How do i know what CPUs are compatible wiht my MOBO?

Question

Question

How do i know what CPUs are compatible wiht my MOBO?

by nathanfrabott Dec 29, 2012 3:17AM PST

So i am fairly new to computer hardware, and i am looking to slowly update my parts, my current CPU is a Intel Pentium 2.6 GHz dual-core and i am looking for an i5 processor or at least a very good i3 processor to replace my current one. The only problem is that i don't really know how to tell what kind of MOBO i have, i downloaded a program to tell me i just don't know how to read it properly enough to do my own diagnosis. Would someone please tell me what CPU (the cheapest you can find) is compatible with my MOBO? Here is what my current MOBO is(i think) correct me if i am wrong and i will post something else: Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me!

Motherboard::
Manufacturer:Pegatron

Model: Benicia 1.01

Chipset: intel P35/G33/G31 Rev:A2

Southbridge:Intel 82801IR (ICH9R) Rev:02

LPCIO: Fintek F8000

BIOS:
Brand: American Megatrends Inc

Version:5.39

Date: 05/06/2009

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6 Posts

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so...

by nathanfrabott Dec 29, 2012 5:07AM PST

So do i need to just get a new MOBO also? and thatll be good to go?

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You will need more than a new motherboard

by lacsr Dec 29, 2012 8:17PM PST

With the hardware in the Pentium system, the whole system will probably need to be updated. Today's i3, i5, or i7 , if that is one of the choices, will not use the same memory, motherboard or maybe even the video card or hard drive from the older Pentium system. One should consider just "starting anew" instead of trying to update from the older system stated.

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Without knowing the Mfg, Series and Model # of the existing

by VAPCMD Dec 29, 2012 11:57PM PST

PC, it's hard to give anything more than guesses at what CPU might work.

Generally speaking, PC mfgs make PCs to sell 'as is', not for upgrading. Can it be upgraded a little ? Maybe add more RAM, add or upgrade the video card, change CPU...maybe but no guarantee. Just because the another CPU fits in the socket...doesn't mean it will be recognized at all or it may be recognized but not function fully or it may work as designed.

As others have indicated....a CPU upgrade might end up requiring a new motherboard, different RAM, a video card, a new operating system, power supply, etc.,

Bottom line, look at the alternatives. A new CPU (the chip) may work but it may lead to additional parts to really make it work as intended. By that time a new PC with a warranty may be the better option.

Let us know how it works out.

VAPCMD

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No

by Jimmy Greystone Dec 30, 2012 2:01AM PST

No. You should just take however much money you were willing to spend on this little project, and squirrel it away somewhere. Then add to it over time, and save up for a whole new computer. That is essentially what you'd be doing anyway trying to do anything with what you have, so you may as well at least make sure you've got sufficient funds to do it before you start.

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wpgwpg · Answer 1 · Dec 29, 2012 3:37AM PST

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Answer

The i3 - I7 chips use different sockets

by wpgwpg Dec 29, 2012 3:37AM PST

The Pentium chips use a different mobo socket from the I3 - I7 chips, so none of those will work on a mobo that has a Pentium processor. To further complicate the picture some of the I3 - I7 chips use two different kinds of sockets, so you have to check the mobo specs closely to know.

Good luck.

Jimmy Greystone · Answer 2 · Dec 29, 2012 4:13AM PST

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Answer

Since Pegatron

by Jimmy Greystone Dec 29, 2012 4:13AM PST

Since Pegatron only does OEM parts, that means you have a brand name computer, and you should basically just forget about upgrading the CPU. Typically the chipset will be locked down to only support very modest upgrades that aren't cost effective.

How do i know what CPUs are compatible wiht my MOBO?

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