Is It Worth It To Upgrade?

[setotitan]

I've got an older PC that I'm using to stream media to my home theater. The program I use PLEX sometimes has to transcode the video and it's painfully slow. I've added memory and a good graphics card, but after talking with PLEX developers they said what it really needs is processing power. The system currently has 1 core 1 processor CPU, ancient by today's standards. I've listed some screen caps with my stats. My question is, can I just buy a new CPU and upgrade it myself, and if so is it worth the hassle? I've built my fair share of computers, but I've never upgraded a CPU. Does it just pop out and pop in, and what factors do I need consider? Even better would be if someone linked me to a cheap decent processor that would suit my needs. I usually don't ask to be spoon fed the answer, but I've got a lot of other projects going and I'm looking for a quick fix to this headache. Thanks all!

 

[Mandrake4565]

I looked up your motherboard, it looks like a dual Xeon unit. I'm assuming you only have one processor in it? It seems as if you have a few options. You could add another Xeon if it's possible but due to the age of the system your best path would be a total upgrade. The newer processors coupled with DDR3 ram will probably out perform dual single core Xeon's by a significant margin.

 

[setotitan]

I looked up my processor and it's a Socket 604, just doing a quick eBay search I found this quad core processor for $25. Would this work?

INTEL Quad Core Xeon X7350 2.93GHz / 8MB / 1066MHz Socket 604 SLA67 Processor

 

[glussier]

The motherboard you have, only supports 800mhz fsb, while the processor you are looking at has a 1066mhz fsb. I don't think it would work in your computer.

 

[setotitan]

The article I was reading said the FSB needs to be the same or faster. So actually it has to be identical, is that what you're saying?

EDIT: Also if anyone could post an example of something at works from eBay that would be mega helpful

 

[Theocnoob]

Your system is too old. That technology is too ancient. You won't find a decent CPU upgrade that will work with your motherboard. You just won't.

You will need a new CPU, new RAM (DDR3), and a new motherboard.
Your current motherboard and RAM are obsolete.

Something like an AMD FX 6 core
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286
M5A99FX motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131851

and any 2x4GB 1600Mhz DDR3 of your choosing.

You'll also need new optical and hard drives as your current drives are likely PATA/EIDE rather than SATA. Check your drives right now and tell us if its a flat wide cable or a narrow cable.

What video card do you have right now? PCIE or AGP?

Also, I find it confusing that you say you've built PCs before but you don't know how to install a CPU. Building a computer involves installing a CPU.

 

[glussier]

Plex supports Intel quicksync. Get an I3 3225 and that cpu will run circles around that Xeon and even the Fx 5 cpu suggested by Theocnoob.

 

[setotitan]

I'm just looking to breath a little life into an old machine. I wasn't looking to put $300 into this project. My goal was more to spend $50-$75 on a processor that is 2-3 years old, get it maybe refurbished and have it keep my media center kicking for another year until I can replace it. Is that possible, or can I not just replace the processor, will I need a major overhaul.

 

[glussier]

If you can find a xeon paxville dp 2.8, it would be faster than what you have and be compatible with your motherboard. this one is a dual core processor.

If you want to keep single core, you can search for a 3.8 and 3.8E xeon irwindale. These xeon are single core and have a clock speed of 3.8ghz.

 

[ATMINSIDE]

Grab an FX-4300 or FX-6300, with a cheap motherboard and 4GB of DDR3. You'll be looking at $200 or so if you get it on sale or even cheaper if used.

 

[setotitan]

If you can find a xeon paxville dp 2.8, it would be faster than what you have and be compatible with your motherboard. this one is a dual core processor.

If you want to keep single core, you can search for a 3.8 and 3.8E xeon irwindale. These xeon are single core and have a clock speed of 3.8ghz.

I found 2 of those Xeon processors here on eBay, could I install them both since my mobo has 2 slots? Unless you think I should stay single core.. whatever is faster.

 

[glussier]

Yes you could stick 2 of these into your motherboard. Might as well use both. Just over $4.00 is not bad.

 

[glussier]

I found better than what you did a lot of 2 dual core paxville. The cost is just over $29.00. http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOT-OF-2-In...US_Server_CPUs_Processors&hash=item232d10ac91