Processor dilemma...

[LaWdAWg]

Here's what I have currently...
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.a ... 6819115005

Here's what I was looking at...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... -_-Product


Now.. can anyone tell me if this will work? If so what will I have to do?
According to dell's support page for my service tag.. i'm running the most up to date BIOS (12/2007)

If I can't use this.. what CPU can I use to upgrade.. or will I have to replace the MOBO?
I can do the replacing and such, i know how to do that much, I just don't know wtf I'm looking at technically..
I've looked at all i can look at, and don't know much more than nothing with regards to technical specs..
Mine uses 65nm.. and the new one uses 45nm manufacturing tech (wtfever that is) see what i mean..

Im clueless and need help!!!

And god bless Puns, he's been a great help with the HD and GPU part of my upgrade plan.. but i think i'm making him pull his hair out with the CPU shit


EDIT::::::::::::;
current BIOS version is 1.4.1

[CharlesBronson]

The 45 or 65 nm thing is the size of the transistor. Smaller the transistors the cooler the processor will be because they'll have more space between them to the heat to disipate. the Q8300 has a better metal component in its transistors so it has a lower power consumption.



As for the question of processor support, i would advise you to install Everest ultimate and post as much as you can of your mobo info here and i can look up the processor support for you.

[LaWdAWg]

This is what Dell lists as being installed on the machine.. I know its not much, but its all i have handy being at work.

UY253 Printed Wiring Assy, Planar Dozer, Desktop, DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION..., EXTREME PERFORMANCE SYSTEM..., 710

as soon as i am home and have time to do the everest thing (or get more info)

[CharlesBronson]

It didn't help much. When you get home, look me up at steam friend and if I'm online I help you out.

[LaWdAWg]

well i found something out...
The Dell XPS 710 is NOT as upgradeable as i was told..
It uses a BTX motherboard.. I was also told there are only 3 processors that will work for me..

the motherboard is an "intel" but apparently uses and Nvidia nforce chipset..available processor options are all intel
q6600, q6600 and the x6800
Now, the "manufacture tech" is 65nm on mine.. I am told i CANNOT go to a 45nm processor.. (without changing the mobo)

HA! changing the mobo... I can't do that without seriously modding my case apparently because of the layout differences between an ATX and BTX motherboard.. and to think.. my computer was made in Feb or Mar of 2007.. Only computers could be obsolete in less than 5 years..

So basically.. I need a good processor.. to fit my LGA775, BTX motherboard.. if I can go to AMD.. I would.. but considering it's seemingly an Intel mobo.. I don't know that I can..

I'm to the point where:
If I only have the option of processors that I can only find used, I'm going to forget about most of the upgrades I had planned. The processor, HD.. all that jazz. I will upgrade my GPU.. and jump to Win7... other than that, I'm going to save my pennies for a new machine..

I was already specing an Alienware but thats alot .. A L O T of green

[CharlesBronson]

That sucks man. BTX is a form factor that never was widely used and got obsolete pretty quick.

I really think you're making the smartest move in just upgrading to windows 7 and a new graphics card. But watch out for PSU because some of the newest GPU are somewhat power hungry and you PSU may not support it.

[LaWdAWg]

Well the PSU is 750W.. and That's one thing I DO have the option of.. Dell still sells a 1000W psu.. if I need it. But I think the 750 will work fine

[CharlesBronson]

Yes. 750 watts is enough to carry any single graphics card system available in the market.

I think that you gathering enough information from your experiences to next time build your own system and I encourage you to do just that because you gonna save a lot of money and probably will end up with a system better tuned. Again, if you want any help with that I will gladly provide it.

[LaWdAWg]

Well thank you charles.. I'm still poking around to see whats out there. I was already specing an alienware.. which is supposed to be fully upgradeable.. BUT.. again they are pricey.. Building my own will depend on which is cheaper when I get around to doing it

[||NADES||]

building your own is always cheaper.
Even if you pay 50 more to have someone put it all together for you and test it