Can it support core 2 quad processor? What is the maximum memory card allowed for this. I am using dual processor right now and I'm planning to upgrade it to core 2 quad

With the flood of information you posted I can barely sift through it

Do I assume you are referring to a Dell Inspiron 518 desktop computer's, processor; to go into a Dell Optiplex GX280 desktop computer?

You know Dell is a computer company that was founded on the principle, to give the customer what they wanted; and to be able to choose from several options.

That being stated, in reality I have no idea of what Processor is in YOUR Dell Inspiron 518, or Optiplex GX280.

However, if I am to assume the specs (Specifications), shown in the following link to be true; for Your computer, then the answer is NO,

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-inspiron-518/4505-3118_7-33186145.html

States an Intel Quad Core Q6600 processor.
(Operates at a maximum frequency rate {'Speed'} of 2.4GigaHertz.
2.4GHz )

Now let's look at the Dell Optiplex GX280 specifications,

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-optiplex-gx280/4507-3118_7-30998912.html

Both the Inspiron 518, and the Optiplex GX280 use an LGA 775 processor socket, on the motherboard.

This is good because both the Intel Quad Core Q6600, and the Intel Pentium 4, model 540; use the LGA 775 processor socket,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_T

What is Not good, is the motherboard chipset used on the Optiplex GX280, will Not support a dual core processor; much less a quad core processor.

The motherboard chipset for the Optiplex GX280 is an Intel 915G,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets#Pentium_4.2FPentium_D.2FPentium_EE_chipsets

The Intel 915G chipset supports Single Core processors -> ONLY.
Intel Pentium 4, or Intel Celeron D.

Front Side Bus (FSB) support is either 533MegaHertz, or 800MHz.

The Intel Celeron D is NOT a dual core processor,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Celeron#Prescott-256

"The Intel Celeron D processor works with the Intel 845 and 865 chipset families.

The D suffix actually has no official designation, and does not indicate that these models are dual-core.

It is used simply to distinguish this line of Celeron from the previous, lower performing Northwood and Willamette series, and also from the mobile series, the Celeron M (which also uses 3xx model numbers).
Unlike the Pentium D the Celeron D is NOT a dual core processor."

The Inspiron 518 has an Intel G33 motherboard chipset,

http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/dell-inspiron-518/4507-3118_7-33186145.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets#Core_2_chipsets

Scroll down to G33 in the left column.
Read across, and look at the headings above.

Here we see the Intel G33 motherboard chipset, supports dual core, and quad core processors.
Intel Pentium Dual Core, Intel Core 2 Duo, and Intel Core 2 Quad.

Front Side Bus (FSB) support is for processors, that have either an 800MegaHertz FSB, or 1066MHz FSB, or 1333MHz FSB.

Short answer?

If it is a dual core, or quad core Intel processor, the answer is NO.

Do you know how to find out what processor is in the Inspiron 518, and the Optiplex GX280?

1) Are the computers working, and internet ready?

No?

2) Do you know about Anti-Static Procedures, and how to read the sSpec number on the processor?

Post back in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

You may be able to install a quad core processor on your motherboard, will need the model to check.
You can't make new cores out of nothing though.

You know 'Upgradation' is not a word, right? lol!

How about Upgrade ability?

The Intel D101GGC motherboard has a Front Side Bus MAXIMUM frequency rate of 800MegaHertz. (FSB max rate is 800MHz)

Therefore, it depends on the PROCESSOR that is being used, as to what frequency rate of Ram Memory that can be used.

[ Excuse me. Frequency Rate = 'Speed'. The layman's term ]

Ram Memory typically operates at HALF of the frequency rate, of the FRONT SIDE BUS for the Processor.

Have a Processor that has a maximum FSB frequency rate of 800MHz?
You can use Ram Memory that operates at a frequency rate of 400MHz, or 333MHz. (Do recommend using PC3200, however)

Have a Processor that has a Maximum frequency rate of 533MHz?
You can use DDR Sdram at 333MHz. (PC2700)

The Intel D101GGC uses DDR Sdram ram memory.
DDR Sdram at 333MegaHertz = PC2700
DDR Sdram at 400MHz = PC3200

There are TWO ram memory expansion slots.
The MAXIMUM for EACH ram memory slot is 1GigaByte. (1GB)
The Maximum TOTAL Amount for the motherboard is 2GB.

ALWAYS make SURE you have a ram memory module ('Stick'), in Slot 1 (DIMM 1)
A Processor reads Slot 1 first. If there is no ram memory in Slot 1, the computer will not work.

How to know what the FSB is of the processor, you have currently installed?
I suggest using the free CPU-Z,

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

The above link shows the default screen for CPU-Z. The screen that automatically comes up when you open CPU-Z.

There are tabs across the top that you click on, to get other information. (Caches, Mainboard, Memory, SPD, Graphics, About)
More on this in a moment.

Let's look at the Processor example shown.

