Dual Core Dell 8300, fully enabled? or not? (pictures)

[marquix]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time posting.

I have a question.

Does it look like from the following images if both Processors (cores?) are working? I know it shows up, but does that really mean it is enabled properly? What would the performance info look like on a single core PC ?

Is there anyway to bump this system up a little faster or enable something better? I was confused because the CPU-Z info box only says 1 core, 2 threads but does not allow me to select the other core.

I've considered even upgrading to Windows 7 but now feel that maybe it is better to just have a kick ass system (maxed out) for the XP Generation stuff that Dell put together back in those days. Any ideas? Can I gut these components and get to another level elsewhere? Thanks... any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.

Additionally, I do not have a digital camera with me but this is what the BIOS info says:

DELL - DIMENSION 8300 SERIES

Intel Pentium 4 Processor: 3.00 GHz
Level 2 Cache: 512 kb Integrated

Bios Version: A07
Service Tag: I ommited

MEMORY INFORMATION
Installed System Memory ................ 2048 MB DDR SDRAM
System Memory Speed .................... 400 Mhz
System Memory Channel Mode ............. Dual
AGP Aperture ........................... 128 MB

CPU INFORMATION
Hyper-Threading ....................... Enabled (option for disabled)
CPU Speed ............................. Normal (option for compatible)
Bus Speed ............................. 800 MHz
Processor 0 ID ........................ F29
Clock Speed ....................... 3.00 GHz
L2 Cache Size ..................... 512 KB

================================================== ==

Is it even possible for 2 cores working together to equal a 64 bit system?

I mainly use Photoshop with this computer, but want more punch and also want to do some Video. I've had it a while but had to save up $$ in order to upgrade and it's just taken me quite a while to do this.

I'm upgrading on RAM 2 more GB, adding a 1Gb AGP video card ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MLZPBY/ ), 500 Watt PSU ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0017XEGCM/ )

 

[Upendra09]

u can only access the one core because it is a one core system

it shows two procs because it has hyperthreading so it looks like two processors wehre as it is only one.

in short u dont' have a dual core u have a 1.5 core theoretically but a single core physically

the two threads are showing up as different procs, and there is no such thing as a dual core _$ unless it is two P$s on one mobo

but yes ur CPU is fully optimized don't worry about it

 

[marquix]

Ok, the thing is this though. I'm pretty sure that when I bought it, I ordered it with TWO processors so I'm almost 100% positive it has two physical processors. Either that or I've been thinking this for going on 5 years. How can we make sure? Open up the case and look ?

 

[Upendra09]

yeah uf u have two physical processors on that mobo it has to have two sockets or else the OS is malfunctioning and both are highly unlikely

XP would never do that and Dell isn't advanced enough to create a dual socket mobo.


so really u have been mistaken, what did it say on the box u bought?

 

[warmon6]

yeah uf u have two physical processors on that mobo it has to have two sockets or else the OS is malfunctioning and both are highly unlikely

XP would never do that and Dell isn't advanced enough to create a dual socket mobo.


so really u have been mistaken, what did it say on the box u bought?

+1

You have almost same cpu i have. (yours is 3 GHz while mine is 2.8 GHz )

These cpus have 2 threads that to an OS looks like 2 core. Although there NOT a dual core.

Sorry for low quality image.

EDIT: Notice another difference. Your's is a northwood and mines a prescott but there nearly the same.

 

[marquix]

awww man. I think I'm finally taking this in. I have been thinking this was a dual core PC since the day I bought it. I paid $3200 back in the days. I have it open now but cannot tell if it has two sockets or not. It has two big pipes coming out of what looks like a huge heatsink. Here is a picture of it I found. (since I don't have a camera right now) http://img.inkfrog.com/click_enlarge1.php?image=CL97060_(9).jpg&username=greencitizenreuse&aid=511454501

So this essentially means that I can get the same power out of any old Dell 8300 with the same 3.0 Ghz processor? I guess they all run on Hyperthreading??

They must have told me over the phone something about dual processor and I just fell for it. I do not have the box anymore but I guess that was the case.

 

[Upendra09]

yes u only have on proccessor, the two heatpipes are for cooling and transporting heat away