Processor chip (CPU) Guru's - a question

My daughters system is a gateway with a 1.4 MHz cpu.

specs (from Everest):
CPU Properties:
CPU Type..............Intel Pentium 4, 1400 MHz (14 x 100)
CPU Alias...............P68, Willamette, A80528
CPU Stepping.........B2
Instruction Set.......x86, MMX, SSE, SSE2
Original Clock.........1400 MHz
Engineering Sample..No
L1 Trace Cache......12K Instructions
L1 Data Cache........8 KB
L2 Cache...............256 KB (On-Die, ATC, Full-Speed)

CPU Physical Info:
Package Type.........423 Pin PGA
Package Size..........5.34 cm x 5.34 cm
Transistors.............42 million
Process Technology..6M, 0.18 um, CMOS
Die Size..................217 mm2
Core Voltage...........1.70 - 1.75 V
I/O Voltage.............1.70 - 1.75 V
Typical Power..........48.9 - 71.8 W (depending on clock speed)
Maximum Power........66 - 96 W (depending on clock speed)

CPU Manufacturer:
Company Name......... Intel Corporation

I want to get her an upgrade in speed, processing power. What upgrade
chips are available, what speeds?
Would anything be required other than removing the old cpu and replacing it
with a new one?
How would the other devices be affected (if any)?

Are there sites where detailed info could be found? I looked but really didnt
see anything very helpful unless you are an expert.....

thank you,
savagcl

 

I am not as familiar with the P4s as with AMDs offerings, but it looks like you could possibly go as high as 2.0GHz.

A certain major auction site listed some 1.8 and 1.9GHz CPUs (100 * 18 or 19) for about $100 including shipping. Without P4 experience, I can't say if that much improvement is worth $100. My instinct is to go for RAM instead unless she does lots of CPU-intensive things.

It seems your motherboard must be able to set the multiplier in the BIOS or you may have trouble upgrading. Go into the BIOS and see if the multiplier is user-adjustable (it would now be at 14).

You should also check with the system or motherboard manufacturer to find out the maximum supported (or known compatible) CPU. Occasionally, a BIOS update is needed to support a CPU that didn't exist when the motherboard was made. It is conceivable that a Windows update is needed too. I have only heard of such a thing happening once (and that was with the AMD K6-2), but you should still check for completeness.

It might be easier to get a new heatsink and fan than to try to reuse the old one.

 

Let's remember that it is a Gateway system that we are talking about. On ANY Gateway, Dell, HP, etc., the first thing to look at when considering an upgrade in processor or memory is will the power supply handle it. They just don't put in power supplys that can normally handle much in the way of added equiptment. I wouldn't upgrade either the memory or processor unless the power supply is at least 350-400 watt.

I wouldn't be surprised to see a 250 watt power supply on the system. If that was to prove to be the case I would recommend that the power supply also be upgraded. Now comes the problem with that... In most cases you will either have to buy the power supply from Gateway, buy an adapter for the new power supply or re-wire the plug on the new power supply. Gateway, Dell, etc., do wireing changes as far as pinouts on the plugs to make you buy replacements from them. Add to this the fact that they tend to under power their systems it gives them an increase in revenue when you have to replace things and have to get it from them.

 

Hi guys,

I already upgraded the PS to a 450, so thats covered.

This site may have a solution and a product for this project.
Check out http://www.powerleap.com/

I just needed to click their "wizard" and supply a company name and model
number. I can get an upgrade from 1.4 to 2.8 (or 3.0?) from them for
$210.00 with the fan, heat sink, etc and just do a BIOS upgrade which