Dimension 1100 – processor upgrade (Windows 10, NX bit )

Question

Hi,

we use a Dimension 1100 as our secondary PC and it works pretty well with Windows 7 as far as our needs are concerned. Now that Windows 10 is coming, I wonder whether an upgrade would be possible.

As the stock processor (Intel Celeron D 325) doesn't seem to support the required NX bit, I thought of replacing it with a Pentium 4 511 (http://ark.intel.com/Products/Spec/SL7PK). Now, would this processor work or could any compatibility issues arise? Also, does the BIOS (upgraded to version A01) play along with the NX bit?

If not, are there any other options (be it Pentium or Celeron processors) that could bring the Dimension 1100 and Windows 10 together?

Thank you in advance. Your help is greatly appreciated!

speedstep · Accepted Answer

It is possible to get a newer Dell Like an Optiplex 745 or better that comes with windows 7 that will work with windows 10. I do not know of any Dimension 1100/B110 processor upgrades because the NORTHWOOD/PRESCOTT Socket 478 cpu series for that system do not support NX (Execute Disable Bit) and also LAHF / SAHF or CMPXCHG16B 64 bit instructions. So there wont be any windows 10 upgrades for this system. Newer Dells even with DUAL CORE Pentium D 800 series Smithfield processors do not work. Systems from 2004 and earlier will not be compatible with windows 10.

EDIT: CMPXCHG16B seems to only apply to 64 bit versions.

So if you can get a cpu that supports NX it might work. However the onboard INTEL Video will not and the cost of a PCI video card that has 128 Megs or more Directx 9 video is going to be more expensive than a newer faster machine like a GX620 or higher with pentium D 900 series Pressler that does support windows 7, 8, 10.

OPTIPLEX FROM WALMART

http://ark.intel.com/products/27446/Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-2_80-GHz-512K-Cache-400-MHz-FSB

Philip_Yip · Answer

I would advise looking for a second hand OptiPlex 760 or 780. The Inspiron 1100 doesn't have the necessary hardware to run Windows 10.

Laborec · Answer

Thank you for your answers.

It seems that its time will finally be over soon, it has served us well. I will look into the proposed Optiplex options. Thank you for these suggestions and your work for the Dell community!

rdunnill · Answer

If not, are there any other options (be it Pentium or Celeron processors) that could bring the Dimension 1100 and Windows 10 together?

You can replace the innards with an aftermarket motherboard, CPU and memory. Newegg has budget combo deals that would work.

Philip_Yip · Answer

Laborec

If not, are there any other options (be it Pentium or Celeron processors) that could bring the Dimension 1100 and Windows 10 together?

You can replace the innards with an aftermarket motherboard, CPU and memory. Newegg has budget combo deals that would work.

Thats essentially buying a new system however.

speedstep · Answer

Inspiron 1100 is a laptop. He has a Dimension 1100/B110.

This is a 32 bit 33mhz PCI DDR system.

The GX620 has 512 bit 166 Mhz PCI-E as well as DDR2 Ram and supports Pentium D 900 series PRESSLER cpus. The GX620 represents a 2006 based low as you can go and still run windows 8.1 or 10 64 bit.

Getting a GX620 or better with Pentium D and windows 7 and 2 gigs or more of Ram for $99 is essentially getting the windows for cost and the PC for free.

Philip_Yip · Answer

I didn't mean to type Inspiron 1100 however regardless the Dimension 1100 or Inspiron 110 won't run Windows 10 well. I would not recommend a GX520 or GX620. The minimum I'd recommend is an Optiplex 745

speedstep · Answer

GX520 is crippled.  GX620 can use PCI-E video and runs windows 7  or 8 or 10 64 bit just fine as long as it has BIOS A11 and Pressler 900 series Pentium D.

rdunnill · Answer

Thats essentially buying a new system however. True, but it's cost effective.

Philip_Yip · Answer

To put things in perspective, heres the cost of an Inspiron 3000 Desktop: http://www.dell.com/uk/p/inspiron-3847-desktop/pd

rdunnill · Answer

I calculated $130 including shipping for a Biostar mATX mainboard, G3220 dual core CPU and 4gb DDR3 1600 memory. That doesn't take into account a hard drive, but there are some cheap SATA products available, like the $30 320gb Western Digital Blue.

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Dimension 1100 – processor upgrade (Windows 10, NX bit )

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