CPU Upgrade For Dell Dimension 5100

I don't think a quad core will work without a mainboard change, but you might be able to upgrade to a Pentium D 945 dual-core. There are several for sale on eBay, including this one: www.ebay.co.uk/.../130638406510

KieranR277

You can use Socket LGA-775, Prescott processors only, Dual Core, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors are not supported.

More information HERE <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell> and HERE

Prior to installing the processor, check that BIOS version A02, or higher, when support for newer processors was added, is installed.

Bev.

The 5100 has a 945G Express chipset, which supports Core 2 Duo 65nm CPUs, but whether the 5100 BIOS (latest revision A03 -- 2006) recognizes those is an open question. The A03 BIOS release notes don't mention which CPUs are supported, butthe 'Conroe' 65nm Core 2 E6300, E6400, E6600, and E6700 were released (shortly) before the A03 BIOS date.

Someone on Tom's (at last notice) was going to upgrade to the P4 chip I mentioned. He never wrote back regarding the results.

Someone else on eBay is offering a used E6700 for a modest sum. If I were working, I'd try it myself just to satisfy my curiosity. At worst, it just won't work and the original CPU can be reinstalled.

Someone reported getting a dual core CPU to work with a 5100: en.community.dell.com/.../19876858.aspx

The same CPU the fellow on Tom's suggested (P4 D 945).

Regards to the Dual Core, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors not being supported, is due to the limitations of the voltage regulators on the 5100 motherboard.

Bev.

The 5100 is basically the same as the 5150/E510.  The 5150/E510 will take up to a D945 processor.  Intell lists the chipset will accept up to a D960 but Dell's custom implementation limits it to the D945.  

But, before you upgrade, I upgraded my E510 from a D805 to a D925 and to be truthful I see no difference in operation.  I didn't go for the D945 as there was a big price difference between the D925 and the D945 at the time.

Thanks for all the help!  Do you think this processor would be compatible with my machine? www.ebay.co.uk/.../250985629489

And do you think there would be a big performance increase (I mostly use my of for gaming).

Also by the way, I am upgrading my graphics card (again) to an Radeon HD 6770.

So with the Intel Pentium D (or even my current Intel Pentium 4?) plus the Radeon 6770, plus 3gb RAM, do you think that would be enough to play modern games?

That's the one ... the best CPU supported for your motherboard. You'll get some boost, with performance probably being similar to a low end Athlon X2 (like the 3800+).

You should be able to play modern games, although the 6450 graphics processor will be a limiting factor with regards to resolution.

Thanks.  Do you know any motherboards which are compatible/fit my computer?  I may consider upgrading it so I can use more modern, and more powerful CPU's.

Someone says it's adequate, but it depends on which games you play. A Core 2 Duo E6300 would be a surer bet, but I have doubts that CPU would work with your board.

Also, if you install a 6770, you'll need a power supply with a PCI Express power connector. I don't think the stock power supply is adequate.

The 5100 is a BTX configuration and has the Dell proprietary and undocumented front panel connection.  Only another Dell 5100 or possibly at 5150 motherboard will fit.  

Also, if you upgraded the motherboard to a current style, it' an ATX, not BTX and basically nothing in your 5100 except the hard drive is useable (and you will need a new copy of Windows).  Basically, you are building a new PC, case, power supply, motherboard, CPU, CPU heatsink assembly, memory and video.

i put a Pentium d in mine i to wonder if a core 2 duo will work but a 3.0 pentium d will

Jkipod

Answered in your other post here.

http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19447005/20096853.aspx#20096853

Bev.

i put a Pentium d in mine you can get on of those i think it is a dual core you can put up to a 3.7 so basically a 3.8 will not work but a 3.6 will i would play it safe and get a 3.4  because when you upgrade you want fast not slow