New CPU for P4C800-E Deluxe?

[prowler]

First, the applicable info:

ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe
Pentium4, 3.4ghz, 512k L2, 800mhz FSB.
2gb Corsair RAM, PC3200 XMS (3-3-6)
ATI Radeon X800 XT PE, 256mb
Creative Soundblaster Audigy2 5.1

Why I'm asking:

Although my Alienware system is quite dated, it still performs pretty good for what I use it for...FS9. The main problem I've always had is that FS9 is a REAL CPU hog. My ATI Radeon with the added Zalman cooling keeps up pretty well and I need to stretch another 8 to 10 months out of this once awesome system. No, I have no intention of running FSX (FS10) on it and it will eventually be handed down to my son...who isn't hurting with his XBOX360 . I tried some new PCI graphics cards when I thought my ATI was dyin'...they all fell VERY short of my X800 16 pipes. Cooling was the problem and the Zalman unit solved it. So...I'm relatively "happy" with this dinosaur (for now).

What I'm asking:

This MoBo has a socket 478 CPU and I'd like to know what your recommendations are on upgrading to a better CPU. I could have sworn I saw core duo or other better CPU's available for this MoBo (of course, as I write this I can't find the re-seller!!).

So...can it take a mo' better CPU? Would it need a BIOS upgrade?

Please keep in mind that I'm not interested in the "dump the old beast and buy a new system" type replies...it is what it is for me and needs to be stretched until I can afford/buy/build a new system.

Thanks guys and gals.

PS. if FSX won't work correctly on XP...I may NEVER upgrade to that Flight Sim version! Vista??? Not likely.

 

[downer88]

Edit: I think you're talking about the mobile processor. http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=54&l3=0&model=467&modelmenu=1 Google it, but I think its only compatible with old 533/400 FSB mobile processors. http://www.behardware.com/art/imprimer/565/

I have a very similar setup. I've upgraded over time and have maxed out my 478 socket ASUS motherboard, 3GB DDR 400 dual channel memory, with nVidia 7800 AGP, and SATA to the point of being unstable. I've paid premium prices for my discontinued old parts as I upgraded over time. I know upgrading to socket 775, DDR2 and PCI-E means buying a whole new system, but we've both hit a brick wall. The new socket 775 looks to be cheaper and better than older 478 parts, sorry.

There are PCI-E motherboards with DDR2 out there for the 478 socket (TigerDirect, Newegg), but you say you need a new CPU. As far as I know, we both have the fastest socket 478 at 3.4. Mine already runs at 60*C at full load in a small case, and I'm not able to overclock with my motherboard. I think these newer PCI-E and DDR2 parts really only provide more bandwidth that the non overclocked, 800 FSB CPU can't use anyway. I think to overclock you would need a slower CPU to be able to raise FSB and clock speed without overheating anyway. (Google is your friend!) Watch out that you don't buy the slower FSB. Only makes sense to go to socket 775 instead of buying everything over for a new overclocked 478 socket system.

 

[samuraiblade]

heres somin sad , i have two complete ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe +478 p4 3ghz + ram and 800xt on each sat in my bits cuboard with those specs. never got round to ebaying them

unfortuantly as said theres no real upgrade option for them nowadays hence there collecting dust in my bits bin

 

[jbarnes01]

I'm building a "school computer" for my son from an ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe and found your post, you mention that you have two complete just collecting dust. I'd be happy to take those off your hands and bring life back into them. If you would please email me at jbarnes01@lycos.com I'd appreciate it. Thanks.