processor

[samwat1]

I chose not to attempt to overclock, and will probably buy a new processor, a core 2 duo E7500. Currently I have a E2160. Will I need to change the memory that I am using or is the PC26400 that is in it fine?

[jdeb]

welcome to PCMech

motherboard model number please

[Masaki 7-11]

Since the FSB on the E7500 is 1066MHz (266MHz quad pumped) you'll need memory that is DDR2-533 (266MHz dual channel) PC2-4200 or higher, meaning you can continue to use your PC2-6400 (DDR2-800) ram. Make sure your motherboard supports the processor you wish to upgrade to and have the latest bios for your motherboard.

[samwat1]

MS-7525 MoBo

[jdeb]

like the good man masaki said... is this your board?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...name=c01386897

[andper10]

Just FYI the e21x0 CPUs tend to have a good amount of overclocking headroom. I installed an E2180 as an upgrade in a computer and it overclocked from 2Ghz stock to 3Ghz on stock voltage with a stock Intel Q6600 cooler and it was perfectly stable in prime 95! As long as you don't touch the voltage, I don't believe you can actually break the CPU. If you aren't comfortable overclocking it then don't try, but as long as you don't change any voltages, you shouldn't permanently break anything.

If you do decide to overclock, you should read some guides first. (example: http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1198647 ) If you overclock too much, (1) it may cause errors when stressed (in prime 95) or (2) cause your computer to be unable to turn on. If 1 happens, you just have to decrease the FSB in BIOS and stress it again until it is stable for a long period of time (overnight, for example). If 2 happens, you will need to unplug the PC from the wall and move the reset jumper into the reset position for about 15 seconds and then move it back (needle nose pliers or tweezers will work well for moving the jumper). Your manual will tell you where the correct jumper is. Or you can just remove the battery from the motherboard for 15 seconds and put it back in and you will accomplish the same thing.

You should also be careful to keep the ram running at or below its rated speed (DDR2 800 in your case). If you run the ram above its rated speed, it could cause errors during stress testing and then you won't be able to tell if the CPU or ram is causing the errors. Don't change the ram timings. There should be an option for setting a "divider" or "FSB:CPU ratio" or somethign similar in the BIOS. Use that setting to be sure that your ram is running within spec.

[Masaki 7-11]

Keep in mind that most branded computers (except for some high end ones) don't have overclocking options.

[jdeb]

I forgot to add that you should also see a significant performance gain with that upgrade.