Is it possible to upgrade a computers CPU/Processor?

Question

I'm in the middle of upgrading my old desktop to the absolute maximum that I can take it as it's been a really brilliant machine that's never gave me any trouble and I'm going to be keeping it as a spare and for working from home when I don't have my laptop.

I've upgraded the RAM to the maximum which is can hold which is 1024 PC 133mhz SD RAM, I've installed a 256MB Graphics card also, but the thing is the processor that's already in there is an AMD Athlon XP 1600+ which is only about 1.4GHZ.

I've been looking at getting a new processor for the machine, but would you say it's worth my while? Can you recommend one from this webite that would work with my computer? The name of the model is Packard Bell iMedia 5067 (SDRAM 2001)

Anything you can tell me is a great help, thank you.

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/CPUs+%2F+Processors/AMD/?x=12&p_order=price_asc&p=cF9zdHlsZT1saXN0JnBfcHJvZHVjdHNQZXJQYWdlPSY=

Answer 1

Hmm i would say that youur better off getting a super 5hit hot motherboard and sticking a new processer on..that way they are in place to upgrade your cards and stuff for the future!

Answer 2

The answer to your question is that it is possible to upgrade your CPU/Processor.

It you let an Engineer handle the upgrading for you, you will continue to enjoy your computer. If  you choose to do the upgrading yourself, you will encounter little difficulties, no matter the guide from your spare parts dealers.

Answer 3

OMG....That computer belongs in a museum! Packard Bell is hasn't been around for ages.

Don't bother upgrading it. No amount of upgrades will allow it to be labeled as 'modern'

Despite what others say, I'm worried the case won't provide enough ventilation for today's high powered parts.

Just buy a new computer. If you were happy with that, the new one won't have to be anything fancy. A simple $500 or less PC from Dell, HP, or Gateway will do.

Answer 4

I feel that you would be better looking for a mother board that you can use your current memory in and then buy a more powerful processor and rebuild from scratch.

Most of the bits you have will just swap over (memory needs to be compatable) but with a new MB you will be able to upgrade the processor to its max limit in stages if you can not afford straight away or in one go if you can.

New MB from ebay is not too badly priced and also you can get everything else you need from there.

Another option is to look online for bare bone systems, these usually contain MB processor and some ram to get you started.

Answer 5

1. There are 2 motherboard options for your system.

The first one only supports the AMD Duron processors.

The 2nd supports the Duron and the Athlon processors.

Yours is probably the 2nd one since you have an Athlon processor.  Because of this, the max your motherboard will support will be the 266 MHz FSB Athlon XP 2000+ (single core)

To verify this check out this link:

http://support.packardbell.com/uk/item/i...

The website you provided above does not have any socket 462 CPUs available.  

Answer 6

I wouldn't spent the money on up grading the cpu if i were you.Can you not manage by uninstalling most of your stuff from your desktop and clean it up etc which will cost you nothing.The cpu is the most expensive part of a computer and if you get a really fast cpu you will find that the rest of your computer will not support it as your motherboard will not keep up with the new chip.Your using sd ram which is only half as good as the newer DDR2 RAM your machine runs fine but it is outdated and will never be as good as a new machine so save your money until you decide to buy a complete new system.

Answer 7

This is the best CPU that will work:

Athlon XP/MP 3200+

Socket A processors and motherboards aren't made anymore. You want to upgrade your motherboard to something like this:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Component...

You'll also want to upgrade your case because it will need Full ATX compatibility and yours may be uATX size.:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Component...

This is a good processor to upgrade to:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Component...

You want to make sure that you have a PCI-E Graphics Card:

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Component...

You'll also need up-to-date, compatible RAM:

http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Othe...

If you follow that setup, you'll probably want to upgrade to Vista, but ME or XP will work like a dream - super quick.