Best LGA 775 processor I can get

[Primus462]

I'm looking to upgrade my parents PC. They currently have a 3Ghz P4. What's the best processor I can use with the Intel D915GEV mother board?
Here are the specs from Intel's website:
Support for the Intel® Pentium® 4 processor with Hyper-Threading in the LGA775 socket with an 800 MHz system bus
Supports boxed Intel desktop processors with packaging designated by 04B or 04A Platform Compatibility Guide

Memory Four 240-pin DIMM connectors supporting up to four double-sided DIMMs
DDR2 533/400 SDRAM memory
Designed to support up to 4 GB2 of system memory

Chipset Intel® 915G Express Chipset

Can I go with a Core 2 Duo like the Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6400 listed here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115004

or does the FSB of the processor have to be 800MHz to match the MB?
Thanks!

 

[apt403]

No, you can't use a C2D in that board. They're physically compatible, but the 915 chipset doesnt support the C2D, and your board doesnt have the right VRD revision.

This is the support list for that board, the fastest cpu you can use is a P4 660.

 

[InteliotInside]

I was about to say a Pentium D 805, but that list doesn't mention it.

So, yeah just a Pentium 4 speed bump.

 

[Primus462]

I was about to say a Pentium D 805, but that list doesn't mention it.

So, yeah just a Pentium 4 speed bump.

Is it possible the list is outdated?

 

[Primus462]

Think this will help significantly with boot times? That's the end goal. It used to seem really responsive. Now it takes forever to boot and hesitates when loading/switch between applications. I've used Spybot, Adaware, etc, trying to clean it up, but that doesn't seem to help.

Thanks for the post!

 

[apt403]

Have you tried reinstalling XP? It gets pretty slow after a while, just like any other OS. A fresh install should speed things up a bit.

Also, how much ram does this pc have? It might help to throw in another stick.

Why don't you buy a cheaper cpu, like the E4300 or E4400, and get a new mobo? Any C2D will be a major step up from what that pc has now, and with a new mobo you'll have a better upgrade path.

 

[Primus462]

It has 2x512MB Kingston Hyper-X PC 5400. I was considering more RAM. That was going to be my next question.

I had considered a fresh install, but that was going to be the last resort. My family isn't very computer literate. They are comfortable/familiar with it and would probably panic if I did a fresh install. They did last time.

If I did do a fresh install, I'd probably go for the new Mobo and CPU.

 

[apt403]

Eh, more ram couldnt hurt, and a 2x512mb kit only costs about $40 nowadays.

 

[Primus462]

Eh, more ram couldnt hurt, and a 2x512mb kit only costs about $40 nowadays.

Yeah, you're probably right. I'm not the one paying anyway! So, I'll recommend it.

 

[jjnguy13]

My family isn't very computer literate. They are comfortable/familiar with it and would probably panic if I did a fresh install. They did last time.

Oh poor families. Mine have learned to cope with computers as well.

They have even embraced the idea of having me build computers for them and saving money!

I'm so proud!!!!

 

[Primus462]

Yeah, so I just get to spend hours over there every couple of months cleaning off all of the crap! Oh, well.

 

[apt403]

My family isn't very computer literate. They are comfortable/familiar with it and would probably panic if I did a fresh install. They did last time.

Oh poor families. Mine have learned to cope with computers as well.

They have even embraced the idea of having me build computers for them and saving money!

I'm so proud!!!!

Damn, you're lucky. I'm still trying to convince one of the 'rents to let me build them a computer instead of buying a bloody Mac Mini. It isnt going too well...

 

[jjnguy13]

...

...

Damn, you're lucky. I'm still trying to convince one of the 'rents to let me build them a computer instead of buying a bloody Mac Mini. It isnt going too well...

Ha, thanks...

But now the pressure is on for the computers to work well....

*crosses fingers*

 

[InteliotInside]

You must know the frustration of dealing with the computer illiterate. :lol: My family know NOTHING about computers.

I'm just trying to think of a quote that my parents said...

(When my wireless router wasn't working with my wireless card)
"Did you plug in the wireless cable? Sometimes with electronics you have to plug things in properly."

8O :x

Is it possible the list is outdated?

Unlikely.

Intel is actually very good at maintaining compatability data.

 

[Primus462]

OK. I'm back to this post again. My parent's hard drive has apparently died. I have to go check it out, yet. If it is dead, I'm taking this as the perfect opportunity to upgrade their PC. I'm thinking of two different possibilties:

1. Buy them a new CPU and mobo
-or-
2. Sell them my 4200+ to my parentst and by them a mobo. (Then I could get a AM2 6400!)

-The rest of their hardware won't need upgraded.

What are your thoughts? If I get them a new CPU/mobo, what should I go with? I was thinking about getting them a 4800+ (109.99 at Newegg). They would like to spend less than $150.

Here are their current specs:
2x512MB Kingston Hyper-X PC 5400
Intel P4 3.0 GHz
Intel D915GEV mobo


Thanks!