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Inspiron 545 CPU Upgrade, E5300 to E8400
I currently own a Inspiron 545 and was looking into upgrading the CPU. This computer is used as HTPC + Gaming
Current CPU is Pentium Dual Core E5300 2.6GHz FSB 800MHz. LGA 775
Motherboad is DG33M06, Bois version is A12
I was looking at upgrading to Core 2 Duo E8400 3GHz, 1333MHz FSB, LGA 775
Will have any issues with this upgrade?
Can i use the existing cooler from Dell?
Can i use the same RAM?
Where should i get one? How about used cpus?
rdunnill
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June 9th, 2013 12:00
That should work; it's quad-core CPUs that require a different motherboard.
The original cooler should work, provided the old thermal compound is thoroughly cleansed and new compound applied. (Arctic Silver is a popular choice.)
rdunnill
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June 9th, 2013 18:00
The RAM's good.
Here's a CPU: www.ebay.com/.../130924383853
shesagordie
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June 14th, 2013 07:00
crashwell9
Congratulations, nice upgrade.
No need to change any BIOS settings, the processor should take care of everything.
Bev.
shesagordie
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June 9th, 2013 14:00
crashwell9
Used processors are all I use for computer upgrades, to date I've never had any issues with them, eBay/Amazon have always been a good source to buy them from.
Regards to memory, the Inspiron 545 MT supports 8gb [4 x2gb modules] of DDR2 RAM, for maximum performance, this needs to be installed in matching pairs.
A good source for memory is www.crucial.com
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Inspiron%20545&Cat=RAM
Regards to using the existing RAM, what is the default memory you now have installed?
Bev.
Edited for content.
crashwell9
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June 9th, 2013 14:00
What about my RAM?
rdunnill
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June 9th, 2013 16:00
According to Crucial, the 545 uses DDR2 memory.
G.SKILL is a little cheaper than Crucial and I've used it in most of my DDR2 builds.
crashwell9
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June 9th, 2013 17:00
Shesagordie,
Thanks for the info, I'm definitely planning on buying the cpu from eBay.
As for RAM I have 2x 2Gb 2Rx8 PC2-6400U 666. I assume this will work with a E8400. Correct?
My goal is not to sink too much $ into this machine. So I'd prefer to keep my existing memory.
crashwell9
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June 9th, 2013 18:00
Thanks all, I've purchased a cpu. Is there any instructions on removing the stock cooler?
shesagordie
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June 9th, 2013 19:00
crashwell9
The procedure for removing and reinstalling the Inspiron 545 heatsink, are here on pages 20/22:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_inspiron_desktop/inspiron-546_Service%20Manual_en-us.pdf
As you intend to reuse the heatsink, plan on cleaning it's base and reapplying thermal compound to the processor.
Directions for cleaning and applying thermal compound, are HERE.
Only need a small tube of thermal compound is needed, this can be purchased from any online, or local computer store.
Bev.
rdunnill
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June 9th, 2013 21:00
I bought a tube of Arctic Silver Ceramique and have been using it for all my CPU swaps.
I use paint thinner followed by isopropanol to clean the CPU/heatsink mating surfaces.
crashwell9
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June 13th, 2013 23:00
All, I received my cpu and swapped it, all went well. Question: I noticed that there is no bios setting controlling the FSB speed. Will my system automatically run at the faster speed? Or do I need to change any settings, jumpers?
shesagordie
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June 14th, 2013 08:00
crashwell9
:emotion-21:
Bev.
crashwell9
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June 14th, 2013 08:00
All, thanks for the helpful info. It's great to hear from experts on this subject matter and so quickly. It made my decisions so much easier. Thanks again.
Crashwell9
Keedah75
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August 4th, 2016 19:00
I know this is an old thread. 8 have the same computer and I'm doing the same cpu upgrade. Is there a blue ray drive I can upgrade as well or do I have to go with an external blu ray drive? Also will a new HD monitor be HD with this desktop? I'm a newbie but, I know how to upgrade hardware parts.
shesagordie
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August 5th, 2016 07:00
Keedah75
Yes, you can install an internal Blu-ray burner, any 1.60"h x 5.70"w drive should be fine, check out the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Blu-Ray-Burners/SubCategory/ID-600
Remember that you need software to use Blu-ray, this can be sold with the drive, or you might need to purchase it separately.
Regards to 'will a new HD monitor be HD with this desktop?', it should be, depending on your video card and resolution.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/buying-guides/monitors-buying-guide/pcmcat337000050000.c?id=pcmcat337000050000
Bev.