New Proccessor Decision

[Ultima9999]

I'm looking for a new processor for my rather old PC since at the moment I'm running on two 3.06 ghz Pentium 4's.

I know a little bit about computers, but I'm not expert. So far I've narrowed it down to 3 processors.

The Cheaper Option
Dual Core
Quad Core

Simply, i wanna know which is best overall and why?

Also, if the more expensive ones are worth the extra cash. Thanks for any help with this!

[Apoptosis]

what will the primary purpose of this computer be and would you be willing to overclock it?

[hnzw_rui]

Just confirming... You have checked that these are compatible with your current motherboard, right? Just because they both use the same socket (LGA775) doesn't mean you can do a drop-in replacement.

[Ultima9999]

Mostly games and media and yes, I'm willing to overclock it.

As for compatibility, this is my motherboard. The sockets are the same, but double checking, it seems the processor isn't listed under CPU support...which means its not compatible and i need a new motherboard too.

[dicecca112]

Motherboard is a 915P chipset, read 4 years old, and none of those CPUs are compatible. The motherboard is not replaceable because it uses proprietary mounting and cooling. It was a specially made Gigabyte board for Companies like Dell, Packard Bell and HP

[ibleet]

Your best option may be to sell the old system and build yourself a new one. I understand that the people from LR are highly qualified to give you solid advice on that build.

Getting away from locked bios' , proprietary components, and other company imposed limitations is a very good reason for building your own system. It's a move I will never regret.

[hnzw_rui]

That's one thing I've come to hate about OEM PC's. They've got lots of proprietary stuff and you're very limited in terms of expansion. Nowadays, even if I could spend less money buying OEM, I still build my own.

[Ultima9999]

So basically i cant upgrade this computer, and would be better off making a new one from scratch?

[stopthekilling77]

So basically i cant upgrade this computer, and would be better off making a new one from scratch?

Precisely, and you'll be able to build something much better doller-for-dollar

[Ultima9999]

Alright then, I've always wanted to build my own computer anyway.

Anyone got any ideas along the lines of those processors? Or not, any suggestions would be appreciated lol

I don't expect anyone to do my grunt work, but anything off the top of your head would be helpful, thanks.

[ibleet]

To get some good suggestions two things will be helpful...your budget and what you plan to use the computer for. A computer built for gaming will differ greatly in components and price compared to a computer just to browse the internet or word processing.

[Ultima9999]

To get some good suggestions two things will be helpful...your budget and what you plan to use the computer for. A computer built for gaming will differ greatly in components and price compared to a computer just to browse the internet or word processing.

I am planning to use it as a gaming pc and as for budget...nothing crazy, having little money is an occupational hazard of being a student but i am willing to pay a decent amount if its good value and will last me a while.

Looking at the processors above, i guess you could base my budget around that.

[x.clay]

The E8400 is a great CPU for a mid-ranged gaming set-up. It should give your plenty of power for any of the games out there right now. Just make sure you pick up a decent graphics card as that will likely hold you back more in game than your CPU.