change/upgrade CPU

[12345671]

I have a WinXP PC: 512MB RAM, 1.8G P4 CPU, 80GB hard disk. Now it is too slow to run simulation. I am thinking to upgrade the CPU to P4 3GHz. Is it just to buy a new CPU, and change it. Or there is some other thing to consider before I do? Thanks

 

[DragonQ0105]

What is your motherboard make and model? (Check the motherboard manual that came with the computer, or use something like SiSoft Sandra [search google to find it])

You will need to find out if your motherboard can support the P4 3GHz, and you'll also need a new CPU Heatsink/Fan if it can.

 

[mws5872]

I agree with Dragon with sandra soft its on such sites as

http://www.download.com

with a free user version of 2003 I believe. If you cant get this to work find out the type ex. EC, Soyo, Asus etc. On some manufactures websites they have autodetect tools you can download that automatically tell you your motherboard and what it can support ie. a new processor. If you dont want to take this route the model number is usually under the second PCI slot on the motherboard. Hope it helps!

 

[Crowley16]

when you say simulation, what do you mean? Like a visually intensive game or a lot of number crunching?

if it's a game, then you should look at your gpu as well, most games nowadays use your gpu very heavily, so you might do better to just get a new one of these...