Old CPU in new motherboard?

J

J98cherokee

New Member
I have a Pentium 4 3.4 ghz processor in an older mb right now. I was just wondering if I can get a newer motherboard with the same socket type and put my processor now in it even though everythings being made for dual core?? I know ill have to switch ram too.
 
Sure you can, first you need to identify what type of "socket" the cpu is then we all can give some insight on a MB you could purchase.

Newegg.com would prolly be the place to start.
 
well I am really only upgrading the mb for the pci express slot a few more USB hook ups ram etc. since im not getting a dual core processor...in the future I probably will be for now this P4 seems to be workin alright. I have the 775 socket. The AGP slot has become almost useless if you want to do a lot with graphics.
 
Im not 100% sure exaclty what your looking for but based off of what you siad this board might be of interest.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128012

I think your goal should be to find a board that will enable you to use EVERYTHING you have now but be able upgrade for the future. If you currently have 240 pin memory this board would really do the trick.
It gives you the PCI-E slot you desire plus you can always get a better cpu!
 
yeah thats basically what Im trying to do. Unfortunately I have the 184 DDR memory in the mb right now ( Im glad the price has gone down for DDR2 RAM), that mother board you linked to looks like just what I need and cheaper than I though too. Oh and it says certified for Vista...I can run windows on it as well correct? Thanks
 
if you have the money and really want to upgrade... i'd go with a new mobo and cpu together and then take what you have and add it off of that? what are the full specs of your current machine?
 
right now I have the P4 3.4 ghz processor, 300 GB HD, 2X 512 RAM, Geforce 6600 , but I cant remember the model of MB. Thats not a bad idea either because it would be cheaper to get the CPU/MB combo rather then buy one and then the other later? Maybe even a quad core/MB combo.
 
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Well, you want a new graphics card yes, hence why you wanted a MB with a PCI-E slot. So no i disagree if you wanted to upgrade the goal is to use ALL or as much of what you currently own. At this point it appreas that most of the motherbaords up your ally only have 240 pin Memory slots. i disagree b/c now look at the list you have to purchase...

The CPU/MB combo you want...
New MB means you need 240 pin RAM....
and you wanted better graphics so (1 PCI-E {VC})

Thats a new computer! (not and upgrade) B)
 
Haha this is very true although...the reason I used "upgrade" was because I want to keep the case, Harddrive, dvd stuff, card reader, etc etc... and I looked and found that these mobo/cpu combos arent cheaper its just easier for people to get because if you buy them separately its the same price soo... I might as well just wait to upgrade the processor and then maybe the price on these dual cores may go down a bit when I go to upgrade the CPU. Yeah the ram is a must either way. I like these opinions though : ) I never thought I would receive such good feed back...most forums are not like this
 
Will I have to reformat my hard drive when I do this even though Im using the same hard drive and processor? If not what about when I get a new processor. Im just trying to keep everything on my hard drive : )
 
yeah, you have to reformat ~ unless the new board has the same Bios. I was on the a very similar situation a month ago. I ended up keeping my DVD drive ,harddrive, case, and monitor. I don't think its worth it to upgrade with an old processor. Its more expensive in the long run.
 
J98cherokee said:
Will I have to reformat my hard drive when I do this even though Im using the same hard drive and processor? If not what about when I get a new processor. Im just trying to keep everything on my hard drive : )
Click to expand...
Since you are going to be changing chipsets on the motherboard, you will have to reformat for sure.

About the only time you can change motherboards and not have to reformat is if they both use the same chipsets.
 
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