800 MHz FSB seems very slow?

[Retro6]

I want to upgrade the processor on a Dell OptiPlex 745 that is cost effective to the maximum processor I can put into this machine. I have googled what the maximum specs I could upgrade this machine too but I can't get a straight answer. It takes a T type or 775 processor. I might even be able to get a quad core in there. Quad cores are expensive in terms of upgrading this particular machine as its seems crazy to be spending 50 70 pounds on a processor for a machine that is worth about 20 quid. It has to be cost effective. The current processor is 1.7GHz dual core and is very slow.

I found a 3GHz dual core processor E5700 but only has 800 MHz FSB. The processor was under 3 pounds so cost effective for this sort of machine but I wonder if it would make a huge difference with the processor only having 800 MHz bus speed?

 

[Tetras]

Compare the scores with something like PassMark. The bus isn't really the issue, more that Core 2 Duo/Quad are just really slow compared to modern CPUs and it's difficult to upgrade the memory. I've actually found the memory limitations more of an issue than the performance.

There are several potential issues with 775 upgrades that I can remember:
Conroe (E6) and Allerdale (E4, E2) are widely supported by Core 2 boards.
The Kentsfield quad cores (Q6) have fairly wide support, but they need a lot more cooling than the dual cores, so small form factor boards with poor VRMs and coolers might have issues running them.

The Wolfdale (E5, E7) dual cores are newer and might need a BIOS update to work. They're pretty power efficient, so cooling shouldn't be an issue.
The Yorkfield (Q8, Q9) quad cores are (again) newer and might need a BIOS update to work. Like the dual cores, they're more efficient (particularly the lower clocked ones with less cache, like the Q9300), but they're still quad cores so I'd be careful with the higher end models.

The Yorkfield quads are still very capable for a modern system (office stuff and light gaming), especially if it has something to offload playback for videos, YouTube, etc.

The higher-end dual cores can still work okay with a minimal install for desktop use, but obviously multi-taking will be limited, so performance can drop off quickly.

About the Dells:
My usual go-to with old OEM systems is to google the model and find the datasheet if possible, since it's a fair bet that anything that was available as an option for that model, is compatible.

There might be posts out there about other people who wanted to upgrade them too. If you can get the exact model, you can search them on userbenchmark, which suggests (but does not guarantee) what's compatible too:
https://www.userbenchmark.com/System/Dell-OptiPlex-745/3949

 

[tamzzy]

The Yorkfield (Q8, Q9) quad cores are (again) newer and might need a BIOS update to work. Like the dual cores, they're more efficient (particularly the lower clocked ones with less cache, like the Q9300), but they're still quad cores so I'd be careful with the higher end models.

The Yorkfield quads are still very capable for a modern system (office stuff and light gaming), especially if it has something to offload playback for videos, YouTube, etc.

If the board supports a yorkfield, could get the 's' versions of the quad cores (eg q9550s)
These are the 65w low power chips and run pretty cool.
Overclocking the fsb from 333 to 400 also requires minimal, if any extra voltage and a free performance boost
I have my q9550s running oc at 3.4ghz (400x8.5) rather than stock 2.83ghz (333*8.5) and it still sips 65w in prime95 and temps are barely 60c being cooled by a scythe mini ninja
I have it paired with a 750ti and it's fine for light esports gaming

 

[drakulton]

Have a look into the 771 to 775 mod or the BSEL mod to get the most out of your dell. Both very easy to do.

https://web.archive.org/web/20150206234755/http://delidded.com/

https://web.archive.org/web/2011120...erclock.net/t/341123/intel-bsel-vid-mod-guide

 

[pastymuncher]

Isn't the chipset Q965? If so you are stuck with 65nm cpu's to a max fsb of 1066mhz so the best cpu it will take is a Q6700. Dell only certified up to the E6600 but from a quick search online others have fitted Q6600 and Q6700 cpu's after flashing the bios to the latest version. The 965 chipset is not compatible with 45nm cpu's. Dell has a very useful community forum here.

 

[Retro6]

Thanks for the info everybody. Perhaps its best to fit the 3GHz dual core as a Quad core is not only pricey but will get hotter and the PC is only a small form factor witch is quite compacted inside. This may have to be a Windows XP 32bit old games PC / light Linux dual boot system. So the E5700 3GHz dual core 800MHz FSB is the highest processor I've found at under 3 pounds I think its a worthy upgrade and better than the slow 1.7GHz dual core processor it currently has.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Pricey? Q6600 is 5 quid delivered. If you cant stump up the cash for that then no point doing anything

 

[Retro6]

Pricey? Q6600 is 5 quid delivered. If you cant stump up the cash for that then no point doing anything

Wow excellent 5 quid? I've had a look and there about 10 quid or there abouts. I will order one.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

10 quid gets you a q9550

 

[pastymuncher]

Which won't work in his laptop.

 

[Retro6]

Which won't work in his laptop.

Its a desktop.

 

[Retro6]

10 quid gets you a q9550

Prices must have doubled. There 20 quid upwards.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

Depends where you look

 

[pastymuncher]

Its a desktop.

Of course it is, that's what happens when I am upgrading a Dell laptop for my son while browsing the forums. That cpu still won't work. Like I mentioned in post #5, the Q965 chipset is not compatible with 45nm cpu's.

 

[Retro6]

Of course it is, that's what happens when I am upgrading a Dell laptop for my son while browsing the forums. That cpu still won't work. Like I mentioned in post #5, the Q965 chipset is not compatible with 45nm cpu's.

The Q6600 is right? cex has one for 4 quid.

What isn't compatible with this machine will work on another LGA775 board. I have a few I'm going to be upgrading but the first one to be upgraded will be the OptiPlex 745

 

[pastymuncher]

Yes the Q6600 will work fine as it's 65nm. Any 965 or 975 chipset will not work with Yorkfield and Wolfdale 45nm cpu's (there may be a couple of high end board exceptions plus Asrock had a habit of launching "Frankenstein" boards). The P35, P31, G31, G33, G35, and X38 chipsets were the first to officially support the new cpu's.

 

[Retro6]

Yes the Q6600 will work fine as it's 65nm. Any 965 or 975 chipset will not work with Yorkfield and Wolfdale 45nm cpu's (there may be a couple of high end board exceptions plus Asrock had a habit of launching "Frankenstein" boards). The P35, P31, G31, G33, G35, and X38 chipsets were the first to officially support the new cpu's.

Thanks for confirming. I've a few computers that have socket 775 gigabyte boards I think I have at least one with a asrock board.

 

[Cyber-Mav]

just pay the £4.70p and get the Q6700.

 

[storm-chaser]

I like @tamzzy suggestion of the "s" version, like the q9550s, which does really great with stock optiplex CPU coolers. But gives you the power of a quad core.