spartan via WindowsKB.com wrote:
> Ghostrider wrote:
>>> Currently I have an Intel Pentium 4(my mistake!!) 2.40 GHz processor. Recently I purchased a
>>> simulation whose recommended specs state that the processor should be
>>> "Pentium IV 3.0Ghz ".
>>>
>>> Is there a way of changing my processor without too much hassle?
>> Let's be more specific about the current Intel 2.4 GHz processor.
>> Exactly which one is it? That is, "Intel 4" says nothing whereas
>> "Pentium 4" actually means something.
>
At FSB400, the fastest processor made was 2.8GHz. The only way you'd
make 3GHz, is by overclocking (something that few prebuilt computer
BIOSes support).
At FSB533, the fastest processor usable would be 3.06GHz, with
Hyperthreading enabled. That draws a little extra juice compared to
others in that family.
At FSB800, they go up to 3.4GHz or so (for socket S478). I'm assuming
the computer is an older one, based on the fact that it shipped with
a 2.4GHz P4 processor in it.
At FSB800 and socket LGA775, they go higher still. But you aren't
likely to have an LGA775 socket.
You can find more examples here -
http://processorfinder.intel.com
in the Pentium 4 section. Be careful to match the details, as there
are several generations listed, Northwoods and Prescotts, different
sockets and so on.
http://processorfinder.intel.com/List.aspx?ProcFam=483
This outfit has a pricy collection of older processors. They tend
to buy lots of processors, just before they are discontinued, for
later sales to upgraders. For example, this was one of the few places
you could get an FSB400 2.8GHz processor, and now all they have
left at FSB400, is the 2.6GHz ones.
http://www.powerleap.com/Processors.jsp
You can also find processors on other sites, for less money. But
the unscrupulous will try to sell you stuff that isn't appropriate
(such as Xeons, rather than regular P4 processors). When you
learn more about the socket the processor uses, the current
FSB speed, the amount of L2 cache and so on, you could post
back that information for some feedback on a good option
as an upgrade.
For ordinary (DIY) homebuilt computers, an upgrade usually means
popping out the old, and installing the new. On prebuilt computers,
sometimes the higher speed processor is not supported (if, say, it
draws too much power, or is the wrong processor family). In the
case of one Dell for example, when Dell sells an upgrade, they
actually ship a different CPU heatsink with the installation kit.
The heatsink has an extra heatpipe, to improve the theta_R of the
heatsink. So there can be the odd little detail like that, which
can be hard to get information on.
In terms of compatibility, the Prescott (90nm) processors won't work
if installed in older S478 motherboards. A single pin on the Prescott
is designed as a sensor pin, used to detect whether the motherboard
is "Prescott ready" or not. If you install a Prescott in an older
motherboard (usually something previous to 875/865/848 chipsets),
you'll be greeted by a black screen and no boot. No damage is
done when that happens, and the old processor will still work.
Which is why you have to use some care when searching for substitutes.
If the current processor is 0.13 microns technology, then you may be
looking for another 0.13 micron one as an upgrade. (The amount
of L2 cache is a hint at the technology and generation of processor.)
Unfortunately, the abundance of Prescotts may be off-limits to you.
And Northwoods can be harder to find.
Many people have learned this the hard way, by attempting to use
Celeron-D processors (also 90nm, and failing for the same reason).
All due to the processor checking the motherboard, and finding
the motherboard is lacking.
Good luck,
Paul
Linear Mode
