I have a Dell Dimension 8400 Series desktop and I am thinking of upgrading the CPU. However, I can’t find exactly the brand or type of my motherboard. Currently, I am using Intel Pentium 4 Processor 530 (3.0 Ghz) w/HT Technology, 1 MB chache. My question is, can I upgrade my PC (without changing my motherboard) to Intel Core 2 Duo series CPU?
Thanks beforehand
According to this site, the two processors use the same socket. They say that the motherboard may be able to support the new CPU, however
You could try calling Dell to find out the hardware specs on the motherboard they used. My recollection (I am not an expert) is that Dell uses motherboards specifically manufactured for it, so it may be hard to find them outside of Dell.
You could always ask dell what an upgrade part would be, demand all the specs and then go buy one yourself. Even if you don’t understand all the specs a computer shop will.
That said I would want a motherboard that I know can support a dual core chip fully. If not you might still be able to get a decent upgrade from a non dual core socket775 chip. You will also be picking up support for DDR2 RAM and SATA2 hard drives along with it if your existing board did not support them.
You might also be able to talk a smaller shop into a “success only” upgrade. Basically tell them you don’t know and dell says maybe and see if they will try it in front of you. If it was a slow day in my shop I would give it a whirl if I had the CPU’s on hand.
Download the Belarc Advisor. It will tell you what motherboard you have.