I needed a new processor, and according to Intel, my motherboard model supports the quad core CPU, so I ordered one, along with a copy of 64-bit Windows Vista.
Reading the fine print after I placed the no-returns order, my motherboard is rev 304, the quad isn't supported till rev 305. So last night I went to Fry's, because you can't be sure what rev you'll get online, and minor miracle they had a rev 306, their last one, and it was even $10 off. And I picked up a CPU fan which snaps into the motherboard, to see if that would help.
It didn't - turns out the fancy fan screws into a metal plate which is attached to the underside of the motherboard, and it blocks the snap-in holes. Which means I would have to remove the motherboard (which means unplugging all kinds of connectors, and removing the RAID array) and I really didn't want to do that until it was time to put in the 306 motherboard. But I was able to clean off a bunch of thermal sealer which had gunked up between the fan and CPU, and then put a small dab of new sealer in its place. That helped - brought the processor temp down into the yellow, and so far the machine has booted fine.
So now I'm thinking that I should just buy a new case and power supply, with an eye towards better air flow in the case, and just build a new machine with the quad processor and 306 motherboard, then slap in the drives and other cards. Will probably go to MicroCenter instead of Fry's for the case - they seem to have a better selection.
Edit add: Found the perfect case at MicroCenter at lunchtime, on sale for <$100. No power supply, but I don't need one. Check it out here.
I need a techie icon. Gotta dig out my Samurai Computer Repair poster & scan it in.
