Celeron Upgrade

[MarcosFabian]

Hey guys,
I want to upgrade my main PC,
The reason I want to upgrade it is because I want to start playing games on it.
But my specs prevent me from playing anything, even the older games.
It's a really wimpy PC.
I'll post the specs below.
[cpp]
CPU: Celeron 420 @ 1.60GHz
RAM: 1GB
PSU: 250w
Intergraged chipset
[/cpp]

That's pretty much it.
I decided to get a Radeon 5670 for a graphics upgrade.
2GB of RAM.
And replace the 250w PSU with a 305w PSU

I also was thinking about upgrading the CPU since the Celeron won't cut it.
My mobo uses the LGA775 socket.
I know the best the best CPU upgrade is the Core Quad.
But I don't have that kind of money, and I don't want invest much money on this PC since it's kinda old.

My dad's PC uses the LGA775 socket as well.
He runs a Pentium 4 at 2.80GHz.
So what I was thinking if I switch out the CPU with mines.
He only uses his PC for online shopping so I doubt he will need that Pentium.

The reason I posted this thread is because I am unsure if I should make the switch?

I have many questions regarding the upgrade,
1. Does the P4 requires a bigger power supply?
2. Will it be worth it?
3. Does the P4 heat up quickly?

If it helps,
My dad owns a Dell Optiplex GX280,
And I own a Compaq Presario SR5210NX

Thanks!
Marcos.

 

[megamanx00]

Actually that's not an upgrade because the Celeron is alot newer. Your dads Pentium, which is basically a 520, is about equal to your Celeron 420. Take a look at this

http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/cpu/intel-celeron-420-440-page1.html

Not only that, I doubt the Dell Optiplex GX280 will support your celeron. Stick with the 5670 and the RAM. Save up to replace the motherboard, CPU, and RAM through a combo from newegg or one of the CompUSA specials. You can reuse the case for now.

 

[saaiello]

Hes right it will be almost the exact same performance no difference. Clock speed does not always equal better performance.

Your motherboard will not support any Core 2 quads or any Core 2 processors at all you will need to upgrade your whole system basically to get any performance gain that will be worth messing with. Technology moves along so quick those old socket 775 are way past there usefulness.

 

[rwpritchett]

If you truly want to upgrade, I suggest you scour eBay for a cheap used Core 2 Duo. According to Compaq, the max processor you can upgrade to is the E4300. Other CPU's may work but it would be a gamble without HP/Compaq BIOS support. That will get you a 1.8GHz dual core, but I wouldn't spend much more than $30 for a dated processor like that.

 

[MarcosFabian]

Actually that's not an upgrade because the Celeron is alot newer. Your dads Pentium, which is basically a 520, is about equal to your Celeron 420. Take a look at this

http://ixbtlabs.com/articles2/cpu/intel-celeron-420-440-page1.html

Not only that, I doubt the Dell Optiplex GX280 will support your celeron. Stick with the 5670 and the RAM. Save up to replace the motherboard, CPU, and RAM through a combo from newegg or one of the CompUSA specials. You can reuse the case for now.

No worries mate,
Am actually glad because it would be a problem if I was to switch CPU's.
For now am just sticking with the Celeron until I get a new PC.

****
Another question for everyone.
How do rebates work?
I want to get the XFX 5670 1GB and I saw on it Tigerdirect for $70 With a rebate.
It's cheaper then the one I found on Newegg.
Link's below
Newegg - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150467&cm_re=5670-_-14-150-467-_-Product

Tigerdirect - http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5646069&CatId=3669

In Tigerdirect the card cost less, but that's because the rebate.
I want to save money for the RAM as well since I only have about $120 for upgrades.

For RAM,
I was thinking about these,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161675

Hes right it will be almost the exact same performance no difference. Clock speed does not always equal better performance.

Your motherboard will not support any Core 2 quads or any Core 2 processors at all you will need to upgrade your whole system basically to get any performance gain that will be worth messing with. Technology moves along so quick those old socket 775 are way past there usefulness.

I really thought that the clock speeds would make a difference while gaming.
I've put thought into just getting a Core 2 Duo for now, until I save up for a completely new rig. (AMD)

The Core 2 seems to be perfect for me, those new i7's would be overkill for me since am not a hardcore gamer or a heavy-multi tasker.

Thanks man!

If you truly want to upgrade, I suggest you scour eBay for a cheap used Core 2 Duo. According to Compaq, the max processor you can upgrade to is the E4300. Other CPU's may work but it would be a gamble without HP/Compaq BIOS support. That will get you a 1.8GHz dual core, but I wouldn't spend much more than $30 for a dated processor like that.

You right man,
Well am glad that I don't have to worry about this now.
Thanks!
I will check the prices on ebay!

 

[Computerrock1]

A rebate works by you buying the product at the given price. Once you receive it, you will get a piece of paper that you mail back to the company. After however long it takes to process the rebate, they will mail you back some money. It isn't that much of a hassle, it just takes a long time in most cases.

 

[MarcosFabian]

A rebate works by you buying the product at the given price. Once you receive it, you will get a piece of paper that you mail back to the company. After however long it takes to process the rebate, they will mail you back some money. It isn't that much of a hassle, it just takes a long time in most cases.

Is it money?
Or just credit?
Thanks for the reply mate

 

[Computerrock1]

It is money, generally. I have never had a rebate through credit.

 

[MarcosFabian]

It is money, generally. I have never had a rebate through credit.

That's awesome man!
Thanks for your help!

But I can't decide if I should get the 1GB of the 512MB version of the 5670

 

[Computerrock1]

go for 1 GB, allows for higher AAx (Anti-Aliasing) ability.

 

[MarcosFabian]

go for 1 GB, allows for higher AAx (Anti-Aliasing) ability.

I'll be sure to get the 1GB version!
Thanks again man!

 

[Computerrock1]

No Prob!

 

[MarcosFabian]

No Prob!

I just replace my old 250w PSU will a Dell 305w PSU.
It works!

It was my first time ever replacing a power unit.
What a thrill!

I replaced it for the 5670.
I doubt the 250w could power the 5670.

I got the power supply from a Dell Precision 360.
They have a 305w PSU.

Now I just hope the 305w psu can power the 5670.

 

[saaiello]

The 5670 is a low powered card it will be fine with the 300 watt unit.

 

[MarcosFabian]

The 5670 is a low powered card it will be fine with the 300 watt unit.

Oh thank god!
Everything is running smoothly on the new PSU!
Actually is running a heck a lot faster for some strange reason.
Success!