Can the Pentium 4 64-bit run on a Dell Dimension?

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

My grandfather has a Dell Dimension 4600. (He doesn't want to buy a new separate computer.) I want to upgrade his computer with this processor.
http://ark.intel.com/products/27453/Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-511-1M-Cache-2_80A-GHz-533-MHz-FSB

The only 2 problems: This processor uses a 64-bit instruction set, and has No Execute Bit. So I was wondering if I would be able to upgrade this processor without getting any problems with the BIOS.

 

[Shadowblade2652]

you shouldn't, but you'd need to reinstall the OS.
64 bit can run 32 bit, but 32 bit can't run 64 bit. that means your processor should be fine.

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

you shouldn't, but you'd need to reinstall the OS.
64 bit can run 32 bit, but 32 bit can't run 64 bit. that means your processor should be fine.

Is that a yes or a no?

 

[logainofhades]

you shouldn't, but you'd need to reinstall the OS.
64 bit can run 32 bit, but 32 bit can't run 64 bit. that means your processor should be fine.

Why would he need to reinstall the OS if going from a 32 bit chip to a 64 bit chip?

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

I still don't have an answer. I just need a straightforward yes or no. Sorry if I'm being too pushy.

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

Not to be pushy or arrogant, but I don't know if I have an answer.

 

[Shadowblade2652]

you shouldn't, but you'd need to reinstall the OS.
64 bit can run 32 bit, but 32 bit can't run 64 bit. that means your processor should be fine.

Why would he need to reinstall the OS if going from a 32 bit chip to a 64 bit chip?

Because if he upgrades his processor might as well give his grandfather some new RAM for like 20 bucks, and you need 64 bit operating systems for more than 3GBs of RAM.

YES You can upgrade the processor. So long as your current processor uses the same socket, you should be fine. Be sure to check that they both use LGA775 socket.

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

you shouldn't, but you'd need to reinstall the OS.
64 bit can run 32 bit, but 32 bit can't run 64 bit. that means your processor should be fine.

Why would he need to reinstall the OS if going from a 32 bit chip to a 64 bit chip?

Because if he upgrades his processor might as well give his grandfather some new RAM for like 20 bucks, and you need 64 bit operating systems for more than 3GBs of RAM.

YES You can upgrade the processor. So long as your current processor uses the same socket, you should be fine. Be sure to check that they both use LGA775 socket.

Thanks! 😀
The socket doesn't matter, the SL7PK comes in both socket PLGA775 and PPGA478.

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

...How do you pick the best answer again, I'm feeling like I have amnesia.

 

[bambiboom]

AuctionedHen8,

1> EDIT > Sorry, after reading the other posts, I also ran off the rails and answered a different question. I just realized that your question was simply whether the 4600 would run the Prescott 511 Pentium 4. The answer is yes - if your grandfather's 4600 has the later motherboard with the 945 chipset. Go back to >

http://ark.intel.com/products/27453/Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-511-1M-Cache-2_80A-GHz-533-MHz-FSB

> and click on "Compatible Products" which shows the chipsets that can be used with the 511 CPU.

I think the fastest CPU on a Socket 478 / 865 chipset system will be the 3.4GHz >

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Pentium-4-Socket-478-P4-3-4-GHz-SL793-For-865-875-Via-P-800-Sis-65x-66x-/221189525760?pt=CPUs&hash=item337fec5100

2> If you want to use a 64-bit operating system>

[As far as I'm aware, the first CPU that can run a 64-bit operating system is the 6XX Pentium 4 Prescott. This is a very good CPU and the 670 is a 3.8Ghz with hyperthreading. I used (bought new) a Dell Dimension 8400 from 2004 to 2010 with AutoCad, Sketchup, Adobe CS4, Corel Graphics and it ran very well. Most applications even today are single-threaded. If I wasn't doing more serious 3D and running renderings from 3D models, I would be using the 8400 still. It was the most reliable computer I've ever had.

Returning to your question, I checked the Dimension 4600 manual and it specifies that there is a Socket 478 within and checking Intel ARK on the 6XX series, those CPU's require the LGA775 with the 945 chipset and PC3200 memory. I believe the 478 uses the 865G chipset and PC2700 memory. You can have up to a 3.4GHz Prescott 5XX series but it will not run 64-bit Windows. It's a pity as the Pentium 4 660 3.6GHz can be had for $8-10. Earlier 4600's also used the AGP video slot.

If I might suggest for a big performance boost, sell the 4600 and look for a good Dell Optiplex with the E8400 3.0Ghz Core 2 Duo dual core- 64-bit OS, PCIe video card, up to 8GB DDR2 RAM. I see these for as little as $60-100, but often with very little RAM and/or needing an operating system. See>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-OptiPlex-745-Desktop-3-40-GHz-1-GB-RAM-80-GB-HDD-/310665752649?pt=Desktop_PCs&hash=item48551f3049

-which is a Dell factory refurbished Optiplex 745 3.4GHz dual core and XP Pro 32-bit sold for $68. That might be a Pentium D though- stick to Core2 Duo and look for 64-bit OS.

I usually advocate keeping the old systems going- for a lot of tasks they can work much better than expected, but the 4600 is really one small step before that still really useful period.]

Cheers,

BambiBoom

 

[Shadowblade2652]

...How do you pick the best answer again, I'm feeling like I have amnesia.

You can't I believe it's a discussion

 

[Kisianik]

I see these for as little as $60-100, but often with very little RAM and/or needing an operating system. See>

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-OptiPlex-745-Desktop-3-40-...

-which is a Dell factory refurbished Optiplex 745 3.4GHz dual core and XP Pro 32-bit sold for $68. That might be a Pentium D though- stick to Core2 Duo and look for 64-bit OS.

This is USFF, which is not upgradable, that is why it is so cheap.
Upgradable ones start from $150 and up.
I just did search for someone else looking for cheap Optiplex with upgrades to the max and the result was in neighborhood of at least $400, just FYI.

 

[AuctionedHen8-1366217]

The Dimension is from 2003, so what is the best Northwood processor for a motherboard THAT old?

 

[Kisianik]

Disregard this - iPhone check.