Upgrading from Core 2 Duo To Core 2 Quad

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Syed Bilal

Syed Bilal

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Apr 9, 2016
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Hi Everyone !
I have an Hp Pro 3120 SFF CPU , Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @ 3.00 GHZ
6 MB Cache , 1333 MHZ , Max TDP 65.0 W , Socket 775 LGA , 45 nm .
The Chipset is Intel P45/P43/G45/G43
I wanted to upgrade my processor to any suitable quadcore processor , guyz plz guide me .
on hp website , the motherboard can support upto core-i3 processor . I wanted to know which one will a be best match. I have 3 GB DDR3 10600U Ram , upgrading to 6 GB .The GPU is AMD Radeon HD 6450 1GB Edition. I want it for Smooth performance.
 
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Karadjgne
As you can see from the product info page, it's a truncated bios, only supports 2x core2quad cpus. If it was a full open aftermarket bios, it would at least support the q6600 which was available for ddr2 based systems, or other c2q in that range.

2.83GHz vrs 3.0GHz? Basically the same thing, 200MHz won't make a difference either way. 2 threads vrs 4 threads, make no difference in some games, a huge difference in many others. All in all its a good move for relatively little cash as you'll only find those cpus on eBay now.

As to ram, I'd not mix. Apart from the chances of instability, the cost of a full 2x4gb kit is about the same as buying another 1x1Gb and 1x2Gb. Better to sell the 3Gb you have and replace it with 2x4gb 1333 MHz kit...
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No, your mobo is a G43. You can take one of these CPU's :

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Processor (2.66-GHz, 4MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9500 Processor (2.83-GHz, 6MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)

You cannot put an I3-530 in there, as that doesn't apply to your model HP.

To be honest though, you are not going to get a real boost in performance. If it's for gaming your current chip will be faster. For threaded use the Core 2 Quad will be better, but not by much.

Upgrading the CPU/Ram for that system is a waste. It's too old and dated. With 3gbs of ram, presumably you have a 32bit OS, which means even getting more ram (unless you upgrade the OS to a 64bit version will be a waste too.

Start saving to get some new components, and get something new. If you are on a budget, there are still good options for about €300/£/$ which will get you started.
 
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Well, there some incorrect information there as there are no socket 775 Core I3 processors. The Core I Series processors didn't start until socket 1366. Please provide a link to this HP site.

All else being the same, the best 65 watt quad core processor is going to be the Intel Core2Quad Q9550S, but we need to verify what motherboard is in use here.

-Wolf sends
 
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It's an HP. That means HP bios. Regardless of what the actual chipset can support, it's going to only be viable according to the HP set bios. Many of those differing models had truncated bios, would only support the cpus that came stock in that series, so best bet is if you can't find exact info, search the series for the largest cpu offered in that particular branch.
 
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Well its 64 bit OS . And Which Variants of rams should i be running along with a processor better than what i am using now.
 
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How many modules, and what size is in your machine. I suspect 2gb + 1gb? is that right? You have 4 DIMM slots, so you can add in more memory. How much is up to you. Keep in mind, you are either buying second hand DDR2 memory, or paying a premium for unused DDR2 mem. For me I just can't recommend that you do so. It's just w waste of money. You may get some benefit, but I don't think any upgrade you make to that system will be worth while, or give you your desired results.

Really it's time to bite the bullet, and plan for a new system.

 
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A guy on Youtube, Techdeals, just did a video showing the Q6600 paired with a GT 1030, running Overwatch well enough to be playable. There could be some gaming to be had by upgrading this system, as long as your expectations are reasonable.

Make sure the CPU is supported by that HP. As already mentioned in the thread, one possible way to find out is to look up the various configurations HP sold that model with. Low cost to high cost, you'll see the range of CPUs that system was designed to use.
 
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DDR2? The HP Pro 3120 uses DDR3-SDRAM as stated in HP's specs for that model.
 
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As you can see from the product info page, it's a truncated bios, only supports 2x core2quad cpus. If it was a full open aftermarket bios, it would at least support the q6600 which was available for ddr2 based systems, or other c2q in that range.

2.83GHz vrs 3.0GHz? Basically the same thing, 200MHz won't make a difference either way. 2 threads vrs 4 threads, make no difference in some games, a huge difference in many others. All in all its a good move for relatively little cash as you'll only find those cpus on eBay now.

As to ram, I'd not mix. Apart from the chances of instability, the cost of a full 2x4gb kit is about the same as buying another 1x1Gb and 1x2Gb. Better to sell the 3Gb you have and replace it with 2x4gb 1333 MHz kit, non-ecc, low density ram. There's plenty on ebay for pretty cheap.

This'll be absolutely the last time you'll upgrade the pc, you'll be totally maxed out with hardware specs. Next option is sell everything, start fresh, you literally have no other options and replacements will just get harder to obtain and more expensive.
 
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