can i upgrade my core2 duo processor to i3

[vazim]

can i upgrade my core2 duo processor to i3 without changing motherboard and ram

 

[CodenameHaswell]

Yes, as long as the motherboard supports a new cpu, and if the cpu supports your RAM. What are the new and old specs?

 

[logainofhades]

No you cannot. Core 2 and all i3's are a totally different socket. What are your full system specs?

 

[rds1220]

Yes, as long as the motherboard supports a new cpu, and if the cpu supports your RAM. What are the new and old specs?

Actually no you can't. They are different sockets and aren't backwards compatible.

 

[Supernova1138]

Completely different sockets so you're also changing out your motherboard at the very least. If you have DDR3 RAM, then you can use it with the new motherboard. Odds are though, your RAM is DDR2 and will also need to be replaced as DDR3 support was not added until very late into the Core 2 series' lifespan.

 

[CodenameHaswell]

Yes, as long as the motherboard supports a new cpu, and if the cpu supports your RAM. What are the new and old specs?

Actually no you can't. They are different sockets and aren't backwards compatible.

Hence why I said "if the motherboard supports it".

 

[Obnoxious]

Hence why I said "if the motherboard supports it".

Indeed. That statement implies that an i3 or better can be inserted into the current motherboard (the OP did state "without changing motherboard.") In addition your phrase "new cpu" is ambiguous, an individual may believe it to be a brand new Core 2 Duo/Quad, or other processor.

I'm not "hating" on you, facts need to be made clear in my opinion.

In response to the original poster, no you cannot upgrade to an i3 or above on your current motherboard if you currently have a Core 2 Duo. The Core 2 Duo and Quad processors are on Intel's socket 775 for desktops. The more modern Intel CPU's such as the i3 are on a different socket, the most recent being 1150 for general consumers.

With that said, if your RAM is currently DDR2 (most likely if you're on a Core 2 Duo) then you'll need a new motherboard and RAM (you'll need DDR3 RAM.)

All the best.

 

[Rihaan]

I got the exact same question but I'm willing to tell my specs

so my specs are:

Core 2 Duo 2.93 Ghz
8Gb DDR3 Ram

and I want to run a GTX 880M Gpu but it requires at least a Core i3
so I decided i will replace my Processor

So is it Possible?

Also I don't know which Mobo I have, all I know is that it's a Lenovo. To find out my Mobo I will have to either download CPUz if I'm not Mistaking or I have to open my cpu which I don't want to do.

So a simple answer like NO will help a lot

THANK YOU.

 

[InvalidError]

Core2 is LGA775, Core i-series are LGA1xxx, 300+ more pins. No way in hell, drastically different sockets.

 

[robert600]

An I3 is a no but ...

You could upgrade to quad core like the Q9650 ... it might work ok with a 750ti.