Upgrading CPU in Dell Dimension 3000

[faulkner132]

We currently have a Dell Dimension 3000 (Service Tag FKPPX61) in service at work which we want to extend the life on. Currently, it has the original CPU which is itemized on Dell as:

Processor, 80546, Celeron Prescott Desktop Socket N, 320 E0

From the supported CPU list (http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1075781) it looks like we could upgrade this to a P4 with HT. Considering these go on eBay for less than $25, this is a simple and cost effective upgrade.

A few questions:
1. Socket N is 478... correct?
2. Any pitfalls with doing this?
3. General recommendations from anyone else who has done this?

[alfie2]

yes, socket n = socket 478.

the only problem I can think of is heat.
makesure you have good ventilation.

[glc]

I'd run a Northwood to keep the heat down.

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=122
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=120
http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=119

NOTE that you should really be running DDR-400 ram if you use a 800 FSB processor. That Celeron-D you have now is a 533 FSB. Check and see - you may be running DDR-266 or DDR-333 ram right now.

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...5F0C59A5CA7304

[faulkner132]

Thanks for the replies.

I found a P4 3 Ghz HT processor on eBay for less than $25 so we are going with that. The RAM is already maxed out at 2 GB (DDR 400).

I'm thinking this upgrade is going to be pretty noticeable to the user and hopefully it will buy us at least another 6-9 months with this computer.

[glc]

If that processor is a Prescott with 1mb cache, it's going to run VERY hot, the stock Dell cooler will not be adequate. That's why I said Northwood - huge difference. Socket 478 Prescotts had major heat issues.

[faulkner132]

Thanks for the heads up.
This is what I got: http://www.cpu-world.com/sspec/SL/SL6WK.html

It is a Northwood so we should be in good shape. If it turns out we have to buy a new fan as well, that is no big deal.

[glc]

If it's a Northwood, the stock Dell cooling system will be fine. All you need to do is thoroughly clean it and use fresh compound.

If I'm not mistaken, it's a huge passive heatsink with a case fan blowing on it.

[faulkner132]

Just reporting back that this worked without a problem. Thanks for the help.
While I am not the end user, I can definitely tell a difference in the performance.