ComTruise :
I have a xps 420 that I got in 2009 and I just bought an Asus GTX 670 (current gtx 250) and want to upgrade my CPU (current Intel core quad CPU q6600 @2.4 GHz), PSU, and MoBo. What is the most bang for your buck/compatible components out there? Also do I need a new cooling system?
This is the list of Dell validated processor for your XPS, I will make bold for your and for maximum upgrade
HU587 Conroe Kit, E4300, 1.80G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
DX483 Conroe Kit, E4400, 2.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
DX485 Conroe Kit, E6320, 1.86G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
DX484 Conroe Kit, E6420, 2.13G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
MP160 Conroe Kit, E6550, 2.33G, 4MB, 1333FSB
MP162 Conroe Kit, E6750, 2.66G, 4MB, 1333FSB, G0
MP628 Conroe Kit, E6850, 3.00G, 4MB, 1333FSB, G0
WM543 Conroe XE Kit, X6800, 2.93G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
MP626 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
MP627 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, Q6700, 2.66G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
UP673 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6700, 2.66G, 8MB, 1066FSB, B3
RX656 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6800, 2.93G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0
PW016 Kentsfield Quad Core Kit, QX6850, 3.00G, 8MB, 1333FSB, G0
C863D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, QX9300, 2.5G, 6MB, 1333FSB, M1
C864D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9450, 2.66G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
C865D Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, Q9550, 2.83G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
C299C Yorkfield Quad Core Kit, QX9650, 3.0G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C0
H786G Yorkfield Quad Core kit, QX9650, 3.0G, 12MB, 1333FSB, C1
X198G Wolfdale Dual Core kit, E7200, 2.53, 3MB, FD, 65W,M0
Y932C Wolfdale Dual Core Kit, E8200, 2.66G, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, C0
K905F Wolfdale Dual Core Kit, E8300, 2.83G, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, C0
Y935C Wolfdale Dual Core Kit, E8400, 3.0G, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, C0
Y934C Wolfdale Dual Core Kit, E8500, 3.16G, 6MB, 1333FSB, 65W, C0
If you are interested, choose CPU and let me know, so we can discuss cooling.
Since this list is validated by Dell, cooling upgrade will involve CPU heatshink and fan upgrade only, well maybe a few fans upgrades, nothing very serious.
Anything else i can help you with?
P.S. Or you can just overclock your Q6600 to 3 GHz if you wish.