Upggrading a CPU

[FullOppositeRudder]

I'd like to speed up one of my desktops which presently has an E1400 Intel CPU. Other boxes in the collection have the same motherboard series but faster processors, consequently in both test and real life are much quicker in what I ask of them.

If I go ahead and fit (say) an E3400 processor in the slow-box is the Windows XP OS likely to protest about the change? The basic machine was built about 4 years ago, and OS upgrades and SP's are all up to date.

(Yes I know it's an old machine, and I should be using W7 - and probably a new box altogether, but I have my reasons ....)

Regards and thanks,
FoR

[Milo Minderbinder]

Shouldn't be a problem as long as the motheboard BIOS can cope with the new CPU. If it can't, then flash it to a newer version BEFORE the change

The E1400 and E3400 are both dual core, so you shouldn't need to have to worry about changing the HAL from single to multicore

I question the point of the upgrade though - you're going from a 2Ghz Celeron to a 2.6Ghz Celeron. OK, the onboard cache is doubled, and the CPU uses a 45nm rather than 65nm architecture, but I wouldn't have thought the upgrade warranted the hassle. And you may have problems finding one anyway - socket 775 is a dead form factor. A quich search of my usual suppliers finds NO 775 Celerons available

Some dealers still have socket 775 Core2 quads available - you'd be better off getting one of those, especially if you mean to keep the machine for a while

[FullOppositeRudder]

Thanks Milo, appreciate your thoughts.

The mobo manual offers CPU options including Pentium D / Pentium 4/ Celeron D processors. (Asus P5GC-MX/1333).

There are still a few outlets offering both E3400 and E5700 down here (Oz) so I'll weigh that up also - there's not a lot a difference in the prices.

I hope to keep the machine for a little longer - it's used primarily for amateur radio work. Of course when XP is no longer supported, then things will have to be re-considered. (Not sure how far away that is).

Thanks again,
FoR

[le Pingouin]

According to ASUS it can take Core 2 Duo as well:

ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS P5GC-MX

[Milo Minderbinder]

The E5700 would be a better bet
You may be looking at an outdated list
It'll also take some Core2 Duos as well - see ASUS - Motherboards- ASUS P5GC-MX/1333
but make sure the PCB and BIOS match

edit
I see Le Piguin beat me to it as I was typing

[Saab Dastard]

If you can't find new stock of the CPU you want from suppliers, try ebay. I've never failed yet in finding the CPU I want there (although it can take a while!) - and I've not got a dud yet.

Agree with others that you should go for a better CPU than a (slightly) upgraded Celeron.

Check CPU-World: Microprocessor news, benchmarks, information and pictures and CPU-Upgrade: motherboard upgrade and processor upgrade resources as well as the Asus site for all the compatability information you need. Asus don't seem to update the CPU compatability list beyond a certain time after the board is retired.

XP is going to end of support in mid 2014.

SD

[le Pingouin]

That's my thought as well - there's an E7300 going for $65:
Intel Core2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz 3MB Cache SLAPB CPU Processor | eBay

From the supported CPU list that would appear to be the fastest C2D it will take due to FSB limitations.

E1400 benchmark: 1115
E7300 benchmark: 1808

PassMark - CPU Benchmarks - List of Benchmarked CPUs

[FullOppositeRudder]

Thank you all; excellent points made and sound advice offered once again.
I'll proceed with caution after a check on the bios details ( I didn't that realise there might be so many progressions in that area).

Much appreciated.

FoR