Simplicity/Difficulty of upgrading your CPU?

[Zabre]

I'm long overdue for a CPU upgrade, I can barely play most games. Though I really doubt upgrading this vital component will be as easy as upgrading my GPU was.

So my 3 questions are:

1. Any reccomendations for a CPU that can run most games now? (Cheap please)

2. How easy is it to actually install the hardware?

3. Does upgrading the CPU require other upgrades?

Hopefully some of the tech-savy people here will help

[_echo]

First off, if you could post a DxDiag so we can see what kind of CPU you do have. From there, we can discuss the need for a CPU or a graphics card.

As for how easy, it can depend greatly. At its best, its a simple removal of the heatsink to swap out the CPU. At worst, it would require removing the motherboard to get enough force behind the CPU when reattaching the heatsink.

[Zabre]

First off, if you could post a DxDiag so we can see what kind of CPU you do have. From there, we can discuss the need for a CPU or a graphics card.

As for how easy, it can depend greatly. At its best, its a simple removal of the heatsink to swap out the CPU. At worst, it would require removing the motherboard to get enough force behind the CPU when reattaching the heatsink.

Here yah go Echo! Though I just got a new(er) GPU last Christmas.

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System Information

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Time of this report: 3/13/2011, 01:31:19

       Machine name: LANDON

   Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.101026-1503)

           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)

System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.                

       System Model: Dell DXP061                  

               BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 2.3.1 

          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU          6300  @ 1.86GHz (2 CPUs), ~1.9GHz

             Memory: 4096MB RAM

Available OS Memory: 3326MB RAM

          Page File: 1918MB used, 4731MB available

        Windows Dir: C:\Windows

    DirectX Version: DirectX 11

DX Setup Parameters: Not found

   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI

 System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)

    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled

     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode


---------------

Display Devices

---------------

          Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GT 430

       Manufacturer: NVIDIA

          Chip type: GeForce GT 430

           DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC

         Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0DE1&SUBSYS_082810DE&REV_A1

     Display Memory: 2400 MB

   Dedicated Memory: 993 MB

      Shared Memory: 1406 MB

       Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)

       Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor

      Monitor Model: DELL E197FP

         Monitor Id: DELA024

        Native Mode: 1280 x 1024(p) (60.020Hz)

[_echo]

Ouch, yeah CPU it is.

One last thing. What is the wattage on your power supply?

[Zabre]

Ouch, yeah CPU it is.

One last thing. What is the wattage on your power supply?

I have no idea

Is that something I should know off the top of my head?

[_echo]

It should be something you are aware of, specially when upgrading videocards, though a GT430 is low on power requirements.

Just pop off the side pannel of your case and look for the biggest number on the table, find the biggest number with a "W" at the end. something like 300W, 400W, etc.

[Zabre]

It should be something you are aware of, specially when upgrading videocards, though a GT430 is low on power requirements.

Just pop off the side pannel of your case and look for the biggest number on the table, find the biggest number with a "W" at the end. something like 300W, 400W, etc.

Just took the panel off more carefully than an Argonian with 100 Sneak... I saw tons'a numbers

One part said "Output: 375W MAX"

Is that what you're looking for?

[_echo]

Indeed it is. That should narrow down the search for possible CPUs

This is the best for the least you are going to get without a total system overhaul.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115207

[HeyYou]

How much do you want to spend?

Upgrading to a 64 bit O/S would let you actually use all of the 4gig of RAM as well.

[Zabre]

Indeed it is. That should narrow down the search for possible CPUs

This is the best for the least you are going to get without a total system overhaul.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115207

That looks like something in my price range. I'll keep looking, but that's a good option,

How much do you want to spend?

Upgrading to a 64 bit O/S would let you actually use all of the 4gig of RAM as well.

No more than 200$.

I also dislike 64 bit O/S's

[Arthmoor]

I also dislike 64 bit O/S's

Any particular reason why?

[_echo]

Yeah, I just realized that. A 64bit OS would do wonders as well. I noticed a major improvement in performance thanks to the larger address space.

If you are worried about 32bit compatability, Windows 7 takes care of that.