Old Dell XPS T450 question

Hello. I recently acquired an old Dell XPS T450 to tinker around with. It currently has a P3 450, but I would like to explore the possibility of upgrading to something faster. I have never upgraded a processor before, so I really do not know where to start. I have run some system diagnostic tools and learned that the motherboard is the Intel SE400BX-3. Where do I find out what the max processor speed for this mobo is, and what do I look for while shopping ebay for an upgrade? What should this cost me? (little, I hope)

PK

 

forget upgrading... buy a new laptop,,save all the messing around

 

OK. Now how about some real responses?

 

That link does not work.

PK

 

If I read this right, http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/se440bx2/sb/cs-013634.htm#Note

then the 600 is as high as i can go, as my board # is 722396-108

Correct? This was n the table for the SE440BX-2, but this board claims to be an SE440BX-3. Does that make a difference?

PK

 

*sigh*....I emailed Dell...this is what I asked:

I was given this system from a friend and would like to explore the
possibility of upgrading the processor. I have determined that it has a
Dell OEM SE440BX-3 motherboard (ID = 722396-108) which, according to your documentation, should accept up to 850 mhz processor. What do I need to look for in a processor (Slot 1, i believe) and do I need to upgrade the
BIOS? If so, to what version?

Seems like an easy enough question, right?

Well, the first response (after the automated one about memory upgrades) referred me to the documentation that i have already read. The second response said "Dell does not offer processor or motherboard upgrades for purchase as discreet items, nor does Dell recommend upgrading the processor or motherboard in any given system; therefore, Dell cannot support systems in which the motherboard or processor has been upgraded through third-party services or products."

UGH! So I guess they just expect everyone to just waltz out and buy a new system everytime technology changes? (stupid question...of course they do).

PK

 

try going to Powerleap.com...dive you some help..but as far as systems...well.....i guess it's a decent toy.....

 

To revive this discussion...I have been doing some hunting and have come across the following items. Will any of these work for me? Do I need a heatsink and fan, or can I use the current setup, which consists of a heatsink and a shroud that channels the case fan? If I can use a separate fan with the new processor, I would prefer that.

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=70

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentium-III-Slo...ryZ14292QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Pentium-III-Slo...ryZ14292QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/PENTIUM-III-700...ryZ14290QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Am I anywhere close?

Would ANY of those work on this motherboard? Are those the "stats" that I am looking for?

PK