OEM Processer Question

[vaio-fx]

If I buy an OEM CPU, does this basically mean that it is JUST the CPU, no fan or anything like that? If I go ahead and buy an OEM Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad, can I re-use the fan from my Pentium 4 HT, because it looks exactly the smae as the one you get withe the Core 2 processors? Thanks

They are both LGA 775.

 

[worshipme]

Yes, you get only the CPU, nothing more. Does your HSF have the push-pins? if so then it will work fine.

 

[vaio-fx]

Thanks for the reply, yes it does. After looking at prices though it seems that I would be better off just spend a few more pounds to get the retail, that way this PC will still be useable too. I'm having problems though, I have a budget of about £320, if I get any Core 2 processor it seems to blow away this budget (when everything else is included. I was thinking, would it be better to get a Pentium Dual-Core (which about £50), then I have more money spend on quicker ram, a bigger hdd, a better psu, better mobo and a nicer case. Would a Pentium Dual-Core affect the nVidia GeForce 9600 Gt's performance significantly? Thanks

 

[worshipme]

Why not get a cheap aftermarket cooler like the AC Freezer 7 PRO or the OCZ Vendetta? They are both quite cheap and would be ten times better than the stock cooler:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=340995
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx?quicklinx=4RHY
I have the OCZ Vendetta myself and am pushing 3.5 with my Q6600. As for the Pentium Dual Cores, I assume you mean the E 21xx series and not the Ds? If so, then yes they are great budget CPUs. They use the same Core architecture as the C2Ds and C2Qs but have only 1MB L2 Cache. Whilst this does have an impact on performance, they can reach the same speeds as the C2Ds with a decent cooler (perhaps one I recommended?) Here's an article from Tom's. It also contains performance benchmarks: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Intel-Pentium-Dual-Core-E2140-overclocking,review-29816.html
As you can see, it can reach E6750 level performance when overclocked. And I with the money you save then you can buy an 8800GT over the 9600GT which will make more of a difference to gaming at least.