Whats the highest cpu i can upgrade to? (NOOB HERE)

[nproctor23]

Hello all!

I want to upgrade my dell inspiron 518 to a better cpu chip such as the intel i3 or i7. I am new to this and dont know if what chip i use matters. I want to upgrade to the best and newest chip that my computer can handle. I have tweaked and upgraded alot in this computer and made it a gaming pc. I have a Intel Pentium Dual- Core Processor with 2.20 GHZ. I want to upgrade it to a newer Intel chip such as the i3 or i5 or if its possible the i7. My specs are"

Dell Inspiron 518

Intel Pentium Dual CPU E2200 @ 2.20 GHz

3GB of Ram (plan to upgrade)

32 bit operating system.

running windows 7 ultimate (upgraded from vista home premium)

and a ATI Radeon HD 3600 series with 1GB.

Thanks to everyone in advance!

- Nate

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

The best you would be able to do is a Core 2 Quad (no "i" CPU's), but I'm not exactly sure which ones are compatible.

This is the closest list I can find (found here http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/t/19398681.aspx :

Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9650, 3.00GHz, 12MB, 1333FSB, E0
Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9550, 2.83GHz, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9450, 2.66GHz, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9400, 2.66GHz, 6MB, 1333FSB, R0
Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, QX9300, 2.50GHz, 6MB, 1333FSB, M1
Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q8200, 2.33GHz, 4MB, 1333FSB, M1
Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6600, 2.40GHz, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6700, 2.66GHz, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0

I think those are all of the C2Q's that will work, but as I said, I'm not completely sure.

 

[nproctor23]

Thanks for the information i really appreciate it! ill look more into it!

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

You're welcome.