Processor question

Hey guys, I gots a question! ^_^

When upgrading a processor, whats they main elements I should be looking at as far as compatibility? I know the socket is the big thing, but is there anything else I should know? Heres my boards specs as they are atm:

Base processor
Pentium E2160 (C) 1.8 GHz
800 MHz front side bus
Socket 775
Chipset
Intel G31 Express
Motherboard
Manufacturer: MSI
Motherboard Name: MS-7525
HP/Compaq motherboard name: Boston-GL6

The current processor is OK, but I think I'd rather upgrade. I noticed there are quad cores out there now with a LGA775 socket, would this one work?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017

Thanks for any and all answers.

 

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01386897&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=3732641&lang=

Is that it? Yup, the 1st thing to look for is the cpu socket type. 775 for Core 2. The 2nd thing to look for is cpu support in the form of BIOS. Look at how to upgrade the processor. Are you up to it? The s775 cpu's don't have any pins, unlike the AMD one shown. The pins are in the cpu socket.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/prodinfoCategory?lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3732641&lang=en

The board appears to be made by MSI, but MSI site doesn't list this mobo. So your only option is to contact MSI for a cpu support list for this mobo/pc. Get that list. Then you can determine whether the Q6600 is supported. While you're at it, ask them for a new BIOS update.

 

Also it is important to look at the Chipset as this will be the indicator of whether your board can use a Core Duo (Dual or Quad).

 

Well, the chipset does say it has support for the quad cores.
http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/G31/index.htm

As far as being up to it, I think I can. I will have to look at a few walkthroughs before I begin.

The original PC was this bare bones compaq:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/store/product/product_detail/KJ384AA%23ABA

I've since installed a more powerful power supply, more memory, a new Graphics Card, and a better soundcard.

OK, so definetly look at the socket first. So, if I understand correctly, I should check with MSI to get a complete list of supported cpu's. Should the bios update be done before installation or after? Would the CPU, when boughten, be supplied with a bios update?

 

Well, after a lot more research, I've determined that, in theory, the processor I'd like to install would work, however there has not been (from what I see), an updated bios so that my board would see, and utilize the dual core processor. Fudge. Unless, by chance, ANYONE knows of a bios update for thus said system? :-D

 

You're doing it the opposite way. No. Ask the pc manufacturer for the bios update. MSI, while makes the mobo, doesn't hand out this bios. You can ask MSI, but chances are they'll direct you to HP. And no, cpu doesn't come with bios. It's from the mobo maker.

Be warned if you stick your head in the sand and flash to MSI bios, you might destroy the mobo. All for what? Your guess? Do yourself a favor and ask HP.

 

Would have to agree get some form of confirmation that:

This Motherboard will support a Core Duo (dual or quad) from the manufacturer.

That they have a working BIOS for your Motherboard, you will ideally only get it from them.

That you fully understand "how to flash a BIOS", it can be a bit complicated and it can destroy a Motherboard if not done correctly.

Answer all the questions before you buy the CPU.

 

Thanks for all the great responses, I'll contact MSI about the bios update.

If it comes down to it, is it safe to say that the current bios will support the processors listed on this page:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01386897&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=&product=3732641&lang=

* Core 2 Duo E4xxx (65W)
* Core 2 Duo E7xxx (65W)
* Pentium Dual Core E2xxx series (65W)
* Celeron Dual Core E1xx0 series (65W)
* Celeron 4xxx series (35W)

I currently run E2160. Would any of the other listed processors on the list be supported currently without a bios update?

 

Personally Im going to hesitate here without seeing the BIOS update pages. Dont know to much about MSI.

 

In the manual for the motherboard it says the following for cpu's

Processor Support
- Intel® Wolfdale-M, Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual Core, Celeron Dual
Core and Celeron in the LGA775 package.
(For the latest information about CPU, please visit http://global.
msi.com.tw/index.php?func=cpuform)

So if I get any of the supported processors I should just be able to install the cpu and be good to go?

 

You still need the BIOS which will contain the latest "chipset instructions", basically how the CPU, RAM and Motherboard chipsets talk! Please clarify that with MSI.