1) Name: Intel Core i7 860
It is an Intel Core i7 processor, and the model number is 860,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Core_i7_microprocessors#.22Lynnfield.22_.2845_nm.29

2) Code Name: Lynnfield
Based on the Lynnfield technology, and the 45nm architecture.
(nm stands for NanoMeter. One billionth of a Meter)

3) Package: Socket 1156 LGA
Uses an LGA1156 processor socket,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1156

4) Technology: 45nm (Already stated by looking at the Wikipedia link)

5) Core Voltage: 1.216 V
Looking at the Wikipedia link, you can see this processor's voltage range is 0.65 to 1.4 Volts.
Or stated as 0.650 to 1.400 Volts. It is -> DC Voltage.

The 1.216 Voltage stated, is what that Processor is using now.
It is real time information.

6) Specification: Intel (Registered trademark) Core (TradeMark) i7 CPU.

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. Another term used is Microprocessor, or simply -> Processor, for short.

8) 860 = Intel Model Number
@2.80GHz stands for 2.80GigaHertz. The MAXIMUM frequency rate that the processor is designed to operate at.

9) Family, Model, Stepping, Ext.Family, Ext.Model, and Revision, are Intel technology factors, for this processor.
What Family of Processors it was developed from, what Model design, what stepping it uses, what Revision of design, and etc.

10) Instruction: The Instruction Sets, or instruction set architecture, it uses.
The basic MMX, and SSE, and variations of the SSE instruction sets, and further development of Instruction Sets through the years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instruction_set

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_instruction_sets

11) Forget about the Cache column. What you are concerned with is under the Clocks (Core#0) subheading.

I just stated the above, so you might have a better understanding, of what you are looking at.
(Also it may spark something inside you, to join a Research and Development team, and design future computer technology. Who knows, right? )

12) Core Speed:
Again with the 'Speed'. It is Frequency Rate.
This is the maximum 'speed' that the Processor will operate at.
(Maximum frequency rate)

When you have CPU-Z going, you can watch this frequency rate, change. It is showing Real Time information. AS IT HAPPENS.

13) Multiplier: The multiplier times the internal clock 'speed', of the Processor.

Forget about the information shown. It is for an Intel Core i7 processor, and this processor operates on a much different technology, than the Intel processor in your computer.

What you are concerned with is shown in the box, to the right of -
Bus Speed.

A) If you have a Processor with a 533MHz FSB, the number shown will be 133.2
Why?
Because Intel processors are 'Quad Pumped'
133.2 times 4 = 532.8
This is rounded up to 533, or 533MHz.

If you have an Intel processor with a Front Side Bus of 800MHz, the number in the box will be 200.6
200MHz (Rounded down)

Processor with an 800MHz FSB? Use PC3200.
(DDR Sdram at 400MHz)

Processor with a 533MHz FSB? Use PC2700.
(DDR Sdram at 333MHz)

For additional questions please post in a Comment.
Regards,
joecoolvette

[ Need to know how to download, install, and use CPU-Z? Post in a Comment.
You can also just post what you see on CPU-Z, and I will tell you what you are looking at.

Clicking on the Caches tab, gives you information on the Processor cache.

Clicking on the Mainboard tab tells you about your Motherboard.

Clicking on the Memory tab, gives you basic information on your Ram Memory.

Clicking on the SPD tab, gives you detailed information about your Ram Memory, AND each ram memory module.

Clicking on the Graphics tab, gives you information on your graphics chipset. Integrated on the motherboard, or on a graphics card.

Clicking on the About tab, gives you information about CPU-Z.

Dell Support > Dimension 8300 Desktop PC > Main Support Page,

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8300/sm/index.htm

Left-click on - Technical Specifications - in the list.

Left-click on - Physical - in the list.

Height: How tall the computer tower is. Outside edge to outside edge measurement.
Width: How wide the computer tower is. Outside edge to outside edge measurement.
Depth: How long the computer tower is. Outside edge to outside edge measurement.

If you meant Specifications instead;


A) Processor:
Intel Celeron, or Pentium 4, that uses a Socket 478 processor socket.
Either a 533MegaHertz Front Side Bus, or an 800MHz FSB.

(Dell also indicates the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processors are supported. Too expensive for what you get in return)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_478

B) Ram Memory:
DDR Sdram that operates at 333MHz, or 400MegaHertz.
PC2700 and PC3200 respectively.

Maximum TOTAL Amount is 4GigaByte
There are 4 Ram Memory slots. EACH slot has a Maximum Amount of 1GB.

C) Motherboard Chipset:

Northbridge chip: Intel 875P. (Part Number Intel 82875P )

(For Intel the Northbridge chip is the MCH, for this particular Northbridge chipset.
Memory Controller Hub)

The Southbridge chip is an Intel 82801EB (Part Number) or Intel 82801ER (P/N)
Commonly known as the Intel ICH5, or Intel ICH5R.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets#Pentium_4_chipsets

In the chart go down on the right side to - 875P

Looking across, and at the headings, you can see under the heading - Processors, that there are more Intel processors supported, than just the Intel Celeron's, and Pentium 4's.

