Looking to upgrade my CPU

[ULLYSES]

ok so im looking to upgrade my cpu but im not sure what would be the best value for money is this is out there that will suit my motherboard

Motherboard : alienware Area-51 R6 (Socket 775)
CPU : Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 @ 2.33GHz

anyone have an idea for me which way to go i want something over 3.0GHz but dont want to spend over $500

 

[solarmystic]

Your only logical choice for a pin compatible CPU (LGA 775-Penryn) that would be an upgrade for your system with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz would be the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 unless you're willing to consider overclocking the lesser models...

I don't think they even sell those outside of ebay, the rest of the usual e-tailers show it being out of stock.

 

[Zepher]

If you have $500 to spend, get an i5 3450, mobo and ram.
$400 and you'll have a much faster system than a Q9650.

 

[ULLYSES]

Your only logical choice for a pin compatible CPU (LGA 775-Penryn) that would be an upgrade for your system with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz would be the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 unless you're willing to consider overclocking the lesser models...

I don't think they even sell those outside of ebay, the rest of the usual e-tailers show it being out of stock.

i have been looking and only found a few... dont spose i could go outside the intell range with that motherboard

 

[ULLYSES]

If you have $500 to spend, get an i5 3450, mobo and ram.
$400 and you'll have a much faster system than a Q9650.

will it fit on that motherboard.. i was looking at i5 but didnt think they would fit

 

[solarmystic]

If you have $500 to spend, get an i5 3450, mobo and ram.
$400 and you'll have a much faster system than a Q9650.

will it fit on that motherboard.. i was looking at i5 but didnt think they would fit

That's why he mentioned the new mobo (motheboard) as well... you'll need to get the i5 paired with a new motherboard and ram.

 

[ULLYSES]

ooops missed that sorry mmm kk

 

[DeaconFrost]

Don't get hung up on just the speed of the processor. That's like comparing horsepower in cars. It isn't much more than marketing drivel.

You aren't going to see much of a difference in any upgrade you'd make in your current setup. So, I'd either go the suggested route of a system upgrade with new memory, motherboard, and processor, or leave it as is.

 

[Wishmaster]

The Q9650 or 9550 is the best upgrade option for that platform.

But, as mentioned, for the cost you could just get a i5 and motherboard that would outperform it.


If you know someone whos upgrading and has a Q9650 or 9550 and can get it cheap, go that route.
If not, save a bit more cash and just upgrade the CPU/MOBO/RAM.

I mean, your looking at $300 plus for a 9650 new, if you can find one.

 

[Wishmaster]

..replied to wrong post..

 

[dwarfer66]

I just upgraded from a Q6600. to a nice new shiny i5-3550 on a Gigabyte mobo, cost was $139 mobo, $225 CPU, $70 8GB ram, so ULLYSES being in NSW you should pretty well get the same prices, as me here in SA.