Core 2 Quad q9550
Core 2 Quad q9550
Hello Forum,
I'm constructing a workstation for my mum on a budget, as she still uses a Pentium D 820. A friend provided me with some of his components—specifically a Core 2 Quad 9550 and two DDR3 RAM sticks (1333 MHz). I've heard that these parts can be overclocked. Could anyone suggest a MicroATX motherboard with 3 to 4 RAM slots? That would allow me to easily overclock the Core 2 Quad 9550.
I'm not interested in purchasing a newer CPU model; I just want to make use of what I have.
Thanks.
P.S. Would you also recommend a CPU cooler?
BFG-9000 :
These ideas are really bad because the G41 chipset doesn’t have a more flexible strap to allow speeds beyond ~340Mhz FSB, so the only real overclocking would be to an extreme 8.5 x 340 = 2.89GHz above the stock 2.83GHz.
For the smoothest and most trouble-free overclocking on a 45nm chip, a P45 or G45 DDR3 board is ideal, working well between 433-450MHz if your chip supports it.
Keep in mind that the newest Intel driver for the onboard graphics on the G45 is unstable in Windows 10 but functions perfectly in Windows 7 and 64.
Terrible suggestions from random people at the end of the thread – not necessarily wrong, but a bit too harsh when you consider the bigger picture. Some of the cheaper boards I found aren’t great for overclocking either.
I don't suggest investing more in an outdated system. I'm pretty certain it's DDR2, not DDR3, because it uses a 775 socket—DDR3 only became available after the 1366 socket. It's been almost eight years since my last Q6600. I'd look on eBay; you can find memory, storage, and even a complete computer for under $100.
iambacow adds that it's not advisable to invest more in such an outdated system. He mentions being around 90% confident it uses DDR2 rather than DDR3 because it has a 775 socket. However, he notes that it's been almost over eight years since he last used the Q6600. He also points out that some motherboards support DDR3 on the 775 socket.
iambacow says he doesn't suggest investing more in an outdated system. He thinks it's likely DDR2 rather than DDR3 because it uses a 775 socket, which didn't exist until later. He mentions that it's been almost 8 years since his last Q6600 and suggests checking eBay for cheaper options like memory, storage, or even a full computer under $100. He also says he doesn't want to replace everything just to get rid of old parts.
Is this literally a "work" PC? As you say? What is your mum going to be doing on it?
I wouldn't recommend overclocking a PC that old. Particularly unless you're doing something performance-critical, like gaming.
Anyways, there are old LGA 775 DDR3 motherboards kicking around on ebay. Looks like $50ish would get you there. I really don't think you should OC though.
Do you have a Windows License?
I understand you wanting to use the parts you have, but here is a vastly superior i5-2400 SFF PC with 4GB RAM and a Win7 Pro license for $110:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-39...776723f8:g
😛
IIAAOSw6DtYStTL
By the time you add a mobo and OS to your current build, you've blown past that budget easy, and for an inferior build.
Is this really intended to be a "work" PC? What will your mum do with it?
I wouldn't suggest boosting the clock speed of an old machine unless you're targeting high performance, such as gaming.
There are still LGA 775 DDR3 motherboards available on eBay, around $50 each. I think that would get you close to what you need.
I don’t think overclocking is a good idea here.
Do you have a Windows license?
I get it you’re trying to use the components you already have, but here’s a much better i5-2400 SFF PC with 4GB RAM and a Win7 Pro license for $110:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optiplex-39...776723f8:g
😛
IIAAOSw6DtYStTL
By the time you install a new motherboard and operating system, you’ll have exceeded that budget easily, especially with a less powerful setup.
I already have a Windows license, I just need a new motherboard and want to overclock it so she can achieve the best performance. My mom prefers to keep around 20 tabs open on different browsers.
Nick_PC shared his situation clearly, mentioning he already has a Windows 7 license and only needs a new motherboard. He wants to overclock it to achieve the best performance, especially since his mom frequently uses around 20 tabs across multiple browsers. He believes overclocking won't be effective in this case because browser tabs are limited by RAM rather than processor speed. He also notes that modifying old platforms can be tricky and often requires adjusting RAM speeds as well. He suggests prioritizing a stable and reliable system for his mom, possibly aiming for a 20-30% boost in CPU performance, even though it may bring downsides like increased heat, noise, instability, and reduced component lifespan. Ultimately, he thinks it's a risky decision with little reward compared to the potential losses.
He recommended looking for compatible motherboards on eBay, specifically mentioning the need for 3 DDR3 RAM slots. One example link was provided:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gigabyte-GA-EP43...Swxp9W6244
He advised checking compatibility lists and ensuring the board supports DDR3 before making a purchase.
I had my Q9550 OC'ed with a Zalman 9300 or 9500 for years. It remains a solid quad-core CPU for everyday tasks. I paired it with my GTX 480 while playing Crisis 3, using 8GB RAM at 900 MHz without any problems. The CPU ran at 3.2 GHz. In Crysis it achieved 25-35 FPS, which was sufficient for me back then—don’t criticize it too harshly.
Overclocking was quite challenging with them.
If you manage to locate any of the Nvidia Chipset Boards, they’re quite good. I’ve always wanted one and some models support DDR3.
Now I’ll add this: The second-generation i5 for 110 is also a steal, so if you can’t find a suitable motherboard, that’s the best option.
It's easy to boost its speed and run it smoothly with a good ddr3 1600 RAM. I had something similar a few years ago. It won't be top-notch, but it should work well for you if you just need a new motherboard. Make sure you have a solid power supply or the current one is still reliable. Even if you need both, it remains a very affordable option to help out. I think she probably isn’t doing heavy gaming or video editing—she could wait a bit if it’s convenient for her. The key is buying a used or refurbished board, depending on your budget and the PSU model.