Soup Up Your PC's Processor
Stan Miastkowski
As today's newest CPUs surpass the 1-GHz barrier, it's easy to get frustrated with the older, pokier processor in your PC. A CPU upgrade kit can give your older machine a reasonable performance boost for a practical price.
If your PC uses a Socket 7 processor and currently runs at between 75 and 233 MHz, you can upgrade to an AMD processor that runs at 333 MHz for about $100 or at 400 MHz for about $130.
Most upgrade processors are designed for Slot 1 PCs that use early Intel Celeron or Pentium II CPUs in the 233- to 450-MHz range. An upgrade to 600 MHz will set you back $249 if you have a Pentium II PC, or $220 if you own a Celeron. Stepping up to 700 MHz costs $320, and jumping to 800 MHz runs about $400.
Most contemporary Intel-based motherboards use Socket 370 for their CPU. If you purchased one of the early Celeron-based systems that use Socket 370, upgrades are now available. You can boost your PC to 566 MHz for about $240.
But consider carefully whether an upgrade makes sense for you. While an upgrade processor can double your CPU speed, an old hard drive or video card in your PC can limit the overall performance boost to as little as 25 percent. Sometimes a new PC can be the best deal of all.
Processor Slots and Sockets
The type of slot or socket that houses your processor goes a long way in determining what upgrades are available to you. Here's a look at the most popular types out there.
Socket 7, Super 7: Socket 7 motherboards support original Pentium chips and compatible chips by AMD, Cyrix, and Intel (133 MHz to 266 MHz). Uses a 66-MHz system bus. Super 7 motherboards add support for 100-MHz memory and AGP, along with AMD K6 processors up to 450 MHz.
Socket 370: Standard socket for all new Intel Pentium III and Celeron CPUs. Maximum supported speed depends on motherboard and BIOS. Most Socket 370 motherboards support up to 133-MHz memory.
Socket A: Standard socket for current AMD Athlons and Durons. Maximum CPU speed supported depends on motherboard and BIOS. Socket A motherboards support up to 133-MHz memory.
Slot 1, Slot A: Slot 1 is used for Intel Pentium II, Pentium III, and Celeron processors. Maximum speed supported depends on motherboard and BIOS. Most Slot 1 motherboards use 100-MHz memory. AMD used a similar design called Slot A for its early Athlons up to 800 MHz. Slot A motherboards support up to 133-MHz memory.
Buy the Right Upgrade CPU
Not all systems support CPU upgrades. Before you buy, check the Web pages of vendors offering CPU upgrades. Most provide prequalification information that will help you decide which upgrade is right for your PC.
In most cases, you should also make sure that your PC's BIOS is up-to-date. Check your computer maker's Web site for the latest BIOS. You'll also find extensive BIOS info on Wim's BIOS Page.
Finally, make sure you do a complete backup before you start.
Upgrading a Socket 7- or Socket 370-Based PC
1. Remove the old CPU. Turn off and unplug your PC, and remove the cover. Attach an antistatic strap to your wrist to protect the chips. You may have to remove cables or add-in cards to reach the CPU. If so, use masking tape to mark what goes where. Disconnect the power cable that runs to the CPU fan, if your unit has a fan (some PCs use a heat sink instead).
Note the corner of the CPU that has a small diagonal cut and (usually) a dot. That is pin 1. Put a piece of masking tape near pin 1 of the motherboard to make installing the new CPU easier.
Unhook and lift the CPU release lever; then carefully pull the CPU out of the socket.
2. Insert the new CPU. Remove the upgrade CPU from its protective packaging and carefully insert it into the socket. Make sure that pin 1 of the processor carefully aligns with pin 1 of the socket.
Press the CPU down firmly with your finger and push the locking lever into place. Connect the processor fan to the power connector. (In some cases, you'll need to install the fan on the CPU separately; consult the directions that came with the processor.)
3. Set the motherboard jumpers (Socket 7 only). If you're upgrading an older Socket 7-based system, you may need to make sure that you set the jumpers to the maximum bus speed and the clock multiplier to its maximum value. (Most newer motherboards don't use jumpers for those settings.)
On some motherboards, the correct jumper settings are marked; on others, you may have to consult the PC's manual to determine which is which.
Upgrading a Slot 1 (Pentium II or Celeron) PC
1. Remove the old CPU. Turn off your PC, unplug it, and remove the cover. Use an antistatic wrist strap to work with the processor modules. If the old CPU has a fan, unplug the power connector that runs to the fan. If the old processor has a heat sink, remove and discard it. (Upgrade CPUs have their own built-in fans.)
Small levers hold the CPU cartridge in a frame. Press them both until they pop open. Grasp the cartridge firmly, carefully rock it from side to side until it loosens, and then gently pull it out of its frame.
2. Insert the new processor module. Remove the new processor from its packaging, and gently slide it into the frame (it is designed to line up in only one way) until the cartridge is just above the slot. Then press down firmly until the levers of the frame click into place. Attach the fan power connector to the associated connector on the motherboard.
3. Set the motherboard jumpers (older motherboards only). Most motherboards made in the past few years don't have jumpers. If yours does, however, set the jumpers to the maximum processor speed, even if it's considerably less than the upgrade processor's. The new CPU will still run at its maximum speed.
Final Step: Check It Out
Before turning on your PC, double-check to confirm that the fan on the new processor is connected to power. Turn on your PC and make sure everything is running correctly. If your system won't start, switch it off and recheck that the new CPU is firmly seated in the slot or socket. If your system still doesn't work, or if it acts strangely, contact the upgrade maker's tech support. (Most upgrade suppliers offer a money-back guarantee if the upgrade won't work in your PC.)
The Top Down
Benefits: Faster overall system performance; new multimedia commands can speed up graphics.
Costs: $100 to $400
Expertise level: Intermediate
Time required: 30 to 60 minutes
Requirements: Phillips screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, masking tape, antistatic wrist strap
Vendors: Evergreen Technologies, Kingston Technology, PowerQuest
Stan Miastkowski is a PC World contributing editor.