Will a -Gateway- DX4720-03 fit a Core 2 Quad

[powerfulcrunch]

I am trying to upgrade this thing to keep it running for another year or two. It's currently running a dual core @ 2.5.

If i get the new cpu (socket 775) and put it in will it work? The current CPU has a FSB of 800MHz. The quad core has a FSB of 1333. How will that all work out???

I have been playing with the pricing of different parts and I need to keep this computer for another year or two. I can also upgrade my graphics card (currently using GForce 9500GT) to a new ~$150 card. I can't, unfortunately, upgrade the RAM as the mobo does not allow it. I guess I would like to run WoW and Aion so I don't plan on running graphically intensive games.

I am currently running a dual monitor setup so I could get into eyefinity pretty cheap. If I can fit the quad core and a new GPU will 3 monitor eyefinity be an option for me or will it be too slow?

Thanks for all your help!

[edit]
fyi
running netflix on one screen and WoW on the other I get:
GPU = 90% (gpu-z)
CPU = 80% (task manager)
FPS = 15-40

 

[LoneWolf_53]

You sure that's a Dell?

I keep getting Gateway hits for that number.

If it's a Dell then provide the complete model number or service tag number for the unit please.

 

[powerfulcrunch]

aw crap, I don't know why I always call it a Dell. Yes, It's a Gateway.

 

[1965ohio]

According to the support page for that Gateway, it has the MCP73PV chipset and supports Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad.

http://support.gateway.com/s/PC/DX/DX4720/DX4720sp2.shtml

It doesn't say any CPU limits, but sometimes the BIOS needs to be updated to handle Wolfdale 45nm versions of the Core 2 line whether it be Duo or Quad. It would be in your best interest to contact a local Gateway dealer or Gateway repair shop and ask them if it supports Wolfdale and the 1333 FSB. Don't try the main Gateway telephone numbers, it is useless and they might even want to charge you to answer questions if the warranty is up.

As a side note, if you want to change graphics card, check the power supply in your machine. The stock PSU is usually only rated at 300w in the Gateway DX4720 models. Some new video cards, and especially Quad Core CPUs will raise your wattage requirements. Give that a thought before you buy a CPU and graphics card. The power supply is usually an afterthought, but it should definitely be replaced if you go Quad core and high end video card.

 

[saaiello]

Gateway DX4720 MSI NVIDIA® MS-7399 motherboard.

Features include:

* NVIDIA MCP73PV chipset
* Supports the following Intel® processors:
o Wolfdale
o Yorkfield
o Core™2 Quad
o Core2 Duo
o Pentium® Dual Core
o Pentium
o Celeron®
* Supports 533/800/1066/1333 MHz front side bus speeds
* Two DDR2 memory slots support 533/667/800 MHz modules

 

[1965ohio]

^ That is true, but you should check the BIOS first. Some of the computers I've built support Wolfdale CPUs, but only after a BIOS update. For example, my ASRock P43D1600Twins wouldn't accept my Core 2 Duo e7500 until I updated the BIOS. 😀

 

[saaiello]

^ That is true, but you should check the BIOS first. Some of the computers I've built support Wolfdale CPUs, but only after a BIOS update. For example, my ASRock P43D1600Twins wouldn't accept my Core 2 Duo e7500 until I updated the BIOS. 😀

Updating bios before a new CPU is something that should be done regardless that is a given when upgrading the processor.

 

[1965ohio]

Updating bios before a new CPU is something that should be done regardless that is a given when upgrading the processor.

It's usually an afterthought with most people. They just plug it in and are surprised when it doesn't work. It's just a friendly reminder.

BTW, for the ASRock board I mentioned, the box even said Wolfdale CPU support when I bought it, as did the manual. I usually don't have to update the BIOS on new builds unless I run into a problem.

 

[powerfulcrunch]

^ That is true, but you should check the BIOS first. Some of the computers I've built support Wolfdale CPUs, but only after a BIOS update. For example, my ASRock P43D1600Twins wouldn't accept my Core 2 Duo e7500 until I updated the BIOS. 😀

Where would I find said driver update? It's not as though Gateway is making driver updates for an aftermarket processor on this mobo.

 

[1965ohio]

Not a driver, a BIOS update.

http://support.gateway.com/product/default.aspx?tab=1

Go to that link and click the tab that says BIOS.

There is a download there with the latest. And it does fix many issues with CPU support and stepping. If you do not know how to update the BIOS, it is best to ask a friend for help or have a dealer do it. If you make a mistake or lose power during a BIOS update... then your computer will be a brick.

 

[powerfulcrunch]

Not a driver, a BIOS update.

http://support.gateway.com/product/default.aspx?tab=1

Go to that link and click the tab that says BIOS.

There is a download there with the latest. And it does fix many issues with CPU support and stepping. If you do not know how to update the BIOS, it is best to ask a friend for help or have a dealer do it. If you make a mistake or lose power during a BIOS update... then your computer will be a brick.

I think I can handle it. I was a little distracted during that last post because my daughter would not let me neglect her.

I guess for like $100 I could get a new mobo with 1333 and add another 2 sticks of ram. ...thatd probably be worth it huh?

 

[saaiello]

I think I can handle it. I was a little distracted during that last post because my daughter would not let me neglect her.

I guess for like $100 I could get a new mobo with 1333 and add another 2 sticks of ram. ...thatd probably be worth it huh?

No point especially since gateway makes there motherboards proprietary so a retail motherboard will not fit without major modification of the motherboard tray. Also the performance difference between DDR2 and DDR3 is not all that much when dealing with older systems if you change motherboards you might as well go all the way and do a fresh build. One last thing to about changing motherboard your copy of windows that came with the gateway will not work with a new motherboard.

 

[powerfulcrunch]

* Supports 533/800/1066/1333 MHz front side bus speeds

I guess for like $100 I could get a new mobo with 1333 and add another 2 sticks of ram

Also the performance difference between DDR2 and DDR3 is not all that much when dealing with older systems if you change motherboards you might as well go all the way and do a fresh build..

I'm not necessarily looking to upgrade to ddr3. I just mean a mobo that would support a 1333 FSB. Based on your previous post it looks like my mobo does support 1333 FSB. But isn't the FSB a property of the mobo, not the CPU? So although it supports 1333 wouldn't it still just run at 800MHz?

 

[saaiello]

The CPUID tells the motherboard what to run the CPU at. Your board supports the FSB so in that aspect you are fine but the bios has to already have the necessary information programed into it to be able to run the processor. I would say you have a 90% chance it will work just fine.

 

[powerfulcrunch]

Best answer selected by powerfulcrunch.