Questions about how to upgrade the speed of my Dell PC
 

I know my following question(s) is most likely very basic and is going to sound really stupid to you guys; however, i'm not a computer hardware-type guy. I know how to use programs but when it comes to the guts/innards of a computer, i know just enough to cause tremendous damage to my computer.:eek: So, at that point, I stop, and ask questions to people who DO know the answers.

Anyways, I am currrently running a Dell Dimension 4550 Intel P4 CPU, 2.00 GHz, DIM 4550, 768 RAM.

I want more speed. I feel the need for speed. My kids are running a 2.8 and 3.0. Quite frankly, i'm jealous. :p

I know i can increase memory. I already installed a 512 memory card. I can my memory capacity up to 2 gigs, if memory serves me right. (but dont quote me on that).


MY QUESTION IS THIS: Is is possible for me to remove the existing P4 2.00 GHz processor and replace it with a faster P4 chip?

Is it possible? Would it be better to just buy a new computer? (which i dont want to do). If I replace the processor, will it screw up other things (my computer technical term) going on?

Any logical answers would truly be appreciated. Thanks in advance. :thumbsup:

Yes it is.

do you know what socket the chip is?

if not run this program and tell us what it says

http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpu-z-135.zip

Being a 2.0 places it pretty old, you can defiantly upgrade, but what you can upgrade to is in question.

but to get more speed, a new computer would be best.

It should be a socket 478. 845PE chipset. Faster 478 P4's are available but you're somewhat at the mercy of it being a Dell and their model of expecting you to buy another system. You could install another processor only to find the BIOS won't support it. You could buy a newer motherboard that supports faster processors but find it won't physically fit in the non-standard Dell case.

I wouldn't expect big improvements out of that system though some of the parts may help you build something far better. Or you may find that your primary applications benefit more from upgraded video than a faster processor. That Dell is supposed to have a standard AGP 4X slot...

Sooooo, in other words, I'm screwed?:p Guys, i can find a P4 2.8 Intel processor socket 478 for $30 at Frys. (I called). But you guys mentioned the BIOS. I havent a clue what that is and how a new chip would effect that.

Am i right in saying the Dell makes their equipment in such a manner that it is impossible to use upgrades that is not Dell?

Btw, i ran that proggy. Pretty neat little program. Intel Pentium 4, Code Name Northwood, Brand ID 9, Package, mPGA 478.

No. I have a Dell and I've been able to upgrade my system without problems, and I'm looking at replacing my motherboard in another few months. Totally not worried about it--every mobo I've looked at so far will fit in my case.

What is the FSB on that chip? 800, 533, 400? I’d bet money that your system is running at 400mhz, if the 2.8 is 533, it would cause problems if the board can not handle 533 fsb, and there is no way it would handle a 800 MHz fsb. Also you may need a larger heat sink and fan to compensate for the additional heat.

i agree with the whole you may be able to upgrade it thing. the bios is basicly the software thats in a chip on the motherboard that tells your computer what to do when it boots up. where to look for drives what to do to look for the operating system if its a toaster or a hamster or a dell that sort of real basic stuff.

In all honesty i wouldnt bother upgrading that thing. you might get a little more speed out of it after the hassle and a little cash but its just streching out your misery.
Depending on what you do with your computer you might be able to build yourself a new one for a few hundred dollars thats faster. recycling some stuff from your current computer of corse. keyboard moniter speakers mouse that sort of thing.

If your not big into gaming you can build a computer real cheap and from that you could upgrade easy for a long time. Having something thats easy to upgrade is really important with computers just because of how fast they get outdated.

If you cant afford to build a whole new computer now i would just wait and not mess with what you have untill you can save up some cash and build a decent system. If you can afford to put together something now this crazy forum is a great place to get advice on what the best bang for the buck combo would be.

good advice all around. thanks guys. :)

Few things about Dells:

They go to great lengths to direct customers who are interested in upgrading to do so through them. They make matters very difficult for upgrading, while with some systems it may be done, others it may not be possible. I've seen systems with PSUs that will handle only what is in the system. Those same systems have the ONLY FAN IN THE CASE attached via shroud over the processor. It is a very risky business to alter anything in those cases. Furthermore, if you're seeking performance, get out of Dell immediately. You know those wonderful rock bottom prices? They get there by cutting costs on components.

Things to salvage: Monitor (if you're happy with it - if you have an older monitor and you're purchasing a new system, you may not be able to fully utilize your new rigs abilities)
Keyboard
Mouse
Mouse pad (they probably charged you $15 for it when you purchased the computer)

What Dell (and most other manufacturers) does is to use either a non-standard or a baby-ATX case. So sometimes if you swap the wrong thing you'll find that your stuff doesn't fit in the case anymore.


Frankly in your situation I'd either get a new computer (they're cheap nowadays) or if you want REAL quality and speed, build one yourself.

I just built a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 1Gb Nvidia 7300 256MB, 16X Dual Layer DVD burner, 250Gb HD ASUS Mobo for $799