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However the question was never answered and i didn't want to risk it.
I am looking at these processors (Link to Newegg Searched Page) and i have my eye on that $80 p4 processor. The problem is i do not want to waste money on something that will not work.
CPU-Z reports the current processor is a Intel Celeron Willamette 1.8 ghz Socket 478 mPGA Processor. I know this is kinda of an older machine.. (2002?) but its all i got.
My guess is it will work as long as it is a Northwood or Willamette as the emachines site states...
So whats the verdict if someone can please help...
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Hi pontiaclover,
Just a point to begin with, the $80 CPU is a Prescott core. The 2.8Ghz is a Northwood ($72).
What you might come up against is that newer CPUs may need a BIOS upgrade for them to be recognized correctly. Branded computer manufacturers do not tend to have many BIOS upgrades available.
Look at the information supplied at the Emachines website. I think you will have the best possibility of success with a Northwood core, although I doubt that a frequency of 2.8 will be listed (the upgraders website mentions "2.2 GHz Northwood").
You can take pot-luck and try it. Newegg seem to be quite agreeable to take stock returns.
Matt
Edit: Just another note.
Changing the CPU is probably the most "technical" part of building a computer. If you get the CPU as a "kit" it will include the heatsink and fan. A new heatsink comes with it's own layer of thermal paste, if you want to use the old heatsink you need to remove the old compound and apply a fresh layer. Let us know if you need further information.
Those CPUs look like they are the processor only. You will need to supply your own heatsink and fan (and thermal compound )
Edit 2: Why is fast processor important? Until recently I have used a 1.7Ghz machine and it has worked extremely well (and might possibly run Vista...depending on Vista compatibility). Do you have programs that require a higher processing power? A large/fast processor may not be "in sync" with the rest of your system.
Hi pontiaclover,
Just a point to begin with, the $80 CPU is a Prescott core. The 2.8Ghz is a Northwood ($72).
What you might come up against is that newer CPUs may need a BIOS upgrade for them to be recognized correctly. Branded computer manufacturers do not tend to have many BIOS upgrades available.
Look at the information supplied at the Emachines website. I think you will have the best possibility of success with a Northwood core, although I doubt that a frequency of 2.8 will be listed (the upgraders website mentions "2.2 GHz Northwood").
You can take pot-luck and try it. Newegg seem to be quite agreeable to take stock returns.
Matt
Edit: Just another note.
Changing the CPU is probably the most "technical" part of building a computer. If you get the CPU as a "kit" it will include the heatsink and fan. A new heatsink comes with it's own layer of thermal paste, if you want to use the old heatsink you need to remove the old compound and apply a fresh layer. Let us know if you need further information.
Those CPUs look like they are the processor only. You will need to supply your own heatsink and fan (and thermal compound )
Edit 2: Why is fast processor important? Until recently I have used a 1.7Ghz machine and it has worked extremely well (and might possibly run Vista...depending on Vista compatibility). Do you have programs that require a higher processing power? A large/fast processor may not be "in sync" with the rest of your system.
Well the whole thing with terminal paste and such, the current processor doesn't have that. I know cause when i was cleaning it out once it just came off and there was no trace of it.
I have been reading more and it seems that this one will work (Ebay Link) because the guy here (eMachine site Link)(Under "T2542 CPU Upgrade") says that the
SL6SM
SL6S5
SL6K7
SL6JJ
will work with it. After seeing this, if it doesn't work in my mobo, i could probably just find one that will somewhere, but i'm pretty sure it will cause on the Intel site they have it labeled as p4 complent. (Intel Link) I will check out the site you supplied also. I want to upgrade because everyday i run loads of programs and some require a good processor (Pinnacle Studio, Virtual PC etc) and it also would be good to run some but not newer games.
The Ebay link I see says the model is SL6WJ. You won't get any return policy from there.
Some things I think about for upgrading an old machine is that you start with say the CPU, which is an expensive item. You are still using the original RAM. Is the motherboard worth the upgrade? That motherboard does not appear to have an AGP slot, so unless you can use a PCI graphics adapter you won't be able to upgrade the graphics. The onboard graphics shares memory with the system (RAM). I would consider upgrading if the motherboard was a good one.
So...you purchase a faster CPU, I always worry that maybe soon after the motherboard will fail. You would then have a good CPU and nothing to run it on. Do you buy a motherboard to suit the old CPU and RAM? You would be trying to get 5 or 6 year old technology to do modern functions. I always ask if the money would be better directed towards the purchase of a new system. Personally, I would not throw a lot of money at that system.
Maybe you should look into
Quote:
Well the whole thing with terminal paste and such, the current processor doesn't have that. I know cause when i was cleaning it out once it just came off and there was no trace of it.
If you changed the CPU you will need to utilise that thermal paste.
Maybe the current CPU has a "shim" (a thin thin piece of copper), although most builders just leave them out. It should still have some type of thermal layer between the CPU and the heatsink.
