adrian2055 Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Hey Guys,I interested in putting a dual core processor in my new desktop and I thought I would get your opinion on something. 1. Should I do this myself or hire a pro? I've never installed a processor before. Is it easy to do? The cheapest rate in my local area for a pro to do it is $85. That includes same day service (they said they can do it in 2-3 hours) and they overclock it if the motherboard allows it at no extra cost. Is that worth it or is that too high?2. What processor should I get for my system? My PC Specs Are Below. PC Specs:Dell Inspiron i537-3492 Desktop PC Intel Celeron 450 @ 2.20GHz (512k cache,800MHz FSB)Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition With Service Pack 1 2GB DDR2 Dual-Channel SDRAM at 800 MHz (Upgrading to 4GB soon)Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD 256 MB Integrated Graphics Card (Not Being Used)BFG Tech NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS 512 MB Graphics Card (I Use This One) Western Digital Caviar Blue WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA Internal Hard DriveWestern Digital My Book Essential Edition WD3200AAKS 640GB USB 2.0/Firewire External Hard DriveHL-DT-ST 16x DVD+-RW DriveDell 19" IN1910N Widescreen Digital Flat PanelConexant D850 PCI V.92 ModemRealtek PCIe Integrated 10/100 EthernetRealtek High Definition Audio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mara- Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 Well, I would say that it's expensive. I also never changed processor, but in the shop where I always buy my components they do it for free. So, if I buy in their show they change my components for free, but if I bring them component from another shop, replacements is very cheep. And pro say, they need 2-3 hours to do it? Very funny. Processor change can be done for max 30 minutes. Maybe overclocking can take more time, but I would say 1 hour top. And comparing to where I live, that price is robbery.Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 12, 2009 Author Share Posted September 12, 2009 I had a feeling that was high. I will keep checking around and see if someone can do it cheaper. The sad part is that is what they charge eventhough I was gonna buy the processor from them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcarle Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 $85 is highway robery for something as simple as that. This guy rambles on way too much, but it's a good example video on how you can change your CPU very easily yourself : Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 12, 2009 Author Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks for the link. I guess everything is on youtube now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davismccarn Posted September 12, 2009 Share Posted September 12, 2009 For any Dell, go here ( http://support.dell.com/support/topics/glo...nki=0&s=bsd ) and type in your SERVICE TAG number. You will then have access to everything for your system, including the service manual with illustrated steps to replace the CPU and some hint as to the maximum CPU supported. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 12, 2009 Author Share Posted September 12, 2009 Thanks davismccarn for reminding me to check with Dell. I didn't even think to do that. This processor is the only one that Dell list as an upgrade for my desktop:http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/product...p;mfgpid=202479Is this a good upgrade? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 jcarle, I have to thank you again for that video. The desktop that he used in this video is a slightly older version of my new desktop. His pc had the same processor that mine has. The only difference is that I don't have the slim model or a card reader and mine has an additonal fan so his will be a big help as I'm considering doing this myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 Yes, I will be doing this myself. I just took mine apart to see if it's just like the one in the video and it is. There's no way I'm gonna pay them $85 for that. I could have done that in 10 minutes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davismccarn Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 That's a real shame! It looks like Dell has you throttled back to a maximum 800Mhz FSB; but, I'll bet that systemboard would run a 1066....And yup, the E5400 is the highest, 800Mhz chip (course its way less, like $69.00) http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=...&sa=title#p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenskas Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 (edited) 1. Should I do this myself or hire a pro? I've never installed a processor before. Is it easy to do? The cheapest rate in my local area for a pro to do it is $85. That includes same day service (they said they can do it in 2-3 hours) and they overclock it if the motherboard allows it at no extra cost. Is that worth it or is that too high?Just thought I might also add...that is expensive! I built an entire new PC for someone for just $50 and it took me about 1-2 hours (including unpacking parts, flashing/tweaking BIOS, small overclocking and cable routing). I know thats a very cheap amount to pay and I will be charging closer to $100 next time I build an entire system from scratch (also including recommending/ordering parts and installing the OS). Just shows how much some people out there are getting ripped off. Sorry for being a little off-topic there Edited September 13, 2009 by Zenskas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davismccarn Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 Well, bust my britches! Dell didn't limit the CPU FSB so you can go beyond the E5400. In this thread at DELL, the user upgraded to a Q8400; though, I like the E8400 which ought to seriuosly kick that system into high gear: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19290903/19540330.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 Well, bust my britches! Dell didn't limit the CPU FSB so you can go beyond the E5400. In this thread at DELL, the user upgraded to a Q8400; though, I like the E8400 which ought to seriuosly kick that system into high gear: http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19290903/19540330.aspx YES! It's good to know that Dell didn't limit it. If I want to go up to a quad core in the future I don't have to buy a new PC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrian2055 Posted September 13, 2009 Author Share Posted September 13, 2009 1. Should I do this myself or hire a pro? I've never installed a processor before. Is it easy to do? The cheapest rate in my local area for a pro to do it is $85. That includes same day service (they said they can do it in 2-3 hours) and they overclock it if the motherboard allows it at no extra cost. Is that worth it or is that too high?Just thought I might also add...that is expensive! I built an entire new PC for someone for just $50 and it took me about 1-2 hours (including unpacking parts, flashing/tweaking BIOS, small overclocking and cable routing). I know thats a very cheap amount to pay and I will be charging closer to $100 next time I build an entire system from scratch (also including recommending/ordering parts and installing the OS). Just shows how much some people out there are getting ripped off. Sorry for being a little off-topic there WOW! I guess when you look at it that way that is really expensive. I'm glad I didn't pay them to do install it for me. There's no telling how much they will charge to build a PC around here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davismccarn Posted September 13, 2009 Share Posted September 13, 2009 OK, basic CPU 101....The bigger the cache, the less often you have to come out of it to access slower thingsANDThe FSB (Front Side Bus) speed affects the communication with the rest of the system.The E8400 has an FSB of 1333Mhz (almost double the 800 of the E5400) and the 6MB cache is as big as it gets.....If you install it yourself (easy, as you found out), it's $167 at ZipZoomFly (they've been around forever) http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetai...rodlist=froogle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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