I want to put a new cpu into my computer that I use for video editing. The recommended upgrade for this older machine is the P4 630 at 3.0 GHz or the P4 640 at 3.2 GHz; both are discontinued and extremely hard to find. The ones I have found are outrageously priced and from what appear to be shady sources--unreliable at best.

These are the specs for the processor:

Brand Intel
Processors Type Desktop
Series Pentium 4
Model BX80547PG3000F
CPU Socket Type
CPU Socket Type LGA 775
Tech Spec
Core Prescott
Multi-Core Single-Core
Name Pentium 4 630
Operating Frequency 3.0GHz
FSB 800MHz
L1 Cache 12KB+16KB
L2 Cache 2MB
Manufacturing Tech 90 nm
64 bit Support Yes
Hyper-Threading Support Yes
Virtualization Technology Support No
Multimedia Instruction MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3
Voltage 1.25-1.388V
Cooling Device Heatsink and Fan included

My question is; does anyone know of a processor that would work in their place?

I've upgraded my RAM and installed a new DVD burner into this machine but have never touched the cpu and am wondering if this upgrade is still possible even though it's an older, discontinued pc?

I'm trying to avoid having to charge a new pc to my card so would like to maybe spend less money duct taping this one to last me a bit longer.

Any help would really be appreciated.

noob

Those CPUs can be found for about $75. But do you really think going from 2.8GHz to 3.0GHz or even 3.2GHz will make a significant enough difference to justify the cost?

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/...

"both are discontinued and extremely hard to find"

Not if you know where to look:

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.asp...

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.asp...

Hey thanks for the links! I looked on newegg but they had both listed as "deactivated." I saw a few on Amazon and AOL but most were over 200 bucks and most were refurbished...

Intel only gives the box order number and directs you to vendors--all of which were closed.

Price is definitely an issue...

But my problem is I have noticed that when I make videos heavy on effects using my Sony Vegas Pro, my pc really really slows down. The mp3 track won't even play right when I preview it. I'm getting ready to install Particle Illusion too and, as it is, I can't even run it because I need to upgrade my graphics--the E310 has integrated graphics--so I'm getting a NIVIDIA GForce 6200 video card.

I figured if I went up to 3.2 GHz and installed the vdeo card, my pc would run smoother since cpu would be able to run the way it should without having to fight for memory.

Does that even make sense?

What do you think?

So far I have a new: Video card; cpu; fan and heat sink; and power source.

noob

"I'm getting a NIVIDIA GForce 6200 video card"

The 6200 is definitely an improvement over the integrated, but you can do better for about the same money. How about this HD2400Pro for $45 after rebate?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

Why are you replacing the HSF & PSU? You're pratically rebuilding the entire system

I'm gonna hold off on the cpu and heat sink for now. I had figured to upgrade my cpu a bit but my options are so limited I'm not gonna do it for now.

Thanks for that card link from newegg, I bookmarked it and I'll definitely consider that one. I had been looking at this one:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...

Same company, about the same price and the user ratings are all five star and very detailed. My old E310 only has like one PCI slot and one PCI Express slot. So I'm thinking that the Radeon HD2600 Pro IceQ should fit it. I really liked this one Pro IceQ)because it has a fan also--when I'm working on a video I go for up to 10 hours at a time... But, my E310 only has 230w of power and the Radeon HD2600 Pro IceQ requires a minimum of 400w--so if I install this one, I'd need a new power source right? (Also the link you shared, the reviewers say that the driver CD included was useless..? And, when it comes to hardware, I'm just starting out installing/replacing.)

So my new plan is: new card and power supply. If I can get this to run my Particle Illusion alright, I'll run it until it fails then try my first build.

This computer is older but it has never done anything more than e-mail and surfing. It has very few programs on it also--Sony Vegas Pro 8.0, DVD Architect 4.5 and Particle Illusion--aside from our security layers. My wife has our new lap top and I'm trying to stretch the life of this one a bit more.

Thanks for link and input.

noob

You'd better double check. I don't think your system has a PCI-Express x16 slot. I looked it up & unless I was looking at the wrong specs, your board has two standard PCI & one PCI-Express x1. The PCI-e x1 slot is not for video cards, so you're stuck with PCI.

http://support.dell.com/support/edo...

Wow, I see what you are getting at now. I had been looking only at the PCI Express and not noticing the Express x1, x8, x16 part--I just saw Express and figured that it would fit.

You saved me a major headache! I'm going to go ahead and order the one from the link you posted. Thanks a lot jam.

Hope you have a good weekend...you just made mine a lot easier...

Thanks again!

noob

Here's an FX5500 256MB PCI card for free after rebate:

http://shop3.frys.com/product/4494576

And here's the exact same card at newegg for $65:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...

That's how you know your pc is totally obsolete: it's discontinued and the people are practically giving the spare parts away...

frys it is then...

How do you know about all these web sites? Seriously, I've been doing some serious google searching and I've never even heard of most the sites that come up. This comp's so old most the stuff that came up was from craigs list and ebay...and I ain't buying nothing from either of those.

My wife is laughing on the phone and telling me my computer is crap...so I'm explaining to her she will probably have to sleep with you for the hooks ups you've found me, since she's the reason I never have any money for myself in the first place.

Man thanks...this really helps out.

Thanks a lot jam.

noob

There are indeed PCI Express x1 video cards out there. They just tend to be unpopular - most likely for mainly two reasons: They are not in any type of considerable demand, so a lot of retailers do not actively advertise them & for their performance, they also aren't reasonably priced. But they come in handy to HTPC folks.

Jabbering Idiots: Everywhere You Look!

Yeah, came across a few during my searching. They have one at tigerdirect for 419 bucks. Wow.I saw a couple of deactivated ones on newegg too.

Figured I'd just order a couple of really good ones (super cheap too) jam found for me and run them till they fail. After they do...this pcs getting an honorable discharge...

I've learned quite a bit about Dell. "Proprietary components" instead of industry standard... That's the reason why my next pc will be a home build instead of a store-bought--Dell wanted like 90 bucks for a 500w power source and I got one (had several reviews from Dell owners with older pcs like this one) from Rosewill for 52 dollars.

As long as I can get maybe 6 months to a year more out of this machine it'll be worth it.

noob