Upgrade CPU on Sony VAIO PCV-RX540 Desktop?

[winston9t4]

My father-in-law got a new computer, and is ditching his old PC. I was wondering if I could make it perform a little more respectably with some parts I have around. I've got most things covered, but can't figure out from the specs I found on the Sony website what CPU the motherboard can accept. Is it possible the CPU is hardwired in?

It currently has a 1.2 GHz Celeron. I don't have the system with me - I'll pick it up from him next month when we visit. Max RAM on the system is 2x256MB PC133, to give you an idea what we're working with here. Any help would be appreciated. I was hoping to pick up a new CPU if it can handle it in advance.

Thanks!

 

[Pciber]

It is doubtful the CPU is soldered (hardwired) in, but unfortunately its also doubtful you can upgrade the CPU very far. The common limitation on manufactured PCs for processors, especially older ones, is the socket and front side bus speed has to be the same.

Also, even if you are able to find the correct socket type and fsb speed on sony's website, finding a worthwhile processor upgrade will take a good bit of effort - that series hasn't been made new in a few years, and it is starting to disappear from the used market as well.

Long story short? probably not worth it.

 

[winston9t4]

Yeah, it may not be. I see quite a few used CPUs going for fairly inexpensive these days. Just wondering how far I can take it...

 

[myocardia]

You aren't going to be able to buy another processor before you have the system, that's for sure. But, after you take the heatsink off, you can research which of the types of Skt. 370 processor it is, then replace it with the exact same type of P3.