Pentium 4 3.60GHz upgrading to Pentium Dual Core E6800 3.33GHz

After a bunch of research at Intel, I've learned a couple of things. First, your CPU is indeed 64 bit.

Intel's memory map of the 915 GAG and 915 GAV boards, shows they will only present to the OS memory addresses of 4GB, which is 32 bit. http://downloadmirror.intel.com/15197/eng/D915GAV_D915GAG_TechProdSpec.pdf (PPGs 56 & 57 of the PDF).

Then they claim that a BIOS update is necessary for 64 bit operation. That said, it is possible that the boards are 64 bit, but normally restricted to 32 bit operation by the BIOS. That's sort of moot as well, since you're running 64 bit hardware, into a 32 bit net result....

In any event an E6800 still won't work, for a plethora of reasons. Here is list of compatible boards for the E6800: http://processormatch.intel.com/COMPDB/SearchResult.aspx?ProcNbr=E6800&Lang=en-US Take note of the 2 digit base chipset numbers. (instead of their older boards 3 digit convention).

Keep in mind that a rose by any other name, yadda, yadda.......Or, if an aftermarket manufacturer's board carries Intel's chipset number, then it was manufactured by Intel, and the iteration is then up to Gigabyte, Asus, or whomever. I don't want to tackle licensing agreements for manufacture, as those are dark and scary things unknown to me.

OK, just one, Foxconn makes Intel motherboards.

In conclusion, here is Gigabytes CPU support list for your board: http://www.gigabyte.mn/support-downloads/cpu-support-popup.aspx?pid=1801

What I gathered from those links there are that Basically what you said before, I can't use the E8600. I was pretty adamant in thinking I could use it but I undderstand now. There's all kinds of things I need to take into concideration for it. I'd pretty much need a new board, chipset, RAM, BIOS, and possibly otherstuff.

I suppose better late than never on some final thoughs on your quest for the Pent E6800.

Socket LGA775 is dead. We've moved two generations past it. Currently, Intel's current desktop board chipsets are using socket LGA1155. There are still "Pentium" branded CPUs in the lineup, and they are economy offerings in the line, just as the E6xxx Pentiums were in relation to the LGA775 socket.

Basically, your immediate options for an Intel build, should be considered from this lineup of LGA1155 socket CPUs: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1 50001157 600095610&IsNodeId=1&name=LGA 1155

Thanks. I'd pretty much guessed I'd have to go for Core i CPUs next. I'd just originally thought of just upgrading my CPU to help my current comupter rather than buying a complete new one.Ah well, You've still seved me money and time and gave me more knowledge when searching for this kinda thing so I'm very grateful.