What is the fastest processor I can stick in my computer

[eflat]

I have an old Dell Dimension 2350, with a 2.4 Ghz Celeron D processor (socket 478). There is no way I am reformatting or reinstalling all the junk on there, but I would at least like to get a little power boost.

I'm guessing the best I can put in would be a 533mhz bus P4 up to 2.8 without hyperthreading.

However, might it be possible to put a core duo or something in there? Since it comes in socket 478 as well?

 

[LouPoir]

Quick Google search yields 400mhz FSB processors only. Top end is either 2.6 or 2.8 P4


Lou

 

[eflat]

Originally posted by: LouPoir
Quick Google search yields 400mhz FSB processors only. Top end is either 2.6 or 2.8 P4


Lou

I found the same thing, however that cannot be correct since the computer came with a 2.4ghz Celeron D processor, which is 533mhz and not listed on the chart you (and I) found..

 

[andy04]

2.8 is the max you can go. b'coz your mobo will support only not HT P4s so that the max you can go...

 

[Inspector Jihad]

its prolly not even worth upgrading

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: Inspector Jihad
its prolly not even worth upgrading

I would say this but It is a Celeron....... and he can probably get a P4 which isn't too bad now

 

[bendixG15]

You can always try the forums at the Dell site..

 

[Zap]

The mobile Core Duos are socket 479 (kinda sorta) so they won't work. If you already have a Celeron D in there, then you probably can put in any Celeron D, which were available up to just above 3GHz. As for whether you can put a Pentium 4, depends on your chipset. Do you happen to know what chipset you have? Also, as bendixG15 said, you can always try the Dell forums (at Dell.com).

 

[cheesehead]

I would suggest buying a Sempron ($60 or so), and overclocking it just a little - perhaps 2.2 ghz or so. A used motherboard is only about $30 or so on the F/S/T forum. Selling your motherboard and CPU through Flea-Bay should net you $40-$50.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: CitizenDoug

Originally posted by: LouPoir
Quick Google search yields 400mhz FSB processors only. Top end is either 2.6 or 2.8 P4


Lou

I found the same thing, however that cannot be correct since the computer came with a 2.4ghz Celeron D processor, which is 533mhz and not listed on the chart you (and I) found..

It doesn't sound like you have a Celeron D. If you have a Celeron-based Dell Dimension 2350, it must be a Northwood or Willamette, not a Prescott. Either the model number you gave is incorrect, or else the processor name is. If you had a Celeron D, it would be named "Celeron D 320." If you have an ordinary Celeron, it would be named "Celeron 2.4 GHz." My guess is you have the latter.

In any case, if you have a Dell Dimension 2350, you're basically screwed. Your top processors would be the Pentium 4 2.8A, 2.6A, 2.5 and 2.4A. The 2.4A is about $50-$60 on Ebay (no hsf), while the others go for $80-$140.

Your best bet is to get a new mobo/CPU combo. It seems you're limited to mATX. $91.62 will get you a Sempron 64 2800+ & ASUS K8NF6G-VSTA. You can then sell your Dell mobo+CPU, maybe getting $35 or so for both combined. PC2100 RAM will hold you back a bit on the overclock, but not too much.

 

[T9D]

My max was like 2.8 ghz chip but I did a bios update and dropped a 3.4 in there and it worked great. Before I did the bios it wouldn't let it go past like 2.8.

If it's socket 478 I dont see why it can't go as high as those sockets go as long as you can find bios to support it.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: tk109
My max was like 2.8 ghz chip but I did a bios update and dropped a 3.4 in there and it worked great. Before I did the bios it wouldn't let it go past like 2.8.

If it's socket 478 I dont see why it can't go as high as those sockets go as long as you can find bios to support it.

A BIOS wouldn't enable Prescott support. Even if you could find one, that still leaves you with the B or C lines, which, like the A line, are still overpriced and not available new.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: tk109
My max was like 2.8 ghz chip but I did a bios update and dropped a 3.4 in there and it worked great. Before I did the bios it wouldn't let it go past like 2.8.

If it's socket 478 I dont see why it can't go as high as those sockets go as long as you can find bios to support it.

A BIOS wouldn't enable Prescott support. Even if you could find one, that still leaves you with the B or C lines, which, like the A line, are still overpriced and not available new.

Not all 3.4's use Prescott cores, some are Northwood.

tk109,
Is your Dell Dimension the "2350" model?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
Your top processors would be the Pentium 4 2.8A, 2.6A, 2.5 and 2.4A. The 2.4A is about $50-$60 on Ebay (no hsf), while the others go for $80-$140.

IIRC... there was no 2.8A or 2.6A, and the 2.4A is a Prescott.

2.40 = 400MHz FSB Northwood
2.40A = 533MHz FSB Prescott
2.40B = 533MHz FSB Northwood
2.40C = 800MHz FSB Northwood HT

2.50 = 400MHz FSB Northwood
2.53 = 533MHz FSB Northwood

2.60 = 400MHz FSB Northwood
2.66 = 533MHz FSB Northwood

2.80 = 533MHz FSB Northwood
2.8 = 400MHz FSB Northwood ** Unofficially available OEM only

 

[bamacre]

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2350/specs.htm#1101572

Intel® Pentium® 4 that runs at 1.80, 2.00, 2.40, or 2.50 GHz internally and 400 MHz externally;

Intel Celeron® that runs at 1.70, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, or 2.30 GHz internally and 400 MHz externally.

 

[secretanchitman]

im sure you can stick a high end socket 478 (up to 3.4Ghz), but the FSB will drop down to 400Mhz, unless your bios will allow a higher FSB.

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: secretanchitman
im sure you can stick a high end socket 478 (up to 3.4Ghz), but the FSB will drop down to 400Mhz, unless your bios will allow a higher FSB.

Since the multiplier is fixed, that would effectively underclock the CPU. With the 3.4GHz CPU, since the board is only capable of running at half the FSB, then the CPU will be running at 1.7GHz, hardly Earth shattering and a big waste of money.

Originally posted by: bamacre
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2350/specs.htm#1101572

Intel® Pentium® 4 that runs at 1.80, 2.00, 2.40, or 2.50 GHz internally and 400 MHz externally;

Intel Celeron® that runs at 1.70, 2.00, 2.10, 2.20, or 2.30 GHz internally and 400 MHz externally.

Since the OP is already running a Celeron 2.4GHz then obviously the board can support more, perhaps the manual page hasn't been updated to show latest BIOS?

The board uses the 845GL chipset, meaning no AGP slot and maximum 400MHz FSB. Theoretically it can support any Northwood core at 400MHz FSB, meaning Celeron/P4 up to 2.8GHz (specifically at 400MHz FSB).