Intel Core i7 920 - To buy or not to buy?

[InvalidName]

Hi,

I apparently have a "Gaming PC" but its never really been that great at its intended purpose. I figured out after running a performance check that it is the CPU, it's poor. It's an Intel Xeon 5140 @ 2.3GHz.

Should i buy an Intel Core i7 920 2.66GHz, i have found one for £30? My main question is, is it literally as simple as pop the old one out, stick a new one in (with the wristband on). Or is it more complicated like this particular CPU won't work with this particular motherboard and so on so on...

Thanks for reading

 

[BikerEcho]

You can't.
The 920 is for the X58 platform, which uses the LGA1366 socket. Your CPU are installed on motherboard with the LGA771 socket.

 

[cb600fshornet]

You're going to need a new motherboard for anything other than that generation of Xeon chips I'm afraid!

 

[InvalidName]

Ahh okay that's what i was wondering. Leaves me with me with more questions than answers haha but both good answers.

I have been looking at an Intel Xeon E5450 @ 3.00GHz (£30!)

Would this fit into my PC with no complications?

It says it is "Quad core" and my current CPU is "Dual core" is this a problem?

 

[InvalidName]

I just looked up how much my current CPU is worth on ebay.. £2.50! Please help me find a new CPU that would fit into my PC haha. I'm in desperate need.

 

[setishock]

Best shortcut to finding what other chips work in that board is to go to the makers website and pull up the specs for it. There should be a chart that specs out what all CPU chips work with that board. It's then a simple matter of deciding if you want to go that route or upgrade your motherboard. If you have older hardware it just might be time to consider a new build.

 

[InvalidName]

Thanks a lot I found out that i need a CPU that fits an LGA 771 socket. I found plenty of cheap CPU's and i'm close to purchasing one.

The only issue is do i need to get a "Dual core" which is the same as my current CPU or will a "Quad core" CPU work?

 

[setishock]

If the maker says so then it should.

 

[jarlmaster]

Quad core will work and you should def go with the highest end one you can find that fits in your motherboard. But even a quad core Xeon is not going to be that much better for gaming. Xeons are workstation cpus but a quad core higher clocked Xeon will still give you better performance than your current one.

 

[Celery]

Also check that your BIOS will support the new CPU. It may need to be flashed.