Upgrading my CPU

[SnareSpectre]

Okay I know this will be a newb question, and I'm prepared to undergo any ridicule asking such a question might bring. But I think it will be worth it for an answer:

I currently have an e6600 dual-core processor running in my system. I would like to upgrade to the e8500 - will any motherboard that supports dual-core processors like the e6600 also support any other Intel dual-core processors? Or is it the kind of thing where I need to check my motherboard's model number and find out if it will run the new processor?

Thanks in advance for your response. I guess I'll go find out the model of motherboard I have and supply that info if necessary. I know it's a Gigabyte.

 

[SnareSpectre]

Okay I found some discrepancy around the internet saying it might not be compatible - it's a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 motherboard. Anyone have a clue if it works with an e8500 or not?

 

[Outlander_04]

It probably will run , but the way to be sure is head of to the mb makers website , find your mb and then find the cpu support list .

Good luck

 

[col-p-todd]

as outlander said you will have to look at the mb website and see what cpu's your mb supports.

 

[SnareSpectre]

I actually just did that, and it says it supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors, so everything seems right EXCEPT - it only supports up to 1066 FSB, and the e8500 as I understand is a 1333 FSB processor. How much will that reduce performance, and in this case would it even be worth upgrading from the e6600 at all? Here is the link to the specs and compatibility:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=2314&ProductName=GA-965P-DS3

 

[Just_An_Engineer]

I actually just did that, and it says it supports Intel Core 2 Duo processors, so everything seems right EXCEPT - it only supports up to 1066 FSB, and the e8500 as I understand is a 1333 FSB processor. How much will that reduce performance, and in this case would it even be worth upgrading from the e6600 at all? Here is the link to the specs and compatibility:

http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Spec.aspx?ClassValue=Motherboard&ProductID=2314&ProductName=GA-965P-DS3

According to Gigabyte's CPU Support List for your board the E8500 is not supported. The fastest dual core your board supports is the E6700 and the fastest quad core is the QX6800. I'd say it's time to look into getting a new motherboard.

 

[cadder]

What is your goal for CPU speed?
The E6600 has a 9.0 multiplier, the E8500 has a 9.5 multiplier. IF your mobo has limited bus speed, you won't see much performance gain from one CPU to the other. Don't worry about the 1066FSB of one cpu vs. 1333 of the other, that just shows that Intel thinks one can easily run faster than the other. You don't have to run them at those speeds.

If you can take your mobo past 1066, then first you should try overclocking the cpu that you have now. The E8500 is rated at 3.16GHz, you can probably beat that with your E6600 with a good cooler. The E8500 might or might not ultimately go to a higher overclock if you really push it, with an appropriate mobo and ram.

If your mobo tops out at 1066, then you need to find a cpu with higher multiplier. The E5200 for instance I think has a multiplier of 12. At FSB of 1066, the E5200 would be running at about 3.2GHz, and should be capable of this with a good cooler. And it's a relatively inexpensive CPU.

 

[SnareSpectre]

What about overclocking the E6600? I've read everywhere that it's super-easy to overclock, even from 2.4 to like 3.0, but I know absolutely nothing about how to do it - is this a good idea, and if so, could anyone refer me to a place that would tell me how to do it?

 

[Just_An_Engineer]

What about overclocking the E6600? I've read everywhere that it's super-easy to overclock, even from 2.4 to like 3.0, but I know absolutely nothing about how to do it - is this a good idea, and if so, could anyone refer me to a place that would tell me how to do it?

Since you can't really get a faster processor for your motherboard I'd suggest that you do look into overclocking at this point if you're reluctant to buy a new motherboard and processor. There are plenty of overclocking FAQ's out there so I suggest that you read a few of them before trying anything. The E6600 should overclock pretty decently.

 

[SnareSpectre]

Thanks Engineer, I appreciate the responses.

 

[papalarge123]

ur mobo may allow for the 1333fsb as long as it is an overclock.

insert the penryn CPU as normal, and change the fsb to 333fsb with the standard multiplier.

the only way this will be capable is to check on the site again for the latest Bios update, and see if the system is able to go to 400fsb (as this will allow for an overclock later if possible.

this may not be possible, but it wont hurt to find out.

 

[fullmetall]

I have the E8500 in my Biostar TPower I45/P45.
If you are looking to replace the mobo aswell, The Biostar TForce P45 will run it. its a 1 pci-e 2.0 16x slot mobo though. fsb 1600/1333. $109.99 i do believe or the Biostar P43 ATX should do the job aswell, same in pci-6 slottage though. only $89.99

 

[KyleSTL]

You'll probably need a CPU with an even number multiplier to have a remote chance of the overclocking suggestion working. The E8400 has 9x, or the E8600 has 10x (but is priced rediculously). I'd suggest a new P45 MB, personally.