Not only how to upgrade your processor, but also, should you upgrade your processor?
Oct 02 '00
Well, events in my personal life have made it difficult to write as many epinions as I am used to the last few months, but I will now be able to devote more time to helping people understand more about computers. As a sort of penance to make up for my Epinions-neglect, I am tackling an ambitious subject, not only how to upgrade a processor, but also should you upgrade your processor.
Face it folks, upgradability in computers is a myth perpetuated by computer sales people to get customers off the fence. It doesn't matter what period of time you are talking about, there is always something newer, and far superior to todays' technology available a few months down the road. The best thing a consumer can do to protect themself against rapid obsolescence is to either build your own PC, or have a clone built from a local computer shop. ( Name brand PCs like Compaq are notoriously difficult to upgrade. They would rather sell you a new computer than let you make your existing one last longer, but more on that later. )
That having been said, let's delve into architecture for the recommended opinion for various situations. It will be helpful if you have a motherboard manual handy to answer questions about your motherboard. But even if you don't have a manual available, there are certain pieces of information in this review that should still prove invaluable.
The first question you have to answer to determine your upgrade path is what is your current processor. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but if it is a 486 or older, or an original generation of Pentium processor ( pre MMx ) you are in for more than just a processor swap. You really need to look at replacing your entire machine if the speed is not adequate.
Pentium and AMD K6 2/3 class Machines
Pentium machines sold before January 1997 ( non MMX processors, or Pentium Classics ) run the processor at a different voltages than Pentiums sold after January 1997. ( MMx processors actually use 2 different voltages for the processor simultaneously. ) These older machines are simply to obsolete to be worth bringing up to speed. However, if you have an MMx capable machine, the AMD K6-2 is probably the best choice for an upgrade. A newer modle MMx capable machine ( Super 7 motherboard ) can run up to a K6-2 500. A regular Socket 7 motherboard should be able to run a K6-2 350 or 400 without problems. This is about a $50 upgrade that will bring new life to your old Pentium machine. You won't have an awesome gaming rig, but it should be adequate for Windows ME, Microsoft Office, and surfing the net.
Pentium II and III Machines
Slot 1
The Pentium II introduced the Slot 1 architecture to the world. There are a few chipsets to be concerned with. FX, LX, BX, Apollo Pro 133(A), i820, i840, i810, and i815. Although there are numerous differences in chipsets relative to type of memory used, AGP interface and performance, support of ATA-66 and the like, when it comes to replacing a processor, only 2 variables are important for these platforms. Bus speed supported, and processor core voltage supported. The original Pentium II processors used a 2.35 core voltage. These were the Pentium II 233, 266, and 300 processors. Starting with the Pentium II 333, Intel shrunk the processor die from .35 micron to .25 micron. This lower the voltage requirements to 2.0. This voltage was used on the widest range of processors. All Pentium II processors above 300 MHz, the Celeron ( not Celeron II ), and the Katmai class Pentium III processors used 2.0 volts. The newer coppermine class Pentium III (650MHz and up, plus some slower Pentium III's ) use 1.65v.
If your motherboard is an FX or an LX chipset, your upgrade path is somewhat limited. Aside from the high core voltage, the bus speed limits your choice of processors. Your best bet if you need to upgrade a machine like this and you DON'T have the money to upgrade the motherboard is to get a Celeron ( Not Celeron II ) processor at a speed of up to 533MHz. These can be bought for about $40 or so. Be sure to check for BIOS support from your motherboard manufacturer before you commit to this route. ( You will probably be better off with a PPGA version instead of a slot 1. A good slotket converter card allows CPU voltage control )
If your motherboard is a BX chipset, as long as it was made in the last year or so, you are in very good shape. Most BX motherboards made within the past year support the 1.65 voltage requirement of the Coppermine class Pentium III and the 1.5 voltage requirement of the Celeron II. ( Even if yours doesn't support the lower voltage requirements, a good slotket will allow you to run a processor in your BX motherboard.) In spite of the fact that the BX motherboard was introduced in April 1998, it is still the fastest available platform for the Pentium III. A Pentium III 700 or 750 is a good choice for an upgrade. Not only are they relatively cheap at around $200, but they are very good overclockers. If $200 is out of your price range, consider a Celeron II 566. These can easily be run on a BX motherboard at 100MHz FSB at an overclocked speed of 850 MHz.
i810, i815, i820, i840, Via Apollow Pro 133(A) chipsets
These will accept any newer processor. See my recommendations under the BX chipset.
Athlon
In spite of being out for only a year, there are already 3 motherboard platforms for AMD's flagship chip. For upgrade purposes, there is one important factor, is your machine a Slot A machine, or a Socket A machine. For this one, you don't even need a manual, just your eyes. If you have an older Athlon ( Slot A architecture ), you may want to see about acquiring a Slot A Thunderbird processor soon. These were produced for the OEM marketplace, but several are available online. There is no Socket A processor to Slot A converter available for the AMD product line. When the Slot A Thunderbirds are gone, your upgrade path has ended. A 800MHz T-Bird is both a good overclocker, or a suitable chip for most people at a resonable price. If you have a Socket A motherboard, you probably aren't considering replacing your processor yet.
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stevelarrison
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Member: Steve Larrison
Location: Scottsdale, Az. USA
Reviews written: 171
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Beer, the answer to, and the cause of all life's problems.
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