New Processor, Old Motherboard

[jimbo]

We just received a new PIII-1GHz machine, and I was wondering if it would be possible to swap the processor into a machine that has a PIII-450. They are both Dells. Is this possible?

-jim

[Arthur]

Jim, I don't think that it's possible.

First of all, the PIII-450 is a Slot 1 type processor, while the PIII-1000 is a Socket 370 FC-PGA type (Flip Chip Pin Grid Array). So you would need a Socket 370 to Slot-1 converter board. (there is a Slot 1 PIII-1000, but it's less common I think)
Secondly, the 450 runs on a 100 MHz FSB (front side bus) and the 1GHz runs on a 133 MHz FSB.
Thirdly, the 450MHz has a Core voltage of 2.00 V whereas the 1GHz has a core voltage of 1.70 V.

It depends a bit on the motherboard's capabilities, but I think it's not possible, certainly not if you want to run it at 1GHz.

Arthur

[0degree]

The first thing you should check is that if both processors are of the same socket/slot type. If they are, then you should check whether the motherboard holding the PIII-450 supports speeds of up to 1GHz. These 2 steps are crucial if you want to replace the PIII-450 with the PIII-1GHz.

One good place to check for this information is at:
http://www.tomshardware.com

However, I strongly recommend you first visit http://www.dell.com and try to find your answer there.

Although I really haven't provided you with the real answer, I hope that this helps :)

Tony.

[Matt]

Hi Jim,
I can't tell you about your specific board, but I can tell you what I know about a Tyan board I have. It's the S1832DL that I got back during the time of the PII. It supports a maximum of 2 PIII 600Mhz Katmai processors. The PIII 450 is a Katmai chip. The 600Mhz mark was when the Coppermine processors came out. The voltage regulation is slightly different for these chips and on the S1832DL, requires more than a simple core voltage tweak (must replace a few resistors). I have a feeling that you will be in a similar case with your board where it will only support Katmai processors. I doubt there's much you can do if this is the case (except get another board). Maybe you'll get lucky and run across a good article on modifying your board (as I did for the Tyan).

It's possible that the chip is a 1Ghz/ 100Mhz Slot 1 as these are now available (easy way to find out is open the case). Even if #1. Voltage on M/B is properly regulated for a Coppermine #2. 1Ghz chip is Slot 1 (or you can find a Slot converter that'll work) then #3. A Bios update is very likely necessary. If Dell doesn't provide a bios update for the 1Ghz chip, you are very likely out of luck even if everything else falls into place.

Good luck- Matt

[jimbo]

Thanks for the great replies everyone :).

I was thinking about just swapping the entire mobo - and thoughts?

-jim

[cjcox]

I use Abit boards mostly. They are very friendly in that they are all soft-switch tweakable from the BIOS (no jumpers to manipulate). ASUS also has good tweakable boards, but you may have to use jumpers. I have been pleased with the Abit boards I've used in the past and would use them again in the future. I have had to flash the BIOS on them though as hard drives keep increasing in capacity... if you're planning on purchasing that new 130G Maxtor, you may have to update your BIOS.. otherwise, new motherboards will have a recent BIOS anyway that should work most everything.

ABIT (http://www.abit-usa.com)
ASUS (http://www.asus.com)

[Terra]

that new 130G Maxtor
Where can I obtain information on this drive?

I know the 536DX series was just released, but the highest capacity is 100GB... A 20GB jump is just not motivational to me...

I'd like to see 180GB drives (EIDE) soon, as my backup needs are about to shoot straight through the roof !! :(

--
Terra
--I won't even mention how many recently purchased 80GB Maxtor drive boxes that are now empty--
FutureQuest

[Arthur]

I'd like to see 180GB drives (EIDE) soon Seagate has a 180 GB drive out; Seagate Barracuda 180 (http://www6.tomshardware.com/storage/01q2/010614/index.html). Not EIDE, but Ultra-160 SCSI, 181.6 GB, 7,200 rpm

Arthur

[Tahna Los]

180 Gig EIDE hard drive.

Probably makes you wonder what Terra actually has on his computer.

I have a 20 Gig HD and I only use about 7 Gigs worth.

Jimbo- Two things:

1) Consider AMD. They are good quality processors and more software companies are adjusting their software to be compatable with them. I have a AMD 850 that I bought 3 months ago and it is chugging along just nicely. :p

2) Never, NEVER get anything from Dell, or Hewlett Packard, or Compaq. Okay, they may make some good computers, but my concern is that all their peripherals are integrated into the board and the board itself comes with only 2 PCI slots, thus reducing upgrade capabilities. This really hurts when you need to put in lotsa stuff, like a Network Card, SCSI card, a serial port card (if you need it, the compy I have at work does). Also, if any of your peripherals on the board break (most important the video port), your board may have to be junked.

My board comes not only with integrated audio, video, and modem, but also has 4 PCI slots and an additional AGP slot. So I would not have to worry about my video breaking down, just get a new video card.

Go look at some computer stores and try to buy parts separately. Sometimes they might give you a good deal for your buck. I have noticed that you can build your own computer with decent stuff and have great speed and reliability, and STILL cost a lot less then those "ripoffs" from Dell, IBM, Compaq, HP, etc.

My Two Canadian cents on this. With the exchange rate right now, it is practically worthless. So therefore, my opinion is worthless as well. :)

[Tahna Los]

"Secondly, the 450 runs on a 100 MHz FSB (front side bus) and the 1GHz runs on a 133 MHz FSB."

Are you sure? Mine runs at 200 MHz FSB and the newer AMD processors are supposed to run at 266 MHz FSB.

And can the current BIOS handle a 180GB Hard drive? Just curious.