CPU Upgrade Inspiron 530

Question

Hello, I'd like to upgrade the processor in my Inspiron 530.  I've been reading through the forums but I'm not 100% sure that any Intel Core 2 Duo will be okay.  I understand I can't use a Quad Core chip (as I have the G33M02 motherboard and 300 Watt power supply). Ideally I'd like to go for the fastest CPU I can fit, to give me a bit of future proofing. I believe that is the Core 2 Duo E8600, but budget dictates that I may have to drop down in performance a bit - it just depends on what's best price at the time. My current spec is: Intel Core 2 Duo E4500, 0RY007 motherboard, BIOS version 1.0.18, Chipset P35/G33/G31 with GeForce 9500GT. I've seen Chris M's post http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19289277/19534537.aspx#19534537 which appears to indicate that I would be okay with an E8500 although I'm not entirely clear if that list of processors applies to my system configuration as the list includes all the quad cores. I did try Dell Technical support and was advised 'The right one for your computer is Quad core Processor E6750, E2.66 4MB cache, this allows you to upgrade to 8GB of memory and also have a upgraded graphics card'. This doesn't seem quite right, as the E6750 isn't a Quad CPU and from reading the forums I don't think I can have more than 4GB of RAM. Therefore before I part with any money I'd really appreciate some assurance of what is the best processor that will work in my system. Many Thanks.

shesagordie · Answer

TurtleMead Either the Core 2 Duo E8400, or the Core 2 Duo E8500 should work in the Inspiron 530. Bev.

TurtleMead · Answer

Bev

I think I'll go for the E8400 as its available for around £20 less than the E8500 and I don't think there's much in performance gain in value for money terms.

Thanks very much for your help.

Turt.

shesagordie · Answer

TurtleMead Happy to have helped. Bev.

dagrro · Answer

I've been reading these posts for a while- I think I just saw you on another thread. I've got a Inspiron 530
running an Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 4300 @ 1.80GHz. From what I can tell... PC Wizard says- Mainboard is Dell ORY007; Chipset Intel P31/P35

So- no quad for me, but shouldn't I be able to run a E8600 or E8500 replacement (3.33 GHz and 3.16 GHz respectively)?

Your comments/suggestions/advice appreciated.

shesagordie · Answer

Double post:  Answered HERE

vernc · Answer

Wonderful! I was going to post precisely the same question, with the same specs. Fortunately my search turned up this thread. Now, I feel much more secure about laying out $$$ for a E-8500. Thanks guys.

VernC

shesagordie · Answer

vernc You are welcome.  Bev.

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