Read carefully here: http://www.arcticsilver.com/pdf/appi..._quad_wcap.pdf
I would advise that you get some thermal paste (Arcticsilver is at the top of the range) and at least practice installing it on your current CPU. You may find your system starts running very well!!
System Requirements:
Pinnacle Studio version 9 Minimum System Requirements:
* Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 800 MHz or higher (1.5 GHz or Higher recommended)
* 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended)
* Windows 98SE, "Millennium", 2000, XP (Windows XP recommended. MicroMV support requires Windows XP))
* DirectX 9 or higher compatible graphics card (ATI Radeon or Nvidia Geforce 2 or higher recommended)
* DirectX 9 or higher compatible sound card
* 500 MB of disk space to install software
* CD-ROM drive
* Optional
CD burner for creating Video CDs or Super Video CDs*
- DVD burner drive for creating DVDs*
- DVD drive is necessary if you wish to install the bonus DVD containing
tutorial, electronic manual and bonus content (free version on CD-ROMs may
be ordered on Pinnacle e-store - shipping cost not included)
- ProLogic compatible audio system for preview of surround sound mixes
(Creative Labs Audigy recommended)
- 16:9 compatible camcorder for capture of 16:9 video
I will probably wait then until i get a new motherboard. I don't want to buy a processor and have it not work. The only reason i did want it is so stuff like pinnacle studio and my video conversions for ipod and others would work faster. The RAM on this board isn't original, it was upgraded. My friend gave this motherboard as a gift since he didn't need it cause he said all he needed was a laptop (which he had) and all i had was a p2. Oh and i do have a PCI Video Card, it is a ATi Radeon 9250.
As for the terminal paste thing, all i have to do is go to a place, say Microcenter, and buy it? Then all i do is give it enough on the processor and then apply the heatsink? The thing is i have never actually applied terminal paste before. So i don't want to mess up my only computer.
As i remember it, when i was cleaning this system out, there were only small, like not even noticeable from a far enough distance but close traces of terminal paste but to me its nothing compared to what i have seen on youtube with people putting pc's together.
It sounds like quite a decent system and care has been used to maintain it. Still, it is limited in it's "upgradability" and is getting quite(?) old. If it had an AGP slot and was only 3 or 4 years old, it would be a better upgrade prospect. As is, I think it would be better to keep intact and save the money towards a new computer. If you keep it after you get a new system, it will make a very good backup computer (for me, it would go into my network and become something like a media centre or game player when I am working online ).
You should be able to get the thermal paste from an electronics store. About the only one I know over there is Radioshack. Maybe phone before you go. If you describe it as the paste/compound that goes between a processor and the heatsink they should know what you are talking about. You may be able to look it up in their online catalogue. You can get it delivered from Newegg if you like.
One or two points about replacing/installing new compound (which you already saw). You need to completely remove any old compound or pad. The layer needs to be as thin and even as possible (that might be why you can't see the old layer). It is only a replacement for the air gap between the processor and heatsink, air is an insulator. You want to transfer as much heat as possible to the heatsink.
Have fun, if you think the layer is too thick or too thin, don't hesitate to remove the heatsink and try again. (?) Make sure that heatsink is clamped down correctly (it should not come off when you are cleaning )
Thanks for that information and since Radioshack is closer, i will try to buy from there.
Now I just have another question. Many websites are reporting as my maximum ram to 2 gb but in programs like SiSandra Software or Everest (? I think) they report the max as 512 mb. Now i don't know what to believe as in this because its the whole web against 2 programs.
Is there any way to find out how much ran this computer can actually take? Cause it can take more then that would be good incase i ever buy vista (since money is a problem it might be at least 2 years before a newer computer and since i could use it on the newer computer...) I know i can run home basic, but its to plain and doesn't seem worth it to buy. I am looking at home premium but the ram is holding me back from doing it seeing how they say it needs 1gb to run smoothly.
pontiaclover, if I were you I would hold off on Vista until you get your new system. I have a very modern system to run Vista and it was still a lot of effort to get Vista running correctly. If you have something that is not compatible with Vista, it may not work correctly. Drivers and software are something to consider.
When Win XP was released there were similar dramas. Vista is somewhat more "friendly" to running drivers and software from Win XP, but some still seem to need specific updates.
I would be quite certain that Win XP will run better on your system than Vista. If you want to try...at the moment...you should check that all your drivers and software are compatible with Vista (there should be a Vista compatibility program available from the MS website or you can see what operating systems are supported at the hardware or software manufacturer's website). New releases/updates of drivers or software might become available in the future, although some manufacturers do not supply updates unless they seem warranted.
Matt
Edit: looking at the upgraders site that you linked to, the maximum RAM is 2 Gb, from the general information (the different models of motherboard).
Go to Control Panel -> System, on the General tab it will tell you how much RAM is installed (or can be utilized by Windows, if all the RAM cannot be accessed).
pontiaclover, if I were you I would hold off on Vista until you get your new system. I have a very modern system to run Vista and it was still a lot of effort to get Vista running correctly. If you have something that is not compatible with Vista, it may not work correctly. Drivers and software are something to consider.
When Win XP was released there were similar dramas. Vista is somewhat more "friendly" to running drivers and software from Win XP, but some still seem to need specific updates.
I would be quite certain that Win XP will run better on your system than Vista. If you want to try...at the moment...you should check that all your drivers and software are compatible with Vista (there should be a Vista compatibility program available from the MS website or you can see what operating systems are supported at the hardware or software manufacturer's website). New releases/updates of drivers or software might become available in the future, although some manufacturers do not supply updates unless they seem warranted.
Matt
Edit: looking at the upgraders site that you linked to, the maximum RAM is 2 Gb, from the general information (the different models of motherboard).
Go to Control Panel -> System, on the General tab it will tell you how much RAM is installed (or can be utilized by Windows, if all the RAM cannot be accessed).
I have already used that program, the only thing that is not compatible is my onboard video card but i already have my pci one that i use.
When i go to that it just says
Intel(R)
Celeron(R) CPU 1.80 GHz
1.79 GHz, 512 MB of RAM
And i know it is 512 because i put 2 256's in there. The thing i don't want to buy or get 2 512's to get a gig if it will not support it...
You seem keen on Vista Being compatible might be one thing, but I would not be certain that specific (Vista) drivers would be available for your system. Vista might work using standard/generic drivers and that would mean that you would not be able to use all the features of the hardware or, consequently, Vista. I have a very modern system and Vista drivers were only just released prior to my building the system, sure, Vista worked before I was able to install the drivers, but it was like running in Safe Mode.
Two things I think you could do in your situation:
1) Get Vista and try it. Don't activate it until you have tested all your programs and hardware. It may work perfectly.
If you find problems, you can go back to your current OS and save the Vista installation for your new computer.
2) Run checks on what drivers and software you have can be upgraded to Vista. You have an Intel chipset, we could check if there are drivers for it at Intel. Major programs, for instance, Pinnacle Studio, does Pinnacle support Vista for your version?
If you look at the Vista forum here at the BBS, you will see a lot of driver/software related questions because support for Vista by the manufacturers is still in it's infancy.
Matt
PS RAM, all evidence says that your motherboard supports a maximum of 2 Gb of RAM. If you upgraded from 512 Mb to 1024 Mb, that should be fine...BUT...consider that the new style of RAM [DDR2] is now cheaper than the old style [DDR]...they are not interchangable (backwards compatible).
You seem keen on Vista Being compatible might be one thing, but I would not be certain that specific (Vista) drivers would be available for your system. Vista might work using standard/generic drivers and that would mean that you would not be able to use all the features of the hardware or, consequently, Vista. I have a very modern system and Vista drivers were only just released prior to my building the system, sure, Vista worked before I was able to install the drivers, but it was like running in Safe Mode.
Two things I think you could do in your situation:
1) Get Vista and try it. Don't activate it until you have tested all your programs and hardware. It may work perfectly.
If you find problems, you can go back to your current OS and save the Vista installation for your new computer.
2) Run checks on what drivers and software you have can be upgraded to Vista. You have an Intel chipset, we could check if there are drivers for it at Intel. Major programs, for instance, Pinnacle Studio, does Pinnacle support Vista for your version?
If you look at the Vista forum here at the BBS, you will see a lot of driver/software related questions because support for Vista by the manufacturers is still in it's infancy.
Matt
PS RAM, all evidence says that your motherboard supports a maximum of 2 Gb of RAM. If you upgraded from 512 Mb to 1024 Mb, that should be fine...BUT...consider that the new style of RAM [DDR2] is now cheaper than the old style [DDR]...they are not interchangable (backwards compatible).
Oh well i'm probably not gonna get vista anymore. But i want to have a gig of ram because i recently started playing World of Warcraft and a lot of people told me that if i have a gig it won't lag as much when a lot of people are around like it does now. Plus its another plus since i multitask a lot, usually running over 8 things at once on a normal day.
I've always want to get a gig of ram but was afraid to upgrade. I do understand DDR2 is cheaper and faster (same goes with SATA hd's, more faster and more space) but the fact is i have tried getting jobs around here and it might be while before i get a actual motherboard and processor upgrade. So i will have use what i have...
Thanks for all your help though and for being very detailed ;-)
)
).
Being compatible might be one thing, but I would not be certain that specific (Vista) drivers would be available for your system. Vista might work using standard/generic drivers and that would mean that you would not be able to use all the features of the hardware or, consequently, Vista. I have a very modern system and Vista drivers were only just released prior to my building the system, sure, Vista worked before I was able to install the drivers, but it was like running in Safe Mode.
