karshman]

I am not familiar with intel processors. i don't know the difference between e8xxx and e6xxx. and I've never heard of a kentfield processor :>/ and I know nothing about overclocking.

[MrPink]

Don't bother trying to change that system IMO. Even if you get a new CPU, something else that is crap in that system (RAM, your MOBO, Video Card? or integrated?) will really throttle whatever speed increase you might be expecting.

Why are you so eager to upgrade anyway? You looking to play new PC games? Do video/photo editing?

[runawayprisoner]

Originally Posted by karshman

I am not familiar with intel processors. i don't know the difference between e8xxx and e6xxx. and I've never heard of a kentfield processor :>/ and I know nothing about overclocking.

In which case, my friend, just keep that processor, call it a good day, and move along.

[skoreanime]

Wait, is it just me, or is that first screenshot a bit strange?... It's a P35 AND G33 AND G31 chipset ? Man, only in prebuilts...

karshman, dude, I suggest just leaving it alone. Plunking down a butt load of more money on just a CPU might prove to be a waste. Being a Dell prebuilt, it's highly likely the GPU is sub par, as MrPink pointed out above.

[runawayprisoner]

It's not wrong. CPU-Z is just so crazy like that.
It's a custom-built Dell motherboard... and I'd bet my a$$ that you'll find "a lot of" overclocking options on that board...

[MrPink]

Also I think its worth mentioning that I have had a bad experience with a Dell computer. I mean, no pre-built system is perfect by any means.

The one I had a few years ago eventually reached a stage where it would sometimes turn on, sometimes not. And if I rotated the case, or put it on its side, sometimes it would fix that. After some more testing, I found that the 24 pin ATX power connector on the mobo had a loose solder. If I wiggled it, the computer would turn off, and I would have to hold it a certain way to have it turn on

[karshman]

the GPU is an ATI 3870. I put it in myself. It has 2 gigs of ddr2 ram. I put in a neopower 550 watt powersupply. I want to upgrade it 1 to speed up gaming (right now crysis runs fine at very high settings with the xp hack. I want to eventually get vista for dx10. I don't want vista lagging and I also want emulation to be improved.

[Clements]

Seeing as you already have a good graphics card, power supply and RAM, the cheapest solution would be to buy a decent motherboard and overclock the CPU. The E4500 when overclocked sufficiently would be enough for most things.

Without the overclock option, you could go for a motherboard and CPU combo that supports your other current components. A mid-speed E8xxx CPU would be a good start. You'll notice the difference with emulation and general tasks the most, and Crysis in particular does benefit from a stronger CPU.

[John Aiton]

Originally Posted by Clements

Without the overclock option, you could go for a motherboard and CPU combo that supports your other current components. A mid-speed E8xxx CPU would be a good start. You'll notice the difference with emulation and general tasks the most, and Crysis in particular does benefit from a stronger CPU.

Yep, this is the best way you should upgrade Karshman.
Note that your windows XP may be linked to the motherboard so have a spare os to install (xp, vista, ubuntu etc)

I would recommend either an e8400 bundle or Q9450 if you want quad core

[karshman]

well.... Just tell me if I can upgrade to a good dual core. one of those e6600s? It doesn't have to be the best but enough for vista. (if this processor isn't going to run vista well because I don't know) Emulation comes second to pc gaming and going way out of my way.

[runawayprisoner]

Well, you know... just return that Dell computer... this instance! The money needed for the Dell computer can really get you a way better computer. Say... how much did you pay for that computer?

[karshman]

I got it for free and I cannot return it. The cost was 1333 USD without the video card or the good power supply. It came with a 20 inch widescreen monitor and a huge ass office laser printer.

[runawayprisoner]

Pay me that much and I'll build you a computer that makes PCSX2 scream in despair... for most games, anyway.
Oh yeah, and Crysis ought to be ultra playable, too.

[cottonvibes]

dell actually has some good deals.

i can build a better PC for the price, but Dell gives you a copy of Windows, which is like an extra $100+.

[runawayprisoner]

I'll give you any kind of operating system with a license with YOUR NAME in it... (as in, you get the actual paperwork that says that you are the legal owner of the copy of that operating system) for the same price still.

Oh yeah... *coughs* Mac OS X included...