I have an HP desktop pc that has the pentium 4 processor 3.0ghz, but he motherboard can support a 3.4ghz pentium 4 processor! being the pentiums 4's sell for dirt cheap on ebay etc. could i buy a 3.4ghz one and replace my 3.0 ghz one? if so, do i just take the old one out and put the new one in and turn the pc on (like installing memory!) or is there more to it than that?
2007-09-05 09:13:27 · 7 answers · asked by brussels152 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
My pc has a 300watt power supply but i want to get a BFG 650watt power supply also when i upgrade to a 3.4ghz being my pc came with a 300watt can it handle a 650watt?? or will that blow my pc out with power?
2007-09-05 09:29:06 · update #1
For the most part, yes, but there are a few complications. You need to make sure that you have the same socket on your new processor and that your heatsink is strong enough to cool it. You power supply needs to be powerful enough to keep up and you will also need a cooling gel that goes between the processor and heatsink. If all of that is in the green, which it should be, then you are fine.
2007-09-05 09:25:23 · answer #1 · answered by Kalazahr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might want to reset the computers CMOS after the install. This can be done by moving the necessary CMOS clear jumper on the motherboard or by unplugging it and pulling out the CMOS battery on the motherboard for a few minutes.
The thing I would worry about is that if you buy a used processor, the thermal pad between the heat sink and processor will be gone. This thermal pad (gray gooey stuff) is necessary to transfer the heat from the CPU to the heatsink. You can get replacement thermal paste from companies like arctic silver. Or you might get lucky and the seller will include some or the heatsink will be unused and still have it on it.
But since you have a 3.0ghz P4, I don't think you will see a dramatic increase in perfomance going up 400mhz.
Is your computer from a company like Dell, HP, or Sony? If not, you should see if you can overclock the processor (make your 3.0ghz run at 3.2ghz or higher). This way it is like a free upgrade.
Finally, do you know what socket type your computer is? If you have LGA775, you might be able to upgrade to a dual core processor and notice a huge gain in performance. If you have socket 478, you can't go dual core.
2007-09-05 16:31:58 · answer #2 · answered by AndyT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you pretty much have it right. It is really about that easy. A word of caution though...
Make sure your motherboard actually can support that processor first, get a brand new CPU cooler and install it on the new CPU and if required, use the heat transfer paste on the new CPU. It helps with heat dissipation. Also be careful when you change out the processor. They drop in gently, they do not have to be pressed in so don't force it in. Make sure the pins are aligned. Also be sure to use a static electricity strap on your arm or make the change in a very low static area. On a carpet on a dry day is not a low static area. On a marble, ceramic or stone floor is. Bottom line here is make sure first and get a new cooler and be careful and you will have no issues. Make sure the PC is unplugged from the wall and any other source of power.
2007-09-05 16:31:01 · answer #3 · answered by Victor M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a CPU upgrade is *basically* a drop-in replacement, and the other post address things well - but frankly, going from 3.0 Ghz to 3.4 Ghz is a waste of time and money. You would see very little actual difference in the machines performance. To see a real performance difference, you would need to move up to a newer CPU architecture, such as the Core 2 Duo, or Athlon 64x2, which would also require a new motherboard, RAM and probably a Video card as well.
2007-09-05 17:50:28 · answer #4 · answered by ForbiddenPC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3.4 ghz wont make a lot of difference as opposed to your 3.0ghz. If you are going to do that you should spend a little more and get a duo core processor--some motherboards support both. You can call your motherboard mfg to find out, or download ---BelarcAdvisor----its free and gives all your pc specs.Try pricewatch.com----for pc parts prices. They have good prices, many stores, some with free shipping.
2007-09-05 16:30:51 · answer #5 · answered by Nemo the geek 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even thou your motherboard will support the bigger cpu it may need to have later bios to run it. Go to the motherboard's
website and check the cpu support section to make sure you have at least, the bios to run the 3.4. If you don't have the bios you will have to flash it with your older cpu in before you can put the new cpu in. also make sure you don't need a revision of your board and if you do make sure you have at least that revision. It shows it on the board by the model number. Don't use the fan/heatsink off the smaller cpu to run the 3.4.
2007-09-05 16:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by s j 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wont see much of an improvement going to 3.4 AND BEWARE OF BUYING ANY COMPONENTS THRU FLEABAY.....ALOT OF UNLOADERS ON THERE , THEN YOUR STUCK..dont worry about the power supply , it doesnt mean itll be pumping 650watts into your system , the psu will only put in the amount of power your system draws
2007-09-05 18:09:16 · answer #7 · answered by boonie2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