What is the best processor I can get for my older mobo?

Whipsmack

Gawd
Joined
Oct 17, 2005
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I am currently running a core 2 duo E4300. On a GA-965P-DS3 motherboard. I think I bought this system in 2007, still running strong, but I could use a little more umph in the processor department. I know this mobo does quad core, but it gets confusing with all the different types.

Thanks
 
I would look used Q9550. Any more than that sell your current gear and get a SB processor.
 
Depends on how much you want to spend. You can practically put a QX9770 in there but that will set you back a lot.

Yep a lot of those higher-end old CPUs are actually more expensive than new ones, although they also don't require a new motherboard of course. :)

I think a Q8400 at $130 would be your best bet given the current prices I see, if you want a new CPU. It's clocked at 2.66ghz and has 4 cores, so it has about 3x the performance of your current CPU in well-threaded applications. If you go much higher in price than that you are better off waiting till you can afford a new mobo too IMO.

If you are willing to buy a used CPU you could surely get something faster though.

Check out this review which compares it to various CPUs including some that are almost identical to yours (E2160 and E4500): http://www.anandtech.com/show/2762/6
 
wow

the better 775 stuff is really holding its value
 
wow

the better 775 stuff is really holding its value

As far as new parts goes yeah, but the used stuff isn't nearly as valuable so don't get too excited about making piles of money off your old stuff. :p E8400 is $150 new and about $50 used, for example
 
you could get a i3 2100, mb and 4gb of ram for $140 or less at a mc. why not just do that?
 
It always comes down on how much you are willing to pay for that. Then you have to compare with a current setup. The two advantages of going your route is save the headaches of a new build and save some money. As others pointed out, go with a used CPU; it is worthless to buy a brand new for your setup IMO.

Serge
 
you could get a i3 2100, mb and 4gb of ram for $140 or less at a mc. why not just do that?

Are you sure about that price? That seems too good to be true even for Microcenter (and I just picked up a 2500K from them). A CPU/mobo/RAM combo like that would be $250+ online.

If you can get it that cheaply then I'd say that's definitely the way to go, as it's way more future proof than LGA775, and faster too. Provided the OP has a Microcenter nearby, of course.
 
You guys recommending the i3-2100 should include a decent H67 or Z68 mobo (if he wants to upgrade to Ivy later) because it's not like he wouldn't have to buy one and that will add significantly to the cost. He can't just buy the proc and RAM and call it a day.

OP, if you are running a system that elderly (I have one too - e4400 based), your DDR2 RAM is worth more than new DDR3. If it was me (and it will be soon) I would part out and move on rather than putting any more money into such an old platform. That is unless you are just wanting to keep the old rig around for a back-up or some other specific purpose.

My 2 cents anyway.
 
Yep a lot of those higher-end old CPUs are actually more expensive than new ones, although they also don't require a new motherboard of course. :)

I think a Q8400 at $130 would be your best bet given the current prices I see, if you want a new CPU. It's clocked at 2.66ghz and has 4 cores, so it has about 3x the performance of your current CPU in well-threaded applications. If you go much higher in price than that you are better off waiting till you can afford a new mobo too IMO.

If you are willing to buy a used CPU you could surely get something faster though.

Check out this review which compares it to various CPUs including some that are almost identical to yours (E2160 and E4500): http://www.anandtech.com/show/2762/6

++ Agreed.

Q8400 $125 shipped with code FALLSALE

Q6600 $155 shipped with code FALLSALE
 
In my opinion upgrading that old pc is not worth it. Sell whole PC on ebay or sth like that and build new pc from scratch :)
 
The board in question has multiple revisions. Only the final revision of it can support Wolfdale / Yorkfield processors so watch out.
 
All 775 roads lead to the same place, a dead end. :D But it could still be a capable web browsing beast with an SSD!
 
As far as new parts goes yeah, but the used stuff isn't nearly as valuable so don't get too excited about making piles of money off your old stuff. :p E8400 is $150 new and about $50 used, for example

Thanks everyone for the replies, and if you can find an E8400 for $50 I am sold because e-bays lowest is in the 125 range.
 
Have juggled this issue lots of times in my office and for clients, and I am also in the boat that the i3-2100 at MC prices is the best way to go on a budget.
 
keep, case drives, psu gpu/hd and get a combo deal from frys or check the hot deals and you can get a refreshed system for very good price, i built my i7 920+mobo+case+6gb ddr3 for less than $500
 
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