computer upgrade question...

[mozzer]

I was given a computer today, pentium 3, 500 mhz, 320 ram, not sure of the hd size.

My question is, is it possible to upgrade just the processor? I've seen 1ghz chips on ebay.

If it is possible, how difficult is the switch?

I'm starting up my second cab, and wanted to throw it inside.  Obviously my knowledge on actually computers is limited and would appreciate any help.

[walls83]

you have to upgrade the processor and the motherboard at the same time.

[paigeoliver]

that upgrade is pretty much like buying a whole new computer, and it is going to make little difference when it comes to Mame. Install Mame .55 as that processor you have will run every game supported by that version full speed (there hasn't been much good added since then anyway, and a newer version is going to bog down plenty of games that ran fine under .55).

[SirPeale]

you have to upgrade the processor and the motherboard at the same time.

Not necessarily; it depends on the motherboard.  What kind of motherboard is it?

[walls83]

I was saying that because it sounds like its an old computer.  but peale is right you might not have to.

[mozzer]

It's from a Gateway dimension. That's about all i can tell you.

Is there an easy way to find out?

Thanks for the help!

[pointdablame]

Pentium 3's stopped at 1.4ghz, so it is possible that you can upgrade just the CPU, depending on your motherboard.  You're going to have to get more info on the motherboard to determine what the maximum CPU speed for the mobo is.  If 500mhz is not the max, you could just put in a new chip fairly simply.

[spystyle]

you have to scour the case and motherboard to discover what the computer is

ie : case says Dell Dimension XLR8
ie : motherboard says V266B

google seach the motherboard model # to find the motherboard manual, just about every motherboard has a PDF manual available on the net

When you read the manual you will discover the board's max processor

once you discover the board's limit search for a bios update, sometimes a bios update can increase CPU compatibility

get your new components from www.pricewatch.com

get stumped ? e-mail me with the model #'s spystyle@yahoo.com, I do it all the time for customers


Dig it ?
Craig

[independentthread]

500 mhz was (if memory serves correctly) the slowest possible pentium 3 chip that was made.  The only thing you have to make sure of is that the board can actually support faster chips, because if anyone remembers the hayday of Compaq and HP, they made their motherboards to run SPECIFIC chips, and wouldn't allow you to change anything, only add expensive add ons.  (i.e. pentium overdrive chips)  More than likely you can change the chip fairly easily though, because almost all of the post-socket 7 boards were made with upgradability in mind.  Make sure the chip isn't soldered in and check for a part number or some sort of stamp that tells you what the motherboard is and search their website for more info.  Most of the time companies tell you the fastest processor the board can take.  Then hit up e-bay and find yourself a decent processor.  That way you won't be restricted to run just emulators.

[paigeoliver]

I can make it quick and easy for you though, if it is a gateway with a P3 500, then there isn't a chance in hell that it is going to take one of the ghz+ processors.

[mozzer]

Thanks for all your help guys!

I'll check into the model #

[paigeoliver]

The 500 mhz might be the SLOWEST p 3 processor, but also realize that most of them that I have seen have been on motherboards that didn't go above 500 mhz.

[independentthread]

I wasn't trying to give the guy false hope, I said "more than likely" because I've never touched the inside of a Gateway.  I've known people that were able to upgrade a Compaq, a Sony, and a couple of E-Machines that had pentuim 3 chips in them.  Now that you mention it though, the guy with the Compaq was only able to go up to an 800 mhz...I guess he'll find out when he does his research.

[RoboG2]

I dont know if you want to spend money or not but if youd rather not you might be able to overclock your processor if your mobo will allow it.  Check the manual for jumper settings, and hope that your mobo will allow you to change them (its from a brand- name company... ie. dell, compaq, gateway).  A 500 mhz p3 should be able to get to 600 or 700 mhz if you're very lucky... most p3's run on a .25- micron core (they run hot and at high core voltages).  I would try that and see if it runs stable, check temp on bios, and see its performance with mame games before you buy another processor.  Its also fun to try anyways.  Good luck.

[pointdablame]

its a brand name computer, I doubt you'll be able to overclock it.  In fact, I'd put money against it.  Companies aren't too keen on letting their customers get something for free, even if it is a few extra mhz

[Kaiser]

p3's also came in a 450mhz flavor as well.  

Most boards that accepted a 500, usuallly allowed up to 667mhz chips as well.. but I wouldnt count on getting any higher than that.  Even then, its not worth your hard earned bucks to throw into that pc.  Id just stick with older MAME games.

[Landstander]

I have recently done some research for a similar P3-600 Compaq box I have. Your motherboard will only be able to handle a 100MHz FSB processor - and by far the fastest compatible processors are the Celeron 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4. These procs are a socket 370 - while your PC will have a slot 1 for that old P3. A device called a slotket allows you to use a socket 370 processor in a slot1 CPU motherboard sometimes. Whether or not your computer will work out of the box with a slotket and a socket370 CPU depends on your BIOS. The other option is a special slotket made by a company called Powerleap. You can see an example here (not my auction) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16180&item=3489352695&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW . I'm sure if you check their site you'll find a compatibility chart with your Gateway.

I was given a computer today, pentium 3, 500 mhz, 320 ram, not sure of the hd size.

My question is, is it possible to upgrade just the processor? I've seen 1ghz chips on ebay.

If it is possible, how difficult is the switch?

I'm starting up my second cab, and wanted to throw it inside.  Obviously my knowledge on actually computers is limited and would appreciate any help.

[cbmeeks]

It's from a Gateway dimension.

lol.  

Dimensions are from Dell....unless I am missing something here?

Anyway, my Gateway has a P3 450 and from what I can remember, the mobo will go up to an 850.

cb

[tep0583]

500 mhz was (if memory serves correctly) the slowest possible pentium 3 chip that was made.  

Negative. I am a proud owner of an original 450Mhz P-III that was sealed in the box up until about a week ago. It now runs my classic cab.  

One thing that is undisputable is that the likelyhood of this mobo taking a 1Ghz P-III is just about nil. There weren't too many socket 370 P-III 500's and the 1Ghz were all socket 370, if memory serves. If its a slot processor, all bets are off. You might be able to find a P-III 800, but to be honest, you probably be better served getting a mobo/processor combo with an Athalon XP, unless you wand to play mostly pre-1990 games. If that's the case, the machine you have should de OK for most games.