Pentium 3s

Can I replace a intel pentium D for a intel core 2 duo processor?

hi, I would like to know if I can upgrade my stock processor (Pentium D) to a Intel Core 2 Duo Processor? or do I have to buy a new motherboard? oh I have an HP pavilion pc desktop (m7170n). thank you :)

Public Comments

1. I'm not sure but I think you have to check whether your motherboard is capable to have an Intel Core 2 Duo as its processor. Check the box, might be there.
2. Your chipset and BIOS support here are probably the only limiter. Most likely - you have a 915 chipset with the socket 775 motherboard. (Asus produced) I believe you'll need a 965 chipset board (or at least a 943/945 board) cor the core 2 duo. Unfortunately, the chipset isn't something you can just upgrade - short of replacing the motherboard. OEM cases like Dell and HP are seldom completely standard, meaning there's probably just enough of a change somewhere that putting a standard motherboard in it would be a pain - or you'd lose features somewhere. Best of luck
3. Maybe yes, maybe no - it depends on what chipset the motherboard uses. 945G Most of the 945G chipset boards accept a C2D, but the Intel branded boards don't seem to. 945GC All of the 954GC motherboards will accept the C2D 945GZ All of these motherboards accept C2D 945P Most of these boards accept C2D 946GZ All of these take the C2d 975X Nearly all the 975X boards take the C2D 865G Some take the C2D 915P These do not support C2D G965 These boards all take the C2D G31 These accept the C2D All later chipsets, G33, P35, P965, Q35 all accept the C2D If you don't know what your chipset is, you might find out by running some system analyzers like SANDRA, Belarc, or Everest (aida32) You should be able to download the owners manual for your computer and it may also tell you what CPU's are supported.
4. Check your BIOS date. Core 2 Duo was introduced early last year. If your BIOS is Feb 2006 or earlier, it might not support Core2 Duo. However, BIOS update might do the trick.