OT: Upgrade to Quadcore question

Cliff Etzel wrote on 9/15/2008, 11:50 AM
I have a colleague looking to upgrade from a dual core to quad core processor - he wants to know if he'll have to reinstall Win XP pro and all his apps or is it a simple matter of swapping out the processors and getting back to work? He has the Intel BadAxe mobo.

Cliff Etzel - Solo Video Journalist
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Comments

Terje wrote on 9/15/2008, 12:55 PM
If the Mobo supports Quad Core, it is swap and go.
Jeff9329 wrote on 9/15/2008, 12:58 PM
It is only a matter of swapping the CPU.

I have done this when upgrading older machines with some used Q6600 CPUs I had laying around.

I did run into a bios problem once. Make sure it's compatable with the CPU. Only an issue with 1333FSB CPUs.
craftech wrote on 9/15/2008, 1:18 PM
Currently he has only two available choices that are reasonably priced for that motherboard, the Q6600 or the Q6700. The others won't work or they cost too much. The motherboard requires a CPU with a 1066 FSB and a 65nm processor. The 45nm are incompatible.
Lowest prices are generally found at Ewiz-Newbiz-Superbiz.
He can use the Intel heatsink/fan from the Dual Core on the Quad Core and buy an OEM CPU if he prefers. For an OEM CPU he will need to buy a thermal paste. Radio Shack has repackaged Arctic Silver 5 for $10. Have him clean the old stuff off with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol and a cloth first. Follow the instructions on the Arctic Silver website.

John
Jeff9329 wrote on 9/15/2008, 8:01 PM
If it were me, I would either just wait for the Nehlam, or pick up a cheap used Q6600 for $50.

If he has an older system just pick up another system like this one for now;
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=209217089

UlfLaursen wrote on 9/15/2008, 9:24 PM
I did swap too w/o reinstalling, just upgraded bios - he might need that to, and if so, I would do that and check boot with current proc. before upgrading - just in case :-)

/Ulf
ushere wrote on 9/16/2008, 2:49 AM
slightly off topic...

have e6600, and toyed with q6600, but am wondering since rendering isn't that much of an issue with me (remote clients and long nights), whether i'd be better off looking at a faster c2d say 8500 / 8600 for better previewing?

leslei