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I have currently in my possession the following computer:

Dell PowerEdge SC430
4GB RAM
Intel Mother Board
LGA775 Processor Socket
2.5 GHz Intel Dual Core Processor
2 x WD SATA HDD 80GB in Mirrored RAID
Windows Server 2003 R2 Standard

I am looking at currently keeping this RAID with the HDDs and replacing two things.

1. The OS with Win 7 Ultimate 64-bit

2. The Current 2.5 Intel Dual Core Processor with one of the following:
A) Intel Pentium 3.33 GHz Processor (LINK)
B) Intel Pentium 3 GHz Processor (LINK)
C) Intel Core 2 Quad 2.5 GHz Processor (LINK)


Which of the three processors do you guys think may bring me a better result for this computer. Since it is an Intel board, I was thinking to keep with Intel for the processor so these are the ones that I found recently that fit in the board socket.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by caperjack

Dani AI

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A few practical checks and steps that build on 's compatibility warning and 's CPU sleuthing. This focuses on how to verify whether a faster chip will actually work, how to avoid losing the mirrored data, and what gives the best real-world benefit for the least money.

First, confirm support before you buy. Use the exact motherboard/service-tag and the BIOS release notes from the vendor to find the supported-CPU list and any microcode/FSB limits. If the new CPU is not explicitly listed, even a matching socket is not a guarantee. Also check BIOS revision history — many boards only add support for newer chips in later BIOS updates, so update the BIOS before testing a new CPU.

Second, check power, cooling and physical fit. Compare the replacement CPU TDP and voltage requirements to the existing cooling solution and PSU capability. Server chassis fans and heatsinks are sometimes tuned to specific CPU families; a hotter chip can cause throttling or instability unless cooling and BIOS fan profiles are appropriate.

Third, protect the array and prepare drivers. Make a full backup of the mirrored data before touching hardware. Identify whether the RAID is hardware (controller-managed) or BIOS/software RAID; for a Windows x64 install you will very likely need the correct 64-bit storage (and NIC) drivers on USB so the installer can see the virtual drive. Do not initialize or reformat disks during setup unless you have a verified backup.

Finally, think value: modest same-family CPU upgrades often give small gains; a board upgrade to a true quad-capable platform or adding more RAM (for a 64-bit OS) usually yields larger, more noticeable improvements. Next steps: confirm the vendor CPU support list for the exact board, update BIOS, gather Win7 x64 drivers, back up the array, then test with the new CPU (and a returnable seller) before fully committing.

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Member Avatar for caperjack

the nodel # of the motherboard would be good to know ,im not sure if it will compatible with the quad cpu.

edit ,just found this and it looks like a budget tower and will not take any of the cpu you listed .
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pe430sc/en/ug/x9789aa0.htm

i don't know a lot about raid ,but,i think you will be able to keep it raid, but not the raid you have now as all will be lost with the install of the new win7 install

Edited by caperjack because: n/a
Member Avatar for DAS-03590

Okay, the numbers I have from the board are:

Dell Part: NJ886
MoBo Part: E139765

If those help.

By looking around from what I've looked at I can only find information for it using 800MHz FBS Dual Core processors. Not sure if that is entirely true though.

Member Avatar for caperjack

yeah i read it wrong last time ,i guess it will use the duel core 3gig in you first links ,as is stated in the link in my other post .the pentium d ,is duel core cpu

Member Avatar for DAS-03590

Aparently when i looked up the processor pruduct numbers it came up as:

Pentium D
Dual Core
800 MHz FBS
2.5 GHz
64-bit Capable

Looking at that actually answered another of my questions. But the main thing is possibly doing an upgrade of the processor. Not sure which one would be better or if the board will take anything larger than an 800Mhz.

Member Avatar for caperjack

according to the link i posted above ,it will only go as high a 3.0ghz cpu at 800fsb,you already have a 2.5 ,if it were me i wouldn't spend to much to achieve the extra .5ghz

Member Avatar for DAS-03590

well, in that case it might be best to leave it like it is. But the old OS is still usable but I plan on leaving it intact by replacing the HDDs in the RAID. But that is another matter. Thanks for the help and input. Hope all have a good day.

Member Avatar for caperjack

your welcome,good luck

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