Smith25

I'm currently running a Pentium 4 3.0Ghz 800Mhz processor w/ H/T. I want to upgrade to a new Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz 1066Mhz that I just purchased. I have a Dell Dimension 9100, and according to my manual, it will support a 1066Mhz processor, and I know that I had the option of purchasing a core 2 duo when I bought my PC, but I couldn't afford it at the time.

Anyway, I get my processor last night, and replaced it with the old one. I had the correct socket and whatnot. I had to use the same cooling unit because of Dell's ingenious cooling unit that pulls air from the cutout in the front of the case, and motherboard that has the screw holes positioned to far apart to support a standard cooling unit. I dont think that this had any adverse effect though. My problem came after I plugged everything back into the PC, and flipped the switch on my PSU to give everything power. The PC always powers everything up for about a second and then shuts down. This time, it powered everything up and just kept going. So I decided to put my old CPU back in and power it all up again. It all worked fine, so I didn't mess anything up during the installation, so it has to be a compatibility issue or a DOA processor correct?

Is there something I need to do in the Bios before I replace the CPU or what?

I just wanted a second opinion, or to be righted in my infinite wrongness. I can afford a new motherboard at this time, but don't really want to buy one unless absolutely necessary.

manic

You may need to flash bios in order for bios to see new cpu. Find your
bios version, then go to dell and see if there is a newer bios update to
support your new cpu. Did you clear cmos when you installed new
cpu? Usually a must especially with a new cpu.

Smith25

Sorry for the late reply. I went to Dallas on short notice, and then counseled a youth camp out of town for a few days.

I've got the exe for the most recent bios version, but I'm posting this first because I assume I'll need to restart after I install it.

This is my first time upgrading a CPU, and I'm not familiar with cmos or flashing my BIOS(everything has always been detected fine). So could I get a step by step of what to to before and after I replace the cpu? I've got the actual hardware installation part down, seeing as I've been through it once, but my meager hopes of plug-and-play didn't quite work out. Oh well, I'm just glad I shouldn't have to drop even more cash on a new mobo.

But yes, could I please get a step by step

1 g0t 0wn3d

Did you reaplley thermal paste? also what is the motherboard model it may not wourk with your dell motherboard.

Smith25

I didn't reapply thermal paste because there was enough left on the heat sink to keep it adequately cool under low stress conditions. I will buy some when I get the chance, but until then I won't use my PC much. I didn't re-apply thermal paste when I put my P4 back in, and theres been no heat increase from my previous temps. Until I get my new CPU in, it doesn't matter anyway.

The only motherboard I can pull off of my manual or Everest is Dimension 9100.

As I said before, I can't boot my PC. It gets stuck in a power test or whatever its called when PC's are plugged in and power up all the components for a split second. I don't see how thermal paste would have anything to do with it at this stage.

1 g0t 0wn3d

Wrong you always have to clean it off and put new stuff on do that

FreoHeaveho

Hi Smith

Please post your specs for your motherboard if you can from Everest and Dimension 9100 mannual. Agree with owned, you HAVE to thoroughly clean and reapply the TIM EVERY time you remove the heatsink.

I think you will solve your problem with a bios update. Put your old CPU back in, back up everything and download the correct (exact) BIOS.

BTW, if your OS is OEM, you will have to purhase a new copy of that too.

good luck.

manic

When you put a upgrade on your pc, that doesnt mean you have to
purchase a new os. If you were to add more ram would you need to
buy a new os? I would say no.

FreoHeaveho

If you change the CPU, that is considered a new computer by MS. New OS required. RAM doesnt constitute a new OS, however if you make significant changes (including RAM) to the HAL, you will have to purchase a new OS. A CPU or Motherboard is considered a new OS in many situations. Its a fair warning.

linderman

If the OS is a retial version MS allows alot more flexibility and will give activation in that circumstance >>>>> OEM versions tend to be rather strictly applied in my experince


Bigfella is correct when stating caution >>>> especially with OEM software


although when I upgraded from the 4400 X2 to the FX-60 I got no beef from the OS >>>> same when I played with the ram >>>> but I am running the PRO version of the OS >>>> again ; PRO is more relaxed on the rules >>>> XP home is more strict >>>>> OEM home edition is the most strict

linderman

but you must understand DELL is not big on offering machines that are easy to upgrade, they would rather you buy a new dell


I hope you can flash the bios and get conroe support

Smith25

OK, I flashed my bios successfully, and I'll put my processor in when I get some thermal paste. Hopefully all will go well, but just in case it doesn't work, could someone tell me how to clear cmos as manic stated.

HawMan

Remove the small Battery shown here



For 20-30 Minutes, Then put it back in & Power on.

manic

You must unplug machine to do that, if you look to the right on the
thumbnail there is a clr cmos jumper, yours is probably similar, I prefer
to clr cmos with jumper, no need to remove battery. In fact with the
jumper you need to leave battery in.

Smith25

OK cool, thats what I thought it was, but I wasn't sure if I remembered the name right, but I actually did do that when I put in my processor, so I suppose I just need to get some thermal paste now and I'll be good to go. Thanks for all your help guys, I'll post again after I install it.

FreoHeaveho

As far as I am aware, you should not unplug the machine, just turn it off at the PSU. That way the chasis is still earthed thus reducing the risk of static damage.