Buy E8400?

[psycho1985]

Hi guys, I'm looking to upgrade the processor of my ageing computer. The processor is currently a Pentium D 2.8 Ghz.

I'm just wondering, will upgrading it to an Intel C2D E8400 tremendously boost gaming performance? I mostly play Crysis, mass effect 2 and sims 3..

Some other specs:
GPU: ATI 4670 1GB ddr3
Memory: 2.5GB ddr2
MB: Dell 0WG864
Chipset: Intel G965

TIA!

 

[GhislainG]

It would provide much better performance, but I doubt your motherboard supports an E8400. Your video card isn't very appropriate for a gaming system.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

GhislainG is correct, your motherboard most likely won't support the E8400. The 965 chipset never officially supported the 45nm chips. Some motherboard manufacturers released BIOS versions that allowed the chips to work, but you'll be out of luck with a Dell.

 

[psycho1985]

Hmm.. So I guess I will need to buy a new MB at the same time? And yeah i'm a very casual gamer.. I don't game that often, just want a good experience when I do game.

 

[psycho1985]

Honestly, is it even worth getting a new MB for this system? ha ha.. Or should I rather just hold out and get a new system?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

It's not that easy, either. Dell uses proprietary cases and power connections, so you might also have to change the case and PSU. Another thing to keep in mind is that your OS likely won't be able to be re-used. Most OEM systems use an OEM version of Windows that can't be installed on a different system or with a different motherboard. You're really looking at a new build. That's one of the many downsides to a pre-built OEM computer. It's very hard to upgrade them.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Honestly, is it even worth getting a new MB for this system? ha ha.. Or should I rather just hold out and get a new system?

Start saving your pennies for a new system. I would build it yourself this time so you don't run into these issues.

 

[psycho1985]

It's not that easy, either. Dell uses proprietary cases and power connections, so you might also have to change the case and PSU. Another thing to keep in mind is that your OS likely won't be able to be re-used. Most OEM systems use an OEM version of Windows that can't be installed on a different system or with a different motherboard. You're really looking at a new build. That's one of the many downsides to a pre-built OEM computer. It's very hard to upgrade them.

Gahh.. Alright. Guess I will have to get a new system then. Thanks for your help!

 

[Guest]

Hmm.. So I guess I will need to buy a new MB at the same time? And yeah i'm a very casual gamer.. I don't game that often, just want a good experience when I do game.

Your out of luck mate, sorry. You could sell your 4670 on eBay then buy a 5750 or 5770 with the profits and a little bit of pocket money, your frame rate will improve slightly.

But to answer your question you'd need to replace the motherboard to enjoy a high end processor, one of the disadvantages of buying a prebuilt. If you have the itch to buy new hardware and improve performance and you are slightly technical you could probably eBay the "entire" rig for $250 and then build a cheap rig consisting of a Athlon II X4 (quad core) rig with 5750/5750, 4 GBs and a cheap motherboard, this can be done for about $300 ish if you budget right.

 

[psycho1985]

Best answer selected by psycho1985.

 

[psycho1985]

Your out of luck mate, sorry. You could sell your 4670 on eBay then buy a 5750 or 5770 with the profits and a little bit of pocket money, your frame rate will improve slightly.

But to answer your question you'd need to replace the motherboard to enjoy a high end processor, one of the disadvantages of buying a prebuilt. If you have the itch to buy new hardware and improve performance and you are slightly technical you could probably eBay the "entire" rig for $250 and then build a cheap rig consisting of a Athlon II X4 (quad core) rig with 5750/5750, 4 GBs and a cheap motherboard, this can be done for about $300 ish if you budget right.

Haha, yeah, will consider that. Sounds like a good idea..

 

[delluser1]

Dell uses proprietary cases and power connections

In the OP's situation, yes the case is a proprietary BTX unit, but there are no proprietary power connections.

 

[psycho1985]

In the OP's situation, yes the case is a proprietary BTX unit, but there are no proprietary power connections.

Sorry, what does OP and BTX stand for?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

In the OP's situation, yes the case is a proprietary BTX unit, but there are no proprietary power connections.

OK, but the Dell PSU will most likely be a low-end unit that's not really suitable to be used in a new build.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Sorry, what does OP and BTX stand for?

OP = Original poster - that's you.

BTX is a size standard for motherboards just like ATX and micro-ATX. It means that a regular ATX motherboard won't work in your Dell case.

 

[psycho1985]

OP = Original poster - that's you.

BTX is a size standard for motherboards just like ATX and micro-ATX. It means that a regular ATX motherboard won't work in your Dell case.

I see.. Thanks.

Btw, anybody has good recommendations of guides to building new PCs? Haha.

 

[Guest]

I see.. Thanks.

Btw, anybody has good recommendations of guides to building new PCs? Haha.

Building Your Own PC, Part 1: Know-How for Do-It-Yourselfers

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/building-pc,511.html

 

[shortstuff_mt]

There's a "Homebuilt systems" section of the forum. I would go over there and create a thread that includes all the information in the "How to ask for new build advice" sticky at the top of the forum. We'll be able to set you up with the best system for your intended use and budget if you do that.

 

[psycho1985]

Thanks.

 

[delluser1]

OK, but the Dell PSU will most likely be a low-end unit that's not really suitable to be used in a new build.

It would be fine for a low end build, I've used them as replacements on several workstations.
It's a 22 amp Newton/Delta, quite capable despite it's low wattage number.
Type " the little engine that could " in the search bar, it's been discussed before.