P4 CPU upgrade question

[karlicko]

This is about a Dell 1.7Ghz P4 with 256 L2 Cache (400Mhz FSB). I can upgrade to a 2.0, 2.4 or maybe even 2.6 Ghz max. Same FSB but would double the L2 cache to 512.

So how much would the bigger L2 cache and higher clock speeds give me in performance? Is it worth between $100-$150?

Thanks.

 

[o1die]

You'd be better off getting a different case, and transfering over some of your dell stuff. But your windows copy may be for dell bios boards only, so it may not work with a different board. You might be able to find a newer dell board. I found one using yahoo recently for a dimension 4300 that took a 533 cpu. Don't know if it will fit your case, but it was only $59.

 

[karlicko]

Thanks for responding. It's my wife's machine. A new board would be best route, but I was just trying to figure out if I could upgrade the CPU for now.

Just a related theoretical question, would the new Pentium M (400MHz FSB, Socket 478) work in the Optiplex?

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-111-159&depa=1

 

[CJP]

I just upgraded from a socket 478 P4 1.8ghz 256k cache 400fsb Willemette to a socket 478 2.6ghz 512k cache 400fsb Northwood. It wasn't a dramatic improvement but apps run snappier and I can go up a resolution or 2 in games. In 3DMark 2001SE I got a 30% improvement. For $200 I'm not complaining (compared to $2000 for a brand new rig) and it'll keep me going untill next year when I'll build myself a nice dual core system. One thing, if you buy oem and if you're not overclocking just keep the stock Intel heatsink/fan that your using on your current system. So far my system runs fine temperture wise with my old heatsink.

 

[karlicko]

Thanks CJP. I think I may give it a shot as a stop-gap on my wife's machine . . .

 

[CJP]

You may have to flash your bios for it to recognize the 26x multiplier. I had to use the most recent Asus beta bios to get my P4T-E to recognize it properly. Good luck,

Chris