Posted on 02/17/2014 4:51:50 PM PST by Zeneta
OK.
I'm trying to figure out if I can upgrade my Dell optiplex 740, to a "Dual-core" processor.
I read on Dell's "community boards" that it might be possible. I'd like to know for sure and what it would take.
What processor, make model etc..?
Is it a function of just popping out the old chip and installing the new one ?
I'm trying to keep the cost as low as possible, so I'm willing to purchase a used machine to get the right processor if that makes sense.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.
System Information ------------------ Time of this report: 2/11/2014, 09:27:03 Machine name: ******** Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_qfe.130704-0421) Language: English (Regional Setting: English) System Manufacturer: Dell Inc. System Model: OptiPlex 740 Enhanced BIOS: )Phoenix - Award WorkstationBIOS v6.00PG Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor 1640B, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.7GHz Memory: 3326MB RAM Page File: 964MB used, 4245MB available Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904) DX Setup Parameters: Not found DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
If it is over 4 years old, get/build a new one.
Buy a mac
From looking at your specs you would be better off purchasing a new computer.
Just sayin.
You might be able to do a search on your motherboard and see which processors work with it. Manufacturers used to put lots of information out about such things.
With new computers so cheap, why rebuild an old one?
You guys always pushing food, he's asking for computer advice.
Especially if you are planning on spending time in Starbucks sipping el-grandee zucchini lattes while typing up some pajama boy fan-fiction. But be aware you'll have to buy a pre-stressed leather messenger satchel to go with it, unless you want to look like a total tool.
;)
In before buy a Lienooks!
As a start you would have to research to see what AMD chips are compatible to your motherboard. If it is too old.you may have a hard time finding new chips and would possibly have to try to find a used one online. Ebay is a good place to buy used processors. I have bought and sold a few that way.
Don’t waste your time. You may be able to find older Pentium D processors but they are pretty slow and outdated. Anything older than an optiplex 755 is junk heap material.
If you are set on trying an upgrade, look for Pentium D dual core CPU. You can search google for a list of compatible cpu’s. That system, even though it has the right socket, it won’t accept the core 2 line of Intel cpu’s which are still pretty decent. I’ve run in to this issue you are having and I found a free optiplex 755 that was destined for recycling and took it off their hands for free.
iPuter, please.
Yeah, he’s trying to upgrade what he has to save money and you invite him to spend twice what a new PC would cost.
make it a big one
Here’s a DELL OptiPlex 755 SFF Desktop PC, B Grade, Scratch & Dent Core 2 Duo 2.3GHz 2GB 80GB HDD Capacity Windows 7 Professional from Newegg for $159.00 with free shipping...
“http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883155523
Buy a bare bones tower with chip from Tiger Direct or NewEgg and put your current hard drive in it. I will be almost as cheap, twice as fast and more reliable with a new MB and Power Supply.
Based on the specs here ( https://www.iup.edu/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=19295 ) this should be compatible:
The tricky part is getting the heat sink off. The pins only fit one way, so don’t force it.
You might be able to buy a new motherboard which would support a new processor.
Either way it will be hard to find something which will fit the dell.
Why do you want to do this?
Do a search on your processor.
With the state of the market the Manufactures are giving great deals. I bought a $450.00 Dell laptop for $299.99 on black Friday . I would suggest you look to replace your old machine.
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