Dimension 8400 processor upgrade - 3.0 to 3.8 - HELP!

Question

Currently I have a Dell Dimension 8400 with the following: C3824 Processor,80547,Pentium 4 Prescott DT,3.0GHZ,1 MEGB 800FSB,SKT-T and W4254 Assembly, Heat Sink, Performance Transformer Sky Dive Mini Tower, TMD.

I want to upgrade to a 3.8GHZ processor, but Dell no longer has any in stock for their Dimension 8400s. I've found the following refurbished processor on the internet which I'm told will work with my Dimension 8400:

Intel Penium 4 Processor 3.8GHZ P4 670 2MB Cache LGA775 775 Socket T SL8PY

The processor has the following on it: Intel 05; Pentium 4; 678 SL8PY Costa Rica; 3.8GHZ/2M/800/84B; 3544B864

I've learned about arctic thermal grease and how to install a new processor. CAN ANYONE TELL ME IF THIS PROCESSOR WILL RUN IN MY MACHINE WITHOUT PROBLEMS and if it the BEST PROCESSOR FOR MY MACHINE?

Is it a good idea to buy a refurbished processor?

Is there any other processor that anyone would recommend?

Also what bios updates or other software will I need to download from Dell once I install this processor and when should I download them?

My thanks in advance to everyone for their help. I very much appreciate it

ruckalaz · Answer

I guess it will if it has the same motherboard socket as your current processor, or a socket that is Dell 8400 compatible. Dunno is this helps but here is the dell 8400 owner's manual if you lost yours.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/SYSTEMS/dim8400/en/om/U70350LRs.pdf

P.S. I have the same computer lovin it :P

shesagordie · Answer

gakerby

The Socket LGA 775 P4, 670, 3.8Ghz should work fine in the Dimension 8400.

Note: Prior to installing the processor, check that you have BIOS version A09, or higher, when support for newer processors was added.

I've never had any issues using refurbished [used] Intel processors.

Bev.

speedstep · Answer

3.8Ghz is not going to give any significant performance increase.

It will require the 350W power supply instead of the 305 and the Copper heatpipe cpu cooler and shroud.

Perhaps they are the same for the 3.0 vs the 3.8 but I would not test that theory live unless having the system

burn up the power supply isnt a problem.

gakerby · Answer

Thanks for the advice. Something to think about. I'll check out my system and see what power supply etc I have. I would have thought Dell put everything in for an upgrade. Anyone had any experience of this?

Still every little bit of processing speed helps. Does anyone know percentage wise how much of a pickup in speed a move from 3.0 to 3.8 provides? Is it absolutely unnoticeable?

I just wonder what people have found when they have upgraded?

ruckalaz · Answer

Well, a 3.8 ghz p4 will still be faster than a 3.0 p4. However, a pentium 4 will always have the old netbust microarchitecture, preventing it from being speedy compared to newer processors. For example, a new entry-level Celeron 450 2.2 ghz will probably better a 3.0 ghz p4. If I were you, I would either try finding a new graphics card( to improve your computer's performance at games and such), or simply get a new computer, because your dell 8400 can only fit pentium 4 and celeron d processors. Also, if your BIOS allows you to, you can overclock your current pentium 4 to a higher clock speed. It's free. Try these links for overclocking, although if you overclock your pc the wrong way, you might permanately damage it.

http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/198

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSRGvpOtIkc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpwcQH-AATE

speedstep · Answer

Netburst is horrible for games.

I've upgraded Optiplex 620's with 3.2 Ghz Smithfield Processors and GPU and power supply only to see it outpaced by an

optiplex 745 with 1.86 Ghz core2 duo with the same video card.

If gaming is your option try finding a newer System with Tower and full size power supply 350W

with a core2 Duo processor.

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Dimension 8400 processor upgrade - 3.0 to 3.8 - HELP!

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