CPU question

[bboysatch1]

Will a P4 cpu (ex. P4 2.ghz) work for a P3 motherboard, or do i have to buy a P3 cpu?and how many ghz is good to have for a shit computer to work games and other stuff???

[curtybob]

sorry, but no. there were two types of interfaces used by the P3, and 2 types used by the P4, but none of them are alike. the older P3's were a slot type interface where the processor was mounted in it's own housing with everything (including the fan) integrated, and plugged into your motherboard like a video card (oversimplification). the newer P3's (socket 370) and both styles of P4 (socket 429, and 478) were socket (duh) type. but the 3 processors are different and will not work in the others place. that is really not true, because the P4's did have an adaptor that would let the 478's work on an older socket 429 motherboard. but the bottom line is you will need a P3 processor. but this is where you need a second look, because the lowest speed i would buy is a flat 1 ghz. but at this speed, a P3 still hovers over $90, whereas you can find a cheap P4 and motherboard combo for not much more. I like the pricewatch website to check on prices, but there are several others, so shop around before you make a decision.

[sniperfav]

well if your gonna shop, make sure you stop by ebay. lol.

[bboysatch1]

Well my cpu is on the motherboard with a fan on top of it. is this the new model or the old one????

[curtybob]

is this a p3 or p4 ? either way, it is a socket type. the old slot type P3's would look like an add on card encased in a black plastic housing. but like i say, even if it is a socket type, there are 3 (socket 370, 429, and 478), and for all intents and purposes, they don't interchange. if you are in question as to what type yours is, search the web for a program called WCPUID. download and install it, and when you run it, it will tell what type it is in the platform line (2nd line from the top).