Upgrading a P4 CPU to a compatible multi-core CPU?

Question

My PC currently runs a Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz single core CPU; Win7 rates it as a 1.7 on it's "Windows Experience Index", which is the lowest rating of all the parts in my PC. The other ratings vary from 4.0 to 5.5 and I'd like to upgrade the CPU.

I'd like to know if there are multi-core CPUs out there that wouldn't be too advanced for the mobo to handle, and if so, which one would be the best while remaining compatible with the mobo CPU slot. I'm a network admin but have lost track of PC parts tech expertise over the last decade.

Thx in advance.

a6kl2 · Accepted Answer

only if its a LGA 775 socket. then it supports pentium dual-core, core2duo, and core2quad. core2quad obviously being the best
either way your better off getting a new motherboard even if it means new ram as well.
your computer doesnt have much of a life left and even if it would support a multicore processor your only going to delay the upgrade for a year or two then something else will be too out of date and require a new motherboard.

if money is an issue you can build a decent budget pc around amd and it would be upgradable in the future because amd's sockets are back-compatible

Cupcake · Answer

If you have that CPU, chances are you are limited to what you can upgrade to, so I would forget about multi cores except for those Pentiun -D models, like the 805D 820D etc, but as if havent even bother to post the make/model of the PC or the board, it would just be another guessing game.

Studsmurf - Just because its a socket 775, it doesnt meant it will take what you posted, there are 90nm/65nm and 45nm models, they are not compatiable with each other just because the pin numbers matches.

Voytech · Answer

1. Check your CPU socket.
2. Find a processor that matches it on Compusa.com
3. Get a Quad 3.0 for about 250$
4. Enjoy!

hbk · Answer

Well first of all, you need to find out what your MoBo model is so you can google it and see what CPU it will support.  The older your MoBo is, it will less likely be able to run the multi core CPUs, but like I said, you won't know for sure unless you know what MoBo you have.

Studsmurf · Answer

Try the core 2 quad or core 2 duo.  make sure it has the LGA 775 Socket.

these are the CPUs that have the LGA 775 socket:

Intel Pentium 4 (2.60 - 3.80 GHz)
Intel Celeron D (2.53 - 3.60 GHz )
Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition (3.20 - 3.73 GHz)
Intel Pentium D (2.66 - 3.60 GHz)

Pentium Dual-Core (1.40 - 2.80 GHz)
Intel Core 2 Duo (1.60 - 3.33 GHz)
Intel Core 2 Extreme (2.66 - 3.20 GHz)
Intel Core 2 Quad (2.33 - 3.00 GHz)
Intel Xeon (1.86-3.40 GHz)
Intel Celeron (1.60 - 2.40 GHz)

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Upgrading a P4 CPU to a compatible multi-core CPU?

5 Answers