Intel Pentium 4 - 3.06 GHz (RK80532PE083512) Processor

If you have the Dell 2400 this is the best CPU upgrade you can make. I had the 2GHz Celeron and while it worked ok it really constrained the amount of computing I could do. For instance running Cubase or Native Instruments the processor would just drag and max out. Now both run just fine with plenty of CPU left to use.

The installation is drop in simple. Just remove the old CPU and drop in the new one. Just be careful when removing the Celeron as it can and did get stuck. If you don't remove it cleanly you may lose pins in the socket and the motherboard is done for.

General instructions for replacing the CPU can be found at Dell and you should use them.

I repeatedly lowered and raised the CPU locking arm and then used my fingernails and tiny tools to work around the edges of the Celeron and eventually it did pop out with only one bent pin.

A friend suggested I try super glue and glue a nice sized handle onto the Celeron and use that to work it loose. I didn't try it but it sounds feasible.

Also you will need Arctic Silver or other thermal compound to mount the heat sink back onto the new CPU. Be sure to follow all the manufactures instructions for the compound.

Do not test the CPU replacement without the heat sink firmly back in place. According to Intel, the CPU will toast itself before you make it to the boot screen.

If at first it doesn't work, remove the CPU and reseat it. I don't know why but it didn't work the first time and that solved it.

Bought this processor to take a friend's 6+-year old HP to the max speed the motherboard would support . . . did that, doubled the cache, and moved up to hyper-threading in the process. Along with doubling the memory, it all put some tangible zip in the old PC's step. Seller knew exactly what he was selling and how it should be used. Explained all this fully in the eBay auction narrative and then answered my follow-up questions quickly and cheerfully. Easy eBay checkout and PayPal pay. The CPU arrived promptly, installed perfectly and re-affirmed my opinion that this is how eBay is supposed to work. And don't you believe for a minute that Pentiums are ready to sunset . . . there are still plenty of places for them to find a happy home . . . and my friend knows for sure now that I am the real deal, i.e., a PC geek whut can turn a screwdriver. eBay handyman315

This is a very popular upgrade, like most reviews state, however:

The timing of the front side bus (FSB) should really match. This CPU matches most models, but you will find faster motherboard timings like 800, rather than 533. Putting a 800 timed cpu in a slower motherboard will result in a slower than marked speed. So, if your mainboard does support 800, this chip is not for you.

Performance can also be enhanced with more RAM. I would make sure you have at least 512, and your motherboard should go up to 2 gigs. But check before you buy. If you do buy more, try PC3200 low density sticks. Those are sure to work, no matter what the timing.

You may want to upgrade video as well. It will be in a PCI card, or AGP. Very few motherboards of this type accomodate PCI Express. Try to get 256 megabytes of memory onboard.

Make sure the computer BIOS (or 'setup') is set for hyperthreading if the CPU supports it. (Like this CPU here).

I your looking for an upgrade CPU you must make sure that the motherboard supports the CPU. This Pentium 4 3.06 Ghz CPU is also available in a laptop package that different than a desktop processor. Use the Intel site and do a search on the code, or go here.... http://www.cpu-world.com/sspec​/

I brought this processor for my daughter computer. to speed it up, I had been using one in my computer for several years and yes they are not dead, if your MB can handle it, it's worth the upgrade, where to look ? of course Ebay ! do the reserch and get the one that is right for you and get ! It arrived fast! I installed it (with care I might add) and it was up and running in no time.. fast and easy She loves it, and it didnot cost me a arm and a leg to bring it back up to a faster speed...