MSI 945P Neo 3-F upgrade from Dell stock Dim5100

[frosterrj]

Trying to make as few changes as possible while upgrading to dual core. Current system is LGA 775 P4 630 with DDR2 400Mhz ram, and looking for a mobo that will let me keep the memory while usingexisting/upgrading CPU to dual core.

AFAIKT, this one looks like it'll work:

MSI 945P Neo 3-F

but just need more expert advice on the details I may be missing. I notice it doesnt say what core 2's it supports so I guess all (?).

I looked at OS compatibility and nothing specific to this movo, so I guess also that chipset is standard enough that linux distros will run.

I got this model from a graphic at Toms hardware
WHichCore2?

Please let me know if I'm leaving anything out that would make this a bad move.

Thanks,
Robert

 

[emp]

seems like that MSI mobo can handle all C2D, but I don't know about that DDR2-400 mem. It might be a good idea to get newer memory if you're getting a mobo and a CPU already, and if you're on a budget you should consider the AMD route, the X2 3600+ has been spotted as low as $65 I believe and I saw an X2 4600+ for 125 i believe on newegg.

 

[frosterrj]

MSI got back to me pretty quick with a response:

Type Created Date Problem Note Attachment
MSI Tech. 04/06/2007 Supports DDR2 667/533/400 memory interface.

So it looks like it may be a go!

Robert

 

[frosterrj]

Does anyone know if the Dimensions MOBOs (5100, E520, E521, etc) are ATX form factor?

Just curious. Nothing in the documentation says what size they are.

I tried to measure the one inside the case, but I can only get approx 10x10 inches using a tape measure.

The MSI I found above looks to be too big if this case isn't ATX.

Robert