CPU upgrade after rebuild?

I have just recently resurrected a old Digital PC 3500 using cards and memory scavenged from a Gateway 266Mhz and a AMD K6.
The system is pretty stable other then losing the modem( 3ComWindows Modem TI) if I get disconnected during a session but a cold boot will locate it and make it accessible.
The only real flaw Ive encountered is my inability to use the slightly faster CPU from the Gateway,the Digitals is a Pentium 2> 233Mhz and the Gateway was a Pentium 2>266.When I tried to use the 266 the computer wouldn't boot.I know that the 266 was operational because the Gateway was working before I salvaged it.Shouldn't I be able to swap CPU without making changes in the BIOS or Mobo?...... "rolling my own" is a fairly new endeavor so please bear with me.
I had considered upgrading the BIOS(if a update is available) but was concerned about totally ruining a running box with a bad flash.
Its not imperative that I use the 266 CPU but the problem did arouse my curiosity,any feed back is welcomed.

Here is a abbreviated list of info on the Digital.
..............................................................
Circuit board>Digital Equip.Corp.Digital PC 3500 Rev.A01
Bus Clock:66Mhz
BIOS> Phoenix, 6.0/Dec 1.11 11/30/98
Processor>233 Intel Pentium 2 32 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 " secondary " "
RAM>384 Mb.
OS >Win2000 Pro

 

Hi zethz,

To run the 266Mhz CPU, I think you will need to set jumpers or switches on the motherboard (it will probably be before the time of "auto" CPU detection). Do your best to obtain a motherboard manual for the system and also collect all the relevant drivers. You will probably need to install specific chipset drivers, the ones Windows installs will be for setup of the system. (If it has an Intel chipset, you may be able to get the updated version from Intel, it is probably a 400 series and there should be updates to 2004.)

You may find a series of jumpers or switches on the mobo and there will probably be a list of the settings printed there somewhere. The settings should currently be made for a 233Mhz, you will need to see how they are arranged for 266Mhz.
PS, a note about applying a good (thin) layer of thermal compound between the CPU and heatsink each time the heatsink is removed.

Matt

 

zethz:

When I first read this a few days ago, it didn't make a lot of sense to me re: why change out the CPU. Now that I just read it again, my advice is to leave well enough alone. The difference between a PII 233MMX and its 266Mhz cousin is pretty slim and right now you have a machine that runs fine with the 233Mhz processor. Both of them are turtles by todays standards and both can be purchased used for less than $5. The 233 also has a 512Kb cache - does the 266 have 512 or 256? If its 256, you'll probably regret making a change.

On a machine like that, the best thing you can do to enhance performance is to add memory but you might have a tough time finding some PC66 and you better make sure you get the right stuff. SIMMS, DIMMS, Fast Page, EDO ? Whats under the hood?

If you are intersted, you could probably put another $100 - $200 bucks into that configuration and still wind up with something thats not worth $5. I know you are doing this because you have the "parts" on hand and its a challenge - not because of any economic reason. However, the best advice I can provide is still, leave it alone - you aren't going to notice much if any difference even if you can successfully upgrade processors.

 

Its just a learning experience

Thanxz for the responses.Like I said in my original post,this issue with the CPU swap wasn't critical.The box is up and running and served/serves its purpose.Its age,speed and the lack of access to its documents never did fill me with high expectations(Mattman>Even after extensive research I never did find a manual or elaborate info on the Mobo.)..........Its all about the climb,not the peak.
Rockster2u>When I first started putting this box together it had memory issues and it would only accept the PC66 type memory you mentioned.It now has 12 times the original memory by using three sticks of 128 Mb. PC100 SDRAM scavenged from a different Gateway PC.
(see your from Mandeville.Spent many years living next door in Slidel and across the bridge in NO) .

 

I totally agree with Rockster, a boost of 33Mhz will not be significant at all. I have machines with 233 processors and can put 266s in, but it is not really worth the time. As a learning experience though, I have done similar things in the past, I would rather see smoke rising from a test system than a newly built system or upgrading my main computer. I was finding out about Front Side Busses and Multiplers, SIMMS and DIMMS, etc, on just about the same equipment.

If it is an Intel chipset (look at the largest chip you can see on the mobo), you will find ways of identifying the chipset and possibly the motherboard, at the Intel website. It is a matter of finding the motherboard ID on the (bottom of the) second screen at startup.

Try Everest in my signature, but without the correct chipset drivers installed it may not be able to read the information correctly.

I have a feeling that because you don't have the correct basic drivers installed, that is why you will have problems with drivers for add in hardware.

Have fun, but heed Rockster's information.

Matt