Quick processor upgrade on my Dell Dimension 5150

I say just save up. Depending on the kind of chipset that Dell has, it may not even be able to support a dual-core CPU, but I don't know much about the kind of components Dell uses. I, for one, have a 915 chipset mobo lying around that I got back in 2005, and that doesn't support dual core CPUs.

How much RAM do you have now? If it's less than 1GB upgrade that instead.

I have 1 gig....

I would rather build a custom rig but I have a wait a bit to save up the funds since I want top of the line components.

Save up. You'd notice a -little- more "snappiness" from the dual-core, but not much (HyperThreading makes up for the single core a little bit in that department), but no other real gains.

Thanks for the solid advice... I'm running Vista as the OS

Woop. Nevermind. Make it 2GB then. You'll notice an improvement, like you would in XP going from 512 -> 1GB.

Mostly agreed with prior viewpoints. Although it would be more like $80 as you could get an oem 820 and continue to use the Dell cooling system. You would need to reapply thermal compound of course.

Save up for a custom build.... ditch the Dell.... that would be my advice.

Respectfully, I don't see why he should ditch the Dell when it is absolutely fine for what he's using it for.

No, he's got a point, but I think Jack meant save up and ditch the Dell upon the next upgrade / computer shift, not immediately.

If all you do is just cd burning, office documents, and general internet use, you'll really be scratching your head, wondering what all the dual core fuss is about when you "upgrade" to a Pentium D. The CPU is not the bottleneck in this scenerio.

I hear ya. I'm not offended at all, just looking at the OP's particular case from more of a business perspective rather than an enthusiast perspective. But you're right; this is an enthusiast site and I can understand your viewpoint in that regard.

I don't personally own a Dell but I have clients with dozens of 'em and they have been quite effective and reliable for small office use, similar to what the OP is using his for.

Don't underestimate what people will pay for a Dell on ebay. The sooner you sell the Dell the more $ you'll get for it.