I have an old Sony Vaio with a 2.4 P4 processor and would like to update the processor. Does anyone know what I can use to update it.
Thanks
Earl

is this a laptop or desktop?
also what socket is the motherboard?

I have an old Sony Vaio...

What is the exact model number?

It is a Sony model PCV-RX860. The motherboard is an Asus P4S533 and the cpu is 478 pin. This information is according to Aida32 utility. Thanks for helping
Earl

Hi,

Have a look here:
Processors Intel - Intel Pentium 4 (Socket 478) - Ebuyer

478 socket processors on ebuyer

While upgrading the CPU is often an enticing upgrade option, generally, depending on where you are starting from, you get more bang for the money by adding RAM and upgrading the graphics before upgrading the CPU becomes worthwhile. So if you have less than 1Gb of RAM, I recommend you check there first. If you are already at 1Gb or more, then look at your graphics. If you are using on-board graphics, I urge you to put your money in a new graphics card. Not only will the CPU be able to hand off more graphics processing tasks to the graphics card (a good thing - especially with today's graphics intensive programs and operating systems) but by adding a card, the on-board graphics can be disabled, thus freeing up any previously snagged RAM used by the on-board GPU (graphics processing unit). So in effect, by adding a card, you get a better GPU, dedicated (tweaked for) graphics RAM on the card, AND you get a little (usually up to 128Mb) system RAM boost.

According to the PCV-RX860 Specifications Sheet, your system came with only 512Mb of RAM, and it is using on board graphics with 32Mb of "shared" RAM - and by shared, they mean snagged and dedicated to graphics processing (their definition of "share" seems a bit different than mine! ).

If your configuration is as mentioned in the spec sheet, your money will be better spend on RAM and a graphics card. Both your CPU and hard drive will thank you for it. Your CPU because it can hand off more graphics tasks, and your HD because the pagefile on the sllloooowwww hard drive will not be worked so hard.

In any event - a word of caution. I cannot find specifics, but it looks like that may have come with a 300W power supply. While adequate, it may not have enough headroom for any added hardware, especially if some has already been added or upgraded since new as PSUs get weaker over time.

Use the eXtreme PSU Calculator Lite to determine your power supply unit (PSU) requirements. Plug in all the hardware you think you might have in 2 or 3 years (extra drives, bigger or 2nd video card, more RAM, etc.). Be sure to read and heed the notes at the bottom. I recommend you set Capacitor Aging to 30%, and if you participate in distributive computing projects (e.g. BOINC or Folding@Home), I recommend setting TDP to 100%. Research your video card and pay particular attention to the power supply requirements for your card listed on your video card maker's website. Then look for power supply brands listed under the "Good" column of PC Mechanic's PSU Reference List. Ensure the supplied amperage on the +12V rails of your chosen PSU meets the requirements of your video card. Don't try to save a few dollars by getting a cheap supply. Digital electronics, including CPUs, RAM, and today's advanced graphics cards, need clean, stable power. A good, well chosen supply will provide years of service and upgrade wiggle room. I strongly recommend you pick a supply with an efficiency rating equal to, or greater than 80%. Look for the 80 Plus - EnergyStar Compliant label. And don't forget to budget for a good UPS with AVR (automatic voltage regulation).