Intel i7 and AMD phenom II x4 question

[RAHU]

Hello all, just a quick question, i haven't built my own computer before and i'm not yet comfortable with buying all the parts and then building my own cause if i do something probably wont be compatible with something else and ill have wasted my money. So i was going to buy one ready made from dell and slowly as i feel comfortable upgrade that. The thing I was wondering is if i could swap out the Intel Core i7-920 that comes with it for an AMD Phenom II X4 965 since it was better and pretty cheap. Thanks for the help in advanced.

 

[not so gray matter]

Not unless Dell offers the option. The reason being that Intel Processors and AMD processors connect to the motherboard using different sockets.

In other words, you'd have to buy a new motherboard as well to switch to that processor.

 

[whs]

The I7 is an awsome processor and good for a lot of OC'ing. Why would you want to swap that.

And in the end of our today’s investigation, we will be able to give you a recipe for successful overclocking that will allow you to make a $300 CPU run much faster than one of the most expensive processors in the market today

Source of the quote: Intel Core i7-920 Overclocking Guide - X-bit labs

 

[pparks1]

Without a doubt, the i7 is the higher performing chip. You might save a few bucks going the AMD route...but unless it's substantial, I would just stick with the Intel.

 

[whs]

Without a doubt, the i7 is the higher performing chip. You might save a few bucks going the AMD route...but unless it's substantial, I would just stick with the Intel.

The AMD is $92 cheaper - at Newegg.

 

[pparks1]

Without a doubt, the i7 is the higher performing chip. You might save a few bucks going the AMD route...but unless it's substantial, I would just stick with the Intel.

The AMD is $92 cheaper - at Newegg.

I guess it all depends upon the value of $92 to you? For example, if this is a $1,000 computer...$92 isn't that much cash. If it's a $400 computer, that's a significant difference.

 

[whs]

Without a doubt, the i7 is the higher performing chip. You might save a few bucks going the AMD route...but unless it's substantial, I would just stick with the Intel.

The AMD is $92 cheaper - at Newegg.

I guess it all depends upon the value of $92 to you? For example, if this is a $1,000 computer...$92 isn't that much cash. If it's a $400 computer, that's a significant difference.

LOL, if you find me a $400 PC with an I7, I buy it. Last I was tempted to buy was $960. It was a Toshiba laptop.

 

[drywallguy]

Hello all, just a quick question, i haven't built my own computer before and i'm not yet comfortable with buying all the parts and then building my own cause if i do something probably wont be compatible with something else and ill have wasted my money. So i was going to buy one ready made from dell and slowly as i feel comfortable upgrade that. The thing I was wondering is if i could swap out the Intel Core i7-920 that comes with it for an AMD Phenom II X4 965 since it was better and pretty cheap. Thanks for the help in advanced.

I had never built one before my first. I'll not pay someone to do it for me again.
To find compatibility read till your eyes bleed. Newegg product reviews are a great place to get info. Some people bitch about petty little things but most are full of useful information. Start with a processor you can afford and work your way out from there. Check the motherboard site for qualified RAM etc.
Other than that it's like a really cool erector set.

 

[smarteyeball]

So i was going to buy one ready made from dell and slowly as i feel comfortable upgrade that. The thing I was wondering is if i could swap out the Intel Core i7-920 that comes with it for an AMD Phenom II X4 965 since it was better and pretty cheap. Thanks for the help in advanced.

As others have pointed out, you cannot swap an i7 for a 965 due to them being completely different sockets.

The 965 is a fine chip, but the i7 is better, particularly when overclocked - however not all Dell models will allow you to overclock due to 'locked BIOS' limitations.

Some models are unlocked, or are even 'pre-overclocked' by Dell - but these are generally only available in the more expensive model ranges.


As daunting as building your own PC from scratch can be, it's surprisingly easy to do.

There are a plethora of tutorials available on the net and of course there are several of us here that would be happy to help you select the right components and walk you through the process if need be.

 

[Everlong]

The I7 is an awsome processor and good for a lot of OC'ing. Why would you want to swap that.

That's a pretty negligible point when it comes to something like a pre-built Dell

 

[pparks1]

The I7 is an awsome processor and good for a lot of OC'ing. Why would you want to swap that.

That's a pretty negligible point when it comes to something like a pre-built Dell

Yeah, don't plan on much success overclocking a dell. They simply don't give you BIOS options to change...except on a rare machine (XPS) and your overclocking options even on these is a tiny fraction of what is available on a gigabyte or ASUS motherboard.

 

[whs]

The I7 is an awsome processor and good for a lot of OC'ing. Why would you want to swap that.

That's a pretty negligible point when it comes to something like a pre-built Dell

Read the quote in post #3. I think this is a good deal (prebuilt or homebuilt) - if you want to OC that is.