Best processor for my Intel D945GTP mobo?

[Hermskii]

I have this Intel D945GTP motherboard running WIN 7 Ultimate 64bit with the maximum of 4gb of ram. I currently have a Pentium IV 3.0Ghz W/HT processor in it. I'd like to upgrade it to the best there is if it isn't cost prohibitive. I checked on the FAQ page for my board to see what it said I could use. It is shown here:

http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d945gtp/sb/CS-026628.htm

From this list I gather that this is the best it can do:

D series Pentium Processor
Processor Number | Processor Speed | System Bus Frequency | L2 Cache Size | BIOS Version
960 | 3.60 GHz | 800 MHz | 2x2 MB | 3992 or greater

Then I looked at PriceWatch and they list a Pentium D 965 Extreme going for $259.00.
The one just beneath it is the Pentium D 960 going for just $79.00.

My questions are the following:

Is a Pentium D 960 that much better than a Pentium IV 3.0 w/HT? Will I see a difference?

Is a Pentium D 965 Extreme going to be worth paying $179.00 more for over a D 960?

That is all. I hope I worded all of this correctly for the help I'm requesting in making this decision. Thanks!

 

[Conroe]

The extreme is not worth it. You pay for the unlocked multiplier.

Geeks.com has 945 and 950 for $42.

A newer Celeron dual core would probably run circles around it but then you need a new motherbaord too.

 

[Hermskii]

Thanks Conroe! I have felt that this PC is pretty fair speed wise. Do you think it is just time for me to man-up and buy something new. Is the new stuff really that much better? At work I use a E4500 Intel Core2 Duo and I don't feel it is any faster than my at home PC with my Pentium IV 3.0 /HT

 

[mnewsham]

Spending some money on a good solid upgrade would behoove you. a good upgrade meaning $300+ however. The one thing you can buy that would make the biggest difference would be a decent solid state drive. That alone will speed things up for you.

 

[betasub]

Hopefully that 945 motherboard has fast enough SATA support to make good use of a SSD. The SSD could then be carried forward to a new build/different system.

 

[BoomerD]

FWIW, I just upgraded from a socket 478 P4 3.06 HT Northwood to an i5-760.
The difference is like night and day.

I finally couldn't stand the aging, creaking processor any longer...