If you want to speed up an E2160 system for free, Overclocking is the only thing that makes sense.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (or Xeon E5450 with mod sticker)
wmic cpu get name in Windows.At 1.8 GHz with only 1 MB L2 cache, the E2160 bottlenecks even basic SSD and RAM upgrades. A CPU swap can: intel pentium dual cpu e2160 upgrade
Before purchasing a new CPU, you must ensure your motherboard supports it. The E2160 uses an LGA 775 socket, so you'll need to find a CPU that is also compatible with LGA 775.
The E2160 uses the LGA 775 socket. If your motherboard supports it, you could theoretically upgrade to a Core 2 Quad (like the Q6600) or a faster Core 2 Duo (like the E8500). If you want to speed up an E2160
From worst to best performance (all used, very cheap):
| CPU | Cores/Threads | Clock | L2 Cache | FSB | Approx. Speed Gain | |------|--------------|-------|----------|-----|--------------------| | Core 2 Duo E4600 | 2/2 | 2.4 GHz | 2 MB | 800 | +30% | | Core 2 Duo E6600 | 2/2 | 2.4 GHz | 4 MB | 1066 | +35% | | Core 2 Duo E8400 | 2/2 | 3.0 GHz | 6 MB | 1333 | +65% | | Core 2 Quad Q6600 | 4/4 | 2.4 GHz | 8 MB | 1066 | +100% (multitasking) | | Core 2 Quad Q9650 | 4/4 | 3.0 GHz | 12 MB | 1333 | +150% (max for most boards) | Boot and test – Enter BIOS to confirm CPU detection
Important notes: