I just completed reformatting the HD and installation of Windows XP Professional on a computer I recently purchased used (via a surplus sale at a local university). In addition to those tasks, I have upgraded the RAM as well. All of this work has been a real learning experience for me. I wouldn't classify myself as a newbie, but close. Anyway, I've been very pleased with this work and have had a lot of fun doing it (Kudos to makai for all the help )

I am now wanting to see what can be done to increase my processing speed. Right now I have the following:

Intel Pentium® 4 CPU 1.80 GHz/400 MHz, 2.00 GB RAM

My motherboard is:

Intel Desktop Board
D845GEBV2/D845PESV

I have reviewed the support page at http://support.intel.com/support/motherboa...b/cs-020075.htm and believe I can upgrade the processor from a 1.80 GHz/400 MHz to a 3.06GHz/533 MHz. If you want to look for yourself, just click on the link above.

So, with this upgrade in mind, here are my questions:

1. Is it just a simple matter of purchasing the new processor and installing it on the motherboard of my PC? (in other words, just pulling the old one out and putting the new one in).

2. If not, what other steps must be done in order to install a new processor successfully?

3. Similar to other PC hardware, will the new processor require any software/drivers to be installed for it to work?

4. The website support page indicates the BIOS Version must be P09 or greater. How can I check the version of the BIOS I have to make sure they match?

5. It appears there may be some additional cooling requirements if I upgrade. On that same support page I clicked on the link under 'note' and read the following:

"Systems that contain Intel® Pentium® 4 processors operating at 3 GHz or higher require a heatsink and chassis that provide airflow adequate to ensure appropriate internal ambient temperature and cooling of the components in the system.

The fan heatsink must provide appropriate airflow for the processor and nearby board components. The boxed Intel® Pentium® 4 processors at 3 GHz or higher ship with a heatsink that supplies appropriate airflow for the processor and nearby board components.

Failure to use a fan heatsink and a chassis with appropriate airflow may result in reduced performance or, in some instances, damage to the motherboard."

To be honest, I'm not really sure what a heatsink is (unless we're talking about an additional fan?) and how would I know if I need a different chassis (case) for my PC?

6. If a heatsink is a fan mounted on the motherboard, I believe I already have one mounted there now. (I'm assuming that's where the heatsink goes). If there's one already there, does that mean I need an additional heatsink for this upgrade or will the one suffice?

7. Lastly, is it really worth the time and effort to upgrade the processing speed from what it is now to the maximum processing speed my motherboard can handle?

I eagerly await replies and look forward to learning a heck of a lot more.

Thanks,

Greg