What socket is my processor? Also a HD question.

[Black.Ice]

I know a little about computer hardware, but nothing too much. I need to replace my fan for my processor (it sounds like it's having a heart attack). I was looking for some quiet ones, and I know found some that are "Socket 478" and "Socket 475"

How would I going about finding what kind of Socket to get?

Also, what hard drive would I get? IDE? SCSI? How would I go about finding which one I currently have?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

[WeekendLazyness]

You probably need to replace the whole heatsink for your processor, unless you can find an identical fan and are able to install it. Socket 478 is for a Pentium Processor. Although I have never heard of Socket 475, a quick Google search reveals it to be for an AMD proc. What socket you have depends on what kind of processor you have, and it's version. Also remeber there are many more types of processor sockets, and they can even differ in a single product line. For example, the first generation Pentium 4 used a different socket (I don't recall the number) than P4s use today (the 478). To find out which one you have, you would have to tell us what processor you are using.

If you have a desktop computer, you want an IDE hard drive. These are also known as EIDE, ATA, and Parallel ATA. If you have a newer motherboard, your computer may support a new spec called Serial ATA (SATA). It has seven conductors instead of ATA's 40, making for a much thinner cable and improving case airflow.

[hammocksleeper]

If you have a desktop computer, you want an IDE hard drive.
Why are you so quick to dismiss SCSI drives? To be honest I'm not as into computers as I once was, but I was under the impression that SCSI drives have some advantages over IDE drives.

[WeekendLazyness]

Why are you so quick to dismiss SCSI drives? To be honest I'm not as into computers as I once was, but I was under the impression that SCSI drives have some advantages over IDE drives.
What I meant to say is "You most likely have an IDE drive." Sorry for the confusion. SCSI drives do have an advantage over IDE drives, but only in commercial enviornments where their speed and expense are worth it.

[Exedore]

You can use Sisoft Sandra (http://www.sisoftware.net/index.html?dir=dload&location=sware_dl_x86&langx=en&a=) to find out a wealth of information about your computer.


As for IDE vs SCSI: SCSI drives are usually larger in terms of volume and physical dimensions, have faster spin rates, and faster transfer rates. However, they're also more expensive than IDE drives, and with the advances in serial ATA drives, the transfer and spin speeds are beginning to catch up.