Upgrade CPU Without Reinstalling Windows?

[gswilder]

I have an Intel D975XBX2 motherboard with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU processor. I am thinking about upgrading the processor to a Quad Q6600 CPU.

According to Intel, the BX2 with latest firmware supports the Q6600 Quad.

If I pop in a Q6600, will Windows XP Pro SP2 run without a reinstall or going through the "repair" mode???

I have installed faster CPU's over the years with no issues. However, I was a little concerned since this is going from a 2 CPU to 4 CPU processor. Or does WinXP not know the difference?

Thanks in advance......

Greg

 

[mechBgon]

That should work.

 

[Nothinman]

Since it's already setup for SMP it should detect the extra cores without the need for a repair install.

 

[spyordie007]

:thumbsup: for mechbgon and nothingman. Since you are already running the SMP HAL you can go from 2 to 4 (to as many as 8 if you have dual quad cores) without any OS changes. It's only if you go from the uniproc HAL to a multiproc HAL that you run into issues (which are also easily correctable).

Erik

 

[mechBgon]

For the record, my upgrade from a single-core to a dual-core also went smoothly. Windows detected "new hardware," namely an ACPI Multiprocessor PC (formerly an ACPI Uniprocessor PC), and one reboot later, it was firing on both cylinders.

 

[gswilder]

Thanks for all the replies. I am ordering a Q6600 G0 today.