Figuring out chipset and socket info

[davycop]

Hi!

I bought a Dell system 3 years. It's has a Pentium 4 3GHz chip on it. I'm considereing upgrading the processor, RAM and GPU.

I'm not sure how to figure out what chipset the motherboard is using and so that I can determine which CPU to buy. I'm sure the dual core processors won't work ... how do I figure which is fastest processor I can upgrade to?

Thanks!

 

[Slowlearner]

The easiest way is to go to www.powerleap.com and click on the Powerleap Upgrade Configurator, this downloads an utility - you may need to allow Active X controls - and then generates a report on the entire system - mb processor mem video etc and suggests possible upgrades. Use this as baseline test but price out the parts on your own - Powerleap's prices can be way out of line.

Locate the pc's service tag number on the back, or Start>> All Programs>Dell Accessories>Express Service Code. Go Dell's support site and plug in the service tag number to find out the as built configuration, upgrade options, manuals etc. You will get better help at Dell's forums: http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/ - Look for Upgrade hardware sub-forum

 

[DSF]

If you already have a 3GHz Pentium 4 in it, there's probably not much you can do to a three year old system. A new GPU may also require an updated power supply. (And if your system is AGP-based, there may not be much point to a graphics upgrade now anyhow.)

What's driving the upgrade? In other words, what do you want to play/use that you can't, or what is taking too long for your taste? If it turns out that all three of those things need to be upgraded, a new machine may be a wiser investment if you can afford it. On the other hand, it may be an issue that could be solved simply with more RAM.

 

[betasub]

Originally posted by: davycop
I'm considereing upgrading the processor, RAM and GPU.

Firstly, consider DSF's question, why? "What's driving the upgrade?"

If you really are stuck with your current motherboard, you need to identify its model number (if POST/BIOS doesn't tell you, use a hardware reporting utility such as CPU-z). Then use the manufacturer's website for BIOS upgrades and CPU support list. Slowlearner's advice on using the Dell support site is good for proprietary motherboards unique to Dell.

 

[davycop]

Thanks for the replies. The upgrade is mostly for gaming purposes. One of the games I play has been struggling cos I installed some eye-candy mods. Also, i was planning on getting Oblivion.

I used the Dell Service Tag to find my specs on Dell site. I think an upgrade is probably not a good idea. The only processor option I have is a old Pentium 4 for $280!!!

I'll just look into getting a new system. I may just build my own this time. The only problem with building your own is that once you add in the cost of the OS, it becomes more cost effective to buy from Dell. It's hard to beat a barebone Dell system that goes for under $400.

Again, thanks for all your help!

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: davycop
Thanks for the replies. The upgrade is mostly for gaming purposes. One of the games I play has been struggling cos I installed some eye-candy mods. Also, i was planning on getting Oblivion.

I used the Dell Service Tag to find my specs on Dell site. I think an upgrade is probably not a good idea. The only processor option I have is a old Pentium 4 for $280!!!

I'll just look into getting a new system. I may just build my own this time. The only problem with building your own is that once you add in the cost of the OS, it becomes more cost effective to buy from Dell. It's hard to beat a barebone Dell system that goes for under $400.

Again, thanks for all your help!

If you're looking to spend under $500, you're right. It's very hard to beat Dell. On the other hand, if you're spending under $500 it's probably going to be an underwhelming gaming rig.

The fact that eye candy in games is what's pushing the upgrade suggests to me that you'd be better served with a video card upgrade than CPU. What's your current video card, and how much RAM do you currently have?

If your budget is less than $500, you might be able to get by with a video card upgrade. (But again, that calls into question what PSU is in your Dell.) If you can stretch your budget to around $700 or 800 you could build yourself a pretty solid gaming system. The only problem is that the OS will have to be purchased separately unless you can get a disk cheap from a friend. (Or check craigslist type sites. I got a legit copy of XP for $20 on craigslist from a store that was going out of business. You never know.)

 

[davycop]

I have a GeForce 6600 128MB (PCI-E) and 512 MB of RAM. Not sure what the specs are for the RAM. I'm definitely getting a decent graphics card. Probably the GeForce 9600 GT 512 MB or GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB.

For about $460, I can get a basic Dell PC with Core 2 Duo E7200 and 1GB RAM. If I add 9600 GT and another 1 GB for another $150-$200, I should have a fairly decent rig for the next 2 years for about $650.

If I built it myself, I'll probably get a better power supply, motherboard, hard disk than the one that Dell uses but I'll probably spend $200 more. I already has a 24 inch monitor so I just need a system.

 

[DSF]

If you go that route, and I'm not saying it's a bad idea, verify with Dell that the included power supply can handle whatever video card you plan to upgrade to. A 9600GT may not have the oomph to drive a 24" display in the future. (Although the fact that you're just getting around to Oblivion suggests that you play games a few years behind the curve, which works to your advantage in that respect.)

 

[davycop]

Originally posted by: DSF
If you go that route, and I'm not saying it's a bad idea, verify with Dell that the included power supply can handle whatever video card you plan to upgrade to. A 9600GT may not have the oomph to drive a 24" display in the future. (Although the fact that you're just getting around to Oblivion suggests that you play games a few years behind the curve, which works to your advantage in that respect.)

Thanks! I will keep that in mind. I'm also going to seriously consider building my own rig. If I spend a few more days on this forum, I just might end up deciding that way! I built my own system once and it was a lot of fun. I just find it very very hard to stick to my budget when I build my own ....