BleepingComputer.com: Upgrading Processor

Hello, I am Tim and in search of advice on what processor to buy. I am not looking for advice on how to install the processor, but I am worried on whether I will buy the right processor with the right socket etc for my computer.

Here is information of my motherboard and current processor (to get this information I used: System Information for Windows):

Motherboard:

Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
Version: A02
CPU: AMD Athlon™ Processor LE-1660
CPU Socket: Socket AM2 (940)

CPU:

CPU #1: AMD Athlon 64 LE-1660
CPU Name: AMD Athlon™ Processor LE-1660
Number of Bits: 64
Platform Name: Socket AM2 (940)
Number of Cores: 1

I am looking for a CPU that will fit my computer without me having to upgrade any other parts, would like either duel-core or quad-core.
I also do not know where the best place is to buy one (for price and good selection), I live in the UK so preferably a UK site would be brilliant.

So, if someone could help me with these things, that would be brilliant and if you need any other information, please just ask!

- Thanks in advance.

I have been looking at this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct....rodid=CP-227-AM

And I was wondering whether that would be alright.

This post has been edited by Dr Tim: 08 April 2010 - 08:28 AM

Can you give us the exact model of your Dell+tag number? That 9850 is a 125 watt cpu and I am unsure of the thermals depending on your case/fans etc. You also need to see if there are BIOs updates available, and whether those updates support the CPU you want to run. Just because CPU sockets are the same doesn't mean any AM2 CPU is supported.

Hello, thank you for your reply, here is the information you requested I think:

My service tag is: 1ZRCG4J

Its a dell Inspiron 546.

Edit: Just went on to dell website to look for updates to the BIOS, and there is version A11, should I download that? My BIOS version at the moment is A09.

This post has been edited by Dr Tim: 08 April 2010 - 10:30 AM

It should. I can find that system with a 9750, but not a 9850. The FSB/HT are the same between those CPUs, so it should be good to go if the BIOs recognizes the CPU.

Keep in mind that motherboards are often custom-made for major OEM's, like Dell, so the BIOS might not take more than a few specific CPU's. A new, very similar CPU may work though.