Installing the new CPU was quick and painless. Here is a break-down of the upgrades, cost and time:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme X7900 - $400 shipped (+$10 for thermal compound) - about 15 minutes to install. This CPU is recognized by the BIOS and over clocking is enabled (from 2.8 GHz to 3.0 - not much, but free).
Storage: Western Digital 250 GB, 5400 RPM HDD - $120 local - 5 minutes to install and setup RAID 0.
OS: Vista Home Premium x64 - $0 (the OEM serial works for 32 or 64 bit) - 60 minutes to install and configure, another 60 minutes to copy over files.
Memory: Crucial 2 GB DDRII-667 - $40 local - 5 minutes to install. Read the rest of this entry »