Upgrading Optiplex 320

See the following for memory and processor upgrades:

www.northwoodcomputer.com/.../opti_320techspecs.pdf

This is not an overly-powerful machine, but it may still benefit from a Solid State Drive (SSD).  They are expensive compared with HDD's, but they will give you probably the single-most noticeable upgrade.

TQ theflash1932

I've read the link given before but I cannot understand.

I bought Pentium D 830 before but..fuh I don't know....waste of money and time

I want a suggestion like "you should buy Pentium D 960 and 2x 2Gb DDR2 667Mhz"

So it must be easy understand

It would help if your requests/questions were a bit clearer then as to what you were looking for.  By writing "you should buy Pentium D 960 and 2x 2Gb DDR2 667Mhz", you obviously understood what you read.

Processor

The best processor your  900 series Pentium D is the 960, but if you already tried the 830 and were disappointed, it is unlikely you will be any more pleased with a 960, as all you will get is a bump in speed from 3.0 to 3.6 and hardware/processor-assisted virtualization (VT), for running virtual machines.  If VT is not important to you, I would scrap it, as the upgrade is most likely not going to be worth more than the cost (I wouldn't spend more than $30-40 even if you would benefit from VT).

http://ark.intel.com/compare/27522,27513

Memory

You can use DDR2-533MHz (PC2-4200/4300) or DDR2-667MHz (PC2-5300); as you only have two memory slots, you must get two 2GB DIMM's to equal 4GB of total memory.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=OptiPlex%20320&Cat=RAM

Update your BIOS before any upgrade.

Hi theflash1932

Tq for your suggestion.

About the memory, you have give me the link that I'm looking for. very helpful.

Some seller said I could use ddr2-800. the memory will self-adjust to optiplex 320. I don't know if the seller just.....you know LOL

upgrading the processor is tricky.

I thought I know what to do before bought the Pentium D 830.

After the failure I know I must ask someone about this thing.

I don't think Dell have provide sufficient info about processor upgrading for Optiplex 320.

Maybe, Optiplex 320 accept only certain Pentium D.

Or some hidden setup must be made first to install those Pentium D

TQ theflash1932

Hi theflash1932,

so the seller is right...i see

u know what...the cpu seller want to change the 830 to 820

i've to accept it....we'll see what happen

tq theflash1932

You "might" be able to use 800MHz memory ... usually a system will be spec'd for a certain speed but it will accept a step or two faster than the spec - not by design of the computer/motherboard, but because the memory is capable of slowing/adjusting to the appropriate speed.  There is a limit - for example, you can't put 2000MHz memory in a system that supports 1066MHz and have it work - it is usually a step or two, depending on the system and memory capability.  If you can get 800MHz for cheaper and the seller will guarantee it will work, go for it.  Otherwise, I would stick with what is spec'd to work.

Upgrading the processor can be tricky - lots can go wrong, and on an OEM system, it is usually harder to find a processor that will definitely work, as it usually depends on BIOS' support of the chip.  According to what I have seen, a D 830 should be ok ... clearing the NVRAM is a common trick after replacing a CPU, and updating the BIOS before any system updates is always wise (and sometimes required).

The best upgrade for Optiplex 320 is:

CPU - Intel Pentium D 945

Memory - 2 unit of 2GB DDR2 667Mhz