CPU upgrade

[xcgamer]

So i currently have an e5300 2.6ghz dual core and its bottlenecking my new 550 ti. I was looking for a cheap upgrade since it is the family computer and I'm going off to college this fall. Any suggestions?

 

[fly in the sky]

you can get I3 2120 cpu, and buy a h61 mobo to upgrade
also you can overclock your e5300

 

[amuffin]

Can you overclock?

 

[xcgamer]

I've never overclocked before, what would it entail I have the generic cpu fan that came with my comp the gateway dx4822

 

[Ubrales]

This is an LGA 775 dual core CPU, and you have the option of upgrading to a better dual core or a quad core.

E8300 @ 2.83 GHz or Q9550 @ 2.66 GHz

 

[fly in the sky]

I've never overclocked before, what would it entail I have the generic cpu fan that came with my comp the gateway dx4822

learn how to overclock on internet, and you will save your money

 

[amuffin]

Is it a gateway motherboard? Any oem motherboard will have a locked bios.

 

[Ubrales]

I've never overclocked before, what would it entail I have the generic cpu fan that came with my comp the gateway dx4822

For overclocking, you will need to do considerable reading and studying thew guides which are available here and elsewhere. Some manufacturers like Dell, will not permit you to overclock. Ways around this are rather complicated, but can be done.

If your need is short term, like until college starts, then use the system as-is. Later build your own using the components of your choice. This way you will have the family computer as well as your own gaming computer built to your specs.

Upgrading the CPU may also involve upgrading the PSU if your existing PSU does not support the thermal design og the upgraded CPU.