Upgrading CPU

Luffy321

Hi, i want to upgrade my cpu so i can play the latest games. Im thinking of buying this
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/38067/Intel-CPU-Dual-Core-E5200-2-5GHz-800FSB-LGA775. Should i get this? Will it be compatible? If i replace the CPU would i need reintall the bios/OS system? Are there any other dangers i should be aware of. Computer specs are below.

Thanks

System Information

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Machine name: HomePC
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_rtm.040803-2158)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Compaq Presario 061
System Model: EP058AA-ABU SR1705UK GB610
BIOS: BIOS Date: 01/27/2006 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 3.06GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 367MB used, 687MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

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Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives

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Drive: C:
Free Space: 45.4 GB
Total Space: 70.2 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: SAMSUNG SP0802N/R
Drive:
Free Space: 2.6 GB
Total Space: 6.1 GB
File System: FAT32
Model: SAMSUNG SP0802N/R
Drive: E:
Model: TSSTcorp CD/DVDW TS-H552L
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.2180 (English), 8/4/2004 12:00:00, 49536 bytes

timbim_2

That won't play the latest games. What graphics card do you have?

Luffy321

9600gt 512mb. I can play the lastest games but they lag a bit so i want to change the processor. So what should i be looking at? I dont want something highend just something mid range.

If i replaced the cpu would i need to reinstall the OS/Bios, and how do i know whether these chips are compatible?

DatabaseError

I'm struggling to find a definite answer.
The motherboard appears to be an MSI Gypsum, which is socket 775 (same as the E5200) but I can't easily find a list of supported processors/fsb so I'm really not gonna commit to an answer....but even with a better processor the 9600gt is still not a good gaming card

Strider590

I doubt its the CPU that you need to worry about.

To be honest, if you wanted to play the latest games, you'd need a new system.

niceguyrichy

that cpu (if it's compatible, can't find a list same as above) will definately improve performance on some of the more cpu intensive games of late.
the small cache really kills those celerons.
and just btw, a 9600gt should be alright yet for playing just about anything on lower settings. I have a gs , and as long as it's all configured right I can play any game lag free

Luffy321

To the play the lastest games it says 8800 or higher is the recommended. I have no problem graphically, and even if i did go for a high end card wouldnt it make no difference since the computer wouldnt be able to utilise it to its full capacity.

The only recommendation that i lack is the pocessor hence why i want to change it.

Even if it doesnt help my gaming, i would still like to upgrade the processor to atleast Intel 2 duo processor. So can someone show me a product that would be compatible with my motherboard or would the product i linked be fine.

And if i replaced the cpu would i need to reinstall the OS/Bios, and how do i know whether these chips are compatible?

AHAR

As far as I can tell, this page has the details of your motherboard.
It looks like a dual core Pentium 4 would be the best you could go for.

If you did upgrade, the only things to check would be whether your BIOS is recent enough to support the CPU you select (can be updated if needed) and that you may need to fit a better cooler for a more powerful CPU.

DatabaseError

9600gt is NOT better..or as good as...an 8800gt... (confusing, I know)
you will not need to reinstall the OS if you change CPU...as to the BIOS...without more info on the motherboard it's impossible to answer, one of the downsides of buying from box peddlers is the lack of information and upgrade support

niceguyrichy

Luffy321 wrote: »

To the play the lastest games it says 8800 or higher is the recommended. I have no problem graphically, and even if i did go for a high end card wouldnt it make no difference since the computer wouldnt be able to utilise it to its full capacity.

The only recommendation that i lack is the pocessor hence why i want to change it.

Even if it doesnt help my gaming, i would still like to upgrade the processor to atleast Intel 2 duo processor. So can someone show me a product that would be compatible with my motherboard or would the product i linked be fine.

And if i replaced the cpu would i need to reinstall the OS/Bios, and how do i know whether these chips are compatible?

the socket seem to be fine, but whether the mobo supports that specific cpu I can't be certain.
that proc would be a huge step up from the cele you're currently using, and would probably be about right for the system overall (so you're not gonna be bottlenecking anywhere)
as for the OS, yeah , you really want to do a clean build when you change cpu if you can.

Luffy321

Do i need a new heatsink as well?