Need help ordering correct processor for Optiplex GX260

BarryS 

There are three versions of the Optiplex 260, the Small Form-Factor, Small Desktop Computer, or Small Mini-Tower Computer.

You can use Socket 478, P-4, 400 or 533 FSB only, 512K cache or smaller processors. 

You cannot use 800 or higher FSB and Prescott [1M or larger cache] processors.

The fastest processor the GX260 can support, is the Socket 478 P-4, 3.06GHz 533FSB HT.

The motherboard is a Dell, made to Dell's specifications by outside contractors with proprietary features and based on the Intel 845G chipset.

The GX260 Service Manual is HERE <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

Bev.

Thanks for the response and link. Yeah, it looks like I'm going to play it safe with a 2.4Ghz processor with Northwood core and 533Mhz bus speed. I'm looking at an Intel SL6RZ and SL6PC on Ebay. Would either one of these do the trick?

Thanks,

Barry

BarryS

Both the SL6RZ and SL6PC should be fine.

Bev.

I went with the SL6PC and it's working great. My project of putting a GX260 mobo in a GX150 tower is a success! For about $50 (mobo, processor, heatsink,  fan/shroud, and ATX 4-pin power extension cable) I overcame the 512MB RAM restriction of my old GX150 mobo. I already had spare RAM and video card to complete the ensemble. I love it when a plan comes together.

BarryS 

Congrats on a great upgrade and thank you for the heads up.   :emotion-21:    :emotion-11:

I'm in the process of configuring a new system based on the AMD Phenom IIx4 965, AM3 processor.  :emotion-5:

Bev. 

got a question for you i have a dell optiplex gx260 running @1.8ghz would an intel SL6PG 3.06ghz be compatable with one of these systems?

ninjitsioux

You can use Socket 478, P-4, 400 or 533 FSB only, 512K cache or smaller processors.  You cannot use 800 or higher FSB and Prescott [1M or larger cache] processors.

The fastest processor the GX260 can support, is the Socket 478 P-4, 3.06GHz 533FSB HT.

Bev.

Thanks shesagordie yeah thats what i got due to arrive anyday day now its a Socket 478  Pentium 4, 3.06ghz 533mhz FSB  L2@512k i just wanted to make sure that the gx260 does infact support this chip. so if you go to intel's website here's the details

http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL6PG

 This Dell Optiplex GX260 was a gift and im not really in the market for a new computer as funds are limited so i figured might as well spend alittle on this and see where i end up

 this computer came with a Pentium 4 1.8ghz 400Mhz L2@256k  and 1 gig of ddr 266mhz

i came across the cpu on overstock.com for $75 refurbished

so i figured i might as well get what i can out of it thanks shesagordie any other advice would infact be greatful for the help 

like would i need a new power supply ? will my stock one run it ? and would i have to do i bios reset "removing the coin battery" in order for the bios to see the new cpu ?

ninjitsioux

The default power supply will be fine.

Prior to installing the processor, check that you have the latest BIOS version A09 installed.

You can find the procedures for replacing the GX260 processor HERE <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

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. <ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

You only need a small tube of thermal compound, this can be purchased from any computer store.

Bev.

Another question for you.  Will either a SL726M or a SL6S5 work in the GX260?

Thanks!

Michael

That should be SL726.

Thanks!

Michael

 mjp455

The SL6S5 should work in the GX260.

 Prior to installing the processor, you need to update the BIOS to the latest Version A09, because with Version A08, updated processor microcodes was added.

Bev.

You can only use northwoods.  No prescotts.  Fastest Processor with upgraded bios is 3.06 Ghz.

2.8Ghz Northwood SL7EY is one that has no issues.

www.ebay.com/.../230667485711

Today is 02/01/13.

If you can, go with the fastest CPU available for use with the GX260 mobo.

That would be the 3.06/512/533 such as the SL6PG with Hyper-Threading Technology that I am using in my GX260.

Hyper-Threading means the 3.06 GHz CPU is recognized by the system as TWO virtual CPUs.

Lesser CPUs with 533 fsb do not have this feature, ONLY the 3.06 GHz models have HT capability.

Currently, pre-owned 3.06 GHz/512/533 CPUs can be had for as little as $10 online from second-hand sellers.

Upgrade the BIOS to A09, max out the RAM to 2 GB, install the 3.06 GHz CPU, add  a separate video card of 256 mb,

and you'll have the best, INEXPENSIVE GX260 Small Mini-Tower possible.

You can only use northwoods.  No prescotts.  Fastest Processor with upgraded bios is 3.06 Ghz.

2.8Ghz Northwood SL7EY is one that has no issues.