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Upgrading my Dell
Hi,
I have a Dell Dimension 9150 and I was wondering whether it is possible I could upgrade it to use Intel Core i5 Processor and Windows 7? I know this may seem a very silly question but I have no idea about the technicalities of a computer. I do not have the sufficient funds to buy a whole new computer so was wondering whether I can upgrade my current one, which I love to bits... but it is getting quite old now (6 years or so) I recently had a new graphics card put in and now I would like to boost the speed of my gaming.
The games I use are The Sims 3 and all expansions.
Thank you.
rdunnill
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February 25th, 2013 19:00
No, you can't upgrade a 9150 in such a manner.
kisianik
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February 25th, 2013 20:00
Unfortunately you can install only Intel® Pentium® 4 Socket-T with Hyper-Threading or Dual-Core PSU, which is not worth doing.
Purple_Rainx
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February 26th, 2013 00:00
Thank you for your respnses. Could you suggest anything else I can do to improve game performance?
Purple_Rainx
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March 27th, 2013 12:00
I have searched for the Intel® Pentium® 4 Socket-T with Hyper-Threading and found this: www.intel.com/.../pentium4htxe could you please tell me whether that is compatible with my Dimension 9150? Why do you think it is not worth doing? Anything is better than what speed it runs at now. Will it make it any faster/better to run The Sims 3 on?
rdunnill
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March 28th, 2013 10:00
If you want to speed up your 9150, I suggest an SSD, more memory and a better video card.
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 15:00
Thanks for your response. :emotion-1:
Please may you elaborate as to what an SSD is? I have recently had a new video card put in which is this one: http://www.ozone3d.net/public/jegx/201105/asus_hd6670_01.jpg
I am happy to upgrade to a better video card again but what one would be compatible with an XP nowadays that is still able to run games? (I really only use The Sims 3 and all expansions, sometimes Left 4 Dead as well but rarely)
If you would like - I can post my computers specs too.
rdunnill
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March 28th, 2013 15:00
If you're still using XP, I don't recommend an SSD (Solid State Drive).
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 16:00
I want to upgrade to Windows 7 - I have used the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and its possible to upgrade if I download latest drivers for certain programs.
How much of an improvement do you think an SSD would be to what I have now? I don't mind spending the money if it does what I want it to without me buying a whole new computer. I'd just like to upgrade this one.
rdunnill
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March 28th, 2013 16:00
An SSD used for the OS boot drive will bring a huge boost in performance, and you can move it over to a new PC you might buy in the future. (Most new PCs don't have SSDs.)
Once you try an SSD, you won't go back! However, XP, being as old as it is, is reputedly not a good choice for SSDs, due to factors like defragmentation (which only serves to prematurely wear out an SSD).
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 16:00
Thanks a lot for your help. I will see what I can do in regards to upgrading to Windows 7. (Backing up and such)
You mentioned more memory, how much more would you recommend? My current is:
Dell Dimension DXPO51
Intel ®
Pentium® D CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz, 2.00GB of RAM
Physical Address Extension
Also, I mentioned above recently having a new video card... do you still think I should get a better one or is the one I currently have good enough? (I linked to a picture above)
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 16:00
Here's the link to the actual card, sorry should have provided that instead: uk.asus.com/.../EAH6670DIS1GD5
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 17:00
Okay - If I upgrade to Windows 7 successfully and use the Pentium D 960 can I still use the SSD to improve performance? Or will getting the CPU do the trick?
rdunnill
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March 28th, 2013 17:00
2gb is enough for Windows, both 32- and 64-bit.
The 6670 is a modern card. No need to upgrade if it's working well.
Regarding a CPU, the best you can use is reputedly the Pentium D 960: www.ebay.com/.../150960371605
rdunnill
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March 28th, 2013 17:00
The biggest boost will come from the SSD. The CPU will help with gaming.
Purple_Rainx
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March 28th, 2013 17:00
Is it possible to just use the SSD? I can't seem to find any Pentium D 960's here in the UK that are new. Or would you recommend taking it to a PC shop and they will be able to get one for me? Is an SSD easy to do at home or do you think its best to get an expert to do it?