Core2 Duo, Core2 Quad, Core2 Extreme, Pentium Dual Core, and Xeon.

Problem is they don't use a Socket 478 processor socket.
All except for the Xeon ( 'Zee-On' ) use an LGA 775 processor socket.
Xeon models use a Socket 603, or Socket 604, or LGA 771, processor socket.

It is just processors that the Intel 875P chipset will support.

D) Graphics Expansion Slot:

AGP
Uses AGP 8X graphics cards.

For additional questions please post in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Let's back up a second.

A) What HP model is it? (P/N. Product Number. Back of desktop computer tower)
B) What model number of Intel quad core is it?
C) What are the manufacturer ID number/letters on the ram memory module/s?

I need to know what Northbridge chip is used on the motherboard, to know if it will support the particular Intel quad core you're trying to use.
This I can hopefully obtain from HP Support, by looking at the specifications for the motherboard.

(This technology does not apply to motherboards that support the Intel Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9 processors)

The Northbridge chip is part of the motherboard chipset.
So aptly named, because on a desktop computer motherboard it sits to the 'North', for one.
(Under the Processor)

[ Chip and Chipset are slang terms for I.C.
Integrated Circuit,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_Circuit

The Northbridge chip handles the faster capabilities of the computer.
It handles the Processor, Ram Memory, and High-speed graphics.

AGP and PCI-Express are high-speed graphics technology.
A graphics card plugged into a PCI slot, and Integrated Graphics, is Not high-speed graphics.

The Southbridge chip handles the slower capabilities of the computer.

Motherboard Diagram;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Motherboard_diagram.svg

List of Intel Chipsets, and more specifically the one's that can handle Intel quad core processors,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets#Core_2_chipsets

Secondly;
Make sure the Ram Memory you installed is Compatible.
If the motherboard supports 4GB of ram, make sure it is in the correct ram slots if using two sticks of ram, or four sticks.

There HAS to be a ram memory module ('Stick') in Slot 1. (DIMM 1)
EACH ram memory slot has a Maximum Amount.

For example if there are 4 ram slots, and the Maximum Total Amount of ram memory is 4GB, each ram slot may have a maximum of 1GB.
It may, or may not be that you can use Slot 1 and Slot 2, and use two 2GB sticks.

Third:
Always go slow when upgrading.
Install the Processor first, boot the computer up, see how it works.

THEN shut the computer down, unplug from power, observe Anti-Static Precautions, and install 2GB of ram memory.

Works?
Install the other 2GB.
BIOS has to recognize the changes.

Fourth:
Are you sure your Power Supply is adequate to support the quad core, and the added ram memory?

Post back in a Comment.

Regards,
joecoolvette

Slow PC does not mean it has problem only with motherboard. Speed of the PC also depend on the following factors :

1. Processor
2. RAM
3. Virtual memory
4. Operatin system
5. Video graphics card

To fix the problem you should first check which type of processor is used in you PC. Is it pentium4, Dual core, Core 2 duo or core 2 quad ? Core 2 quad is much faster if used with 4 GB RAM. RAM is also the cause to slow the PC. If you are using less RAM automatically your PC will be slow. So use RAM higher i.e 2 GB or more.
Virtual memory does not have much impact on speed but it is also a factor to slow down the PC. But if you can correct any of the three parts then no need to check virtual memory.
If you are using operating system like Vista then computer may be slow. Instead use XP professional, Windows 7.
If your PC doesn't have graphics card then it will be slow while playing games, watching videos. So if you are a game lover then change your graphics card with higher value such as 2 GB or more.
If you will fix these problems then you can speed up your PC

Greetings - Even though the CPU is Quad core you could get by fine with a 350W PSU, unless of course you're going to have a killer juice sucking high end video card and/or are planning to overclock your CPU.

A good quality 450-500W would give you plenty of margin. More important to get quality vs rating numbers. Cheaper manufacturers tend to overstate the specs of their PSU's.

Enjoy your new CPU!

Mikeywaf

Yes you can.
Your motherboard is LGA775 socket and supports the folowing processors:
Core2 Duo / Pentium Dual Core (yours) / Pentium D / Pentium 4 / Celeron 4xx series/ Celeron D.

That motherboard does not have a video circuit built-in, so the video sharing the system RAM does not make sense.

Have you checked the valid system memory configurations in your MSI manual pg 2-7 ?
Any chance that the bios is set for dual channel and you don't have equal chip sizes in the dual slots? Example : In dual-channel mode, equal size chips would go in slots 1 & 3 and in 2 & 4

Defective RAM is a possibility also.

Note1: Per MSI, all ram may not register correctly in windows unless 4 of the 2GB chips are used

Hey sorry for the late reply

you dont need much surprisingly

1 AM2(X2) DUEL CORE DUEL PROCESSOR MAIN BOARD >> i suggest msi

2 AM2 AMD PROCESSORS abt 4.0 GHZ each

4 GB MEMORY

2 500 GB HARDDRIVE (SATA)

1 DVD BURNER

an alien case with a 650watt (or more) power supply

enjoy