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How Do Upgrade the CPU on a Dell Optiplex GX240 Tower

I have a Dell Optiplex GX240 tower computer w/ a 1.70 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4. I would like to install a faster CPU on to the same motherboard. I'm not really a hardware guy.Over the years I've upgraded memory chips and installed plenty of HDDs and interface cards on multiple PCs, but have never replaced either a CPU or motherboard.

I would like to know the following:

1) What is the fastest CPU I could install on this motherboard
2) How complicated is this procedure
3) Helpful web links that would walk me through the procedure (ideally in video)
4) Good source for buying CPUs online

Thanks in advance.

dbrunton

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/specs.htm

2 GHz seems to be the fastest.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/index.htm

For maintenance

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/upgrades.htm#1107422

For CPU work

dbrunton

Correction.

It looks like it might go to 2.6 GHz.

PUNKY

How to remove cpu:
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/opgx240/en/ug/upgrades.htm#1107422
Cpu can be upgrade is Intel® Pentium® 4 microprocessor:

- 1.52.0* GHz processors
- 2.22.6 GHz processors
But I suggest that you should get new PC with better CPU and everything ... upgrade CPU might be not wise because P4 is obsoleted, and waste money.

anuneznyc

ASKER

Thanks Guys. Can someone please confirm whether the max that this system can take would be 2.0 or 2.6?

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PCBONEZ

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anuneznyc

ASKER

PCBONEZ, thank you for the very comprehensive answer and links and especially for the eBay search results. I'm a strong proponent of wringing every last drop of life out of my technology, so for $50, this seems like a worthwhile endeavor. I'm not overly concerned about the 1 GB limit on RAM. I don't plan on ever running Shista, oops, I mean Vista on this system.

PCBONEZ

I believe Vista is now commonly referred to as "Windows ME-II".

nobus

i doubt if you'll see a difference with an upgrade from 1.7 to 2.8 Ghz...but it's a good exercise

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Michael Best

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PCBONEZ

Or you could just go to the Completed Auctions link I posted earlier and click on:
"View active items for sale"

Michael-Best is correct in that doubling the cache is a big deal.
It's probably more significant than going up in speed.

Passmark score for a 1.7GHz P4 is around 232, and for a 2.8GHz it's around 418.
So, that's about 80% better performance. - I think you'll notice.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/low_end_cpus.html

anuneznyc

ASKER

Thank you all for your help. I ordered a 2.8Ghz processor on eBay today and hope to receive it by Friday.

Michael Best

This one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Intel-Northwood-Pentium-4-2.8GHz%2f512%2f400-478p-CPU-SL7EY_W0QQitemZ350171874882QQcmdZViewItem
at $45 with free shipping?

anuneznyc

ASKER

Michel-Best, yes, that is the one I ordered. That should work, right?

Michael Best

Oh yeh! mem is your only down side.
please asign points, and close question.

anuneznyc

ASKER

Thank you!