Which CPU? (p-6860FX)

Alright I've decided that I want to upgrade my CPU with the money I'm getting from selling my Dell to Cashforlaptops.com (any information regarding them?). I should be getting $285 according to their online quote.

I've been looking at CPU's and I guess I'm wonder which one would be best for ~$280-$300. Here are a few that I've looked at (don't hesitate to reccommend something else around my price range, however the cheaper the better--to an extent):

Intel Core 2 Duo P8600 2.4GHz 3MB L2 Cache Socket P Dual-Core Processor (1066MHz FSB) $264

Intel Core 2 Duo T7700 Merom 2.4GHz 4M shared L2 Cache Socket P 35W Dual-Core Processor (800MHz FSB) $319

Intel Core2 Duo T9300 2.5GHz 6MB L2 Cache Socket P 35W Dual-Core Processor (800MHz FSB) $319

Intel Core2 Duo T8300 2.4GHz Socket P 35W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80577T8300 (800MHz FSB) $244

I guess which one do you think will give me:
A. The biggest bang for my buck,
and B. The most power and heat efficiency.

Also will I need to worry about upgrading my 120W power supply?

Also could you link me what I need for cooling compound as well as grounding/antistatic stuff?

 

P8600 doesn't work. T8300 and T9300 are better choices. T7700 overpriced. If you can check out Ebay for T8300/T9300. Most will be OEM but substantially cheaper.

T9300 for example

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=T9...b0de6e9a392d0d2048a7cbd1d650fd6e2ce02864052d3 $293.

 

could you tell me what OEM means, I can't seem to figure this one out?

What's wrong with the P8600, I thought that the 6860 supported both P and M sockets?

Thanks for your help.

 

P8600 is a Montevina chip, it won't work on Santa Rosa motherboards.
OEM basically means it's meant for manufacturers. It's not a retail model. So no fancy box/manual. It'll basically be a processor on a protected little plastic box in bubble wrap in a box.

 

So OEM is unused, and I will have no problems with it being damaged or anything? Also is it covered by warranty? So you reccommend the T9300 over the T9300? Will the .1GHz really make THAT big of a difference?

 

this helped me clear up the difference between oem and retail..its a +/- situation..

http://www.pcguide.com/buy/des/specRetail-c.html

 

the t8300 is a very good buy.
the t9300 cache is double that of the t8300 (3MB).

 

Thanks for the info on the OEM parts. I think I want to avoid this.

So would I notice a difference going from one to the other (gaming and every day needs)?

What exactly does the cache affect?

Thanks again in advance.

 

t8300 vs. t9300 is one of the most chewed over subjects in these forums
so just search it

here is one:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=214306

 

Thanks for the comparison between the two, I've decided that unless I can find a T9300 for a lot lower, I'm going to just get the T8300.
I don't need a bigger power supply do I?
Thanks!

 

Is there a youtube video or other such graphical tutorial on upgrading the CPU on this model? If so please link me

 

there is one with pictures right in this section of the forum. It's usually on the first or second page. It's called something like "Upgrading the CPU in 6831/6860".
Now about that power supply?

 

Sure is.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=256839

 

power wise you should be ok

 

Thanks, much!

 

OEM's actually quite fine. ES is another issue though.

 

It was saying OEm doesn't come with all the necessary parts all the time though.

 

And... how useful would mounting hardware, cables and other accessories be for your installation of a processor? The manual/box might help if you want it to look pretty I guess.

I do agree with the article that the main disadvantage of OEM chips is the shorter warranty. You generally get a month or three compared to the year.

Note that I'm not attempting to discourage or encourage you from an OEM purchase, I'm just pointing out that missing parts are not exactly relevant in this case.

 

So I would be perfectly fine with the OEM assuming I don't screw up the instalation? I'd have everything I need?

 

Yes. You will be fine. I have bought many OEM parts, including CPUs over the years and have had great experiences with them.

 

Alright thanks millions to all of you who helped me! I'll be considering that T93000 again

 

Ya. The 9300 is the way to go.