Quad Core or better Dual Core

Gamer Bhoy 89

Is it possible for me to insert a quad-core processor into my computer or do I need special requirements in my motherboard to do so? The only thing that is holding me back from playing better games is my processor. It's an Intel Core 2 Duo @ 1.80GHz and I already have 3gb of RAM and an nVidia GeForce GTS 250 graphics card, and I have thought about upgrading my processor before, but I don't know who to ask for advice.

Would it be possible to upgrade it? Or is it not that simple? Thanks in advance.

-Dave

U_Fig

As long as you get a processor that fits the socket type on the motherboard it will work..

Although adding more cores will not necessarily mean better gaming performance.. Some games will not Be designed to utilise all 4 cores so in that Case you would see very little difference clock for clock with a dual core.

I'd imagine that yours would be socket LGA 755 but make sure you check the model of your CPU/motherboard to check before you do anything..

BloodBath

You should be able to but it will depend on whether your power supply can handle it. The board should support it.

A Q6600 would be a decent and cheap upgrade. They can be got second hand here on adverts.ie for around €60.

Gamer Bhoy 89

Thanks lads. If not a quad-core at least a dual-core with a higher clock speed? Anything better than the paperweight I'm running with now to be honest.

EDIT: by the way, how or where do I check the type of motherboard I have?

SickBoy

gamercfc wrote: »

Thanks lads. If not a quad-core at least a dual-core with a higher clock speed? Anything better than the paperweight I'm running with now to be honest.

EDIT: by the way, how or where do I check the type of motherboard I have?

Download CPU-Z and click on the motherboard tab and it should give you all the info you need.
Post a screenshot of it here and we can advise you on what it will support.

mad turnip

nVidia GeForce GTS 250 graphics card

im not to familiar with nvidia cards but isn't this extremely old?

what games are you planning on running as the graphics card may be your problem not the processor

BloodBath

That processor is going to limit any decent graphics card anyway so both would probably need upgrades. Cheap second hand's would be your best option. You could buy a decent new card cheap as well. Something like a 7770 can be got for around €100 new.

It should be socket 775 but could be 771.

Gamer Bhoy 89

mad turnip wrote: »

im not to familiar with nvidia cards but isn't this extremely old?

what games are you planning on running as the graphics card may be your problem not the processor

I got it 2 years ago and paid 120 for it. Im not aiming for playing Battlefield 3 or anything like Crysis, I have an xbox for them. Mainly real time strategy games or games the likes of Guild Wars. Like I have Empire total war and runs great on high but struggles horribly on Ultra settings. The graphics card is fine, I never had the need for a new one. Benchmarks gave me a red X on my processor on almost all the games I want to play in future. Long story short, I want to play games like Empire Total War on max setting

BloodBath

A Q6600 would be ideal if your pc can take it.

So what is your power supply and motherboard?

Bargain.

He might post it if you pay the postage. It's a great chip for overclocking but that will be down to what board you have as well.

Gamer Bhoy 89

I think this is my Motherboard specs....