Upgrading CPU questions

[sanjiwatsuki]

I may be getting mixed up with replacing mobos here, but if I replace my processor with a superior one, would I have to reinstall Windows?

I've been considering a P4 Cedar Mill budget build and upgrading to C2D/C2Q in the future.

 

[ajfink]

I may be getting mixed up with replacing mobos here, but if I replace my processor with a superior one, would I have to reinstall Windows?

I've been considering a P4 Cedar Mill budget build and upgrading to C2D/C2Q in the future.

Nope. Sometimes if you go from a single-core processor to a dual / quad core processor you'll need to reinstall Windows because it won't see both cores or use them properly.

What is your budget? You seem bent on a C2D, and the E4300 is pretty cheap (ish). AMD has cheaper dual cores right now that can be overclocked like hell and then replaced by a K10 later this year. The X2 3600+, for example, is known to routinely hit 2.8Ghz on stock air (I've even heard of it done at stock volts).

If you truly must get a single core...AMD would also be the better bet. If you must go single core and Intel...just make sure you get a good motherboard that will definitely support C2D/C2Q later. I'm not sure how Hyperthreading relates to Windows seeing dual cores when installed, since a HT processor shows up as two cores.

 

[m25]

Yes, like ajfink said, there is no reason to go single core nowadays, especialy with these prices. You could start with a PentiumD 805/820, or a X2 3600+, because even the AM2 promises good CPUs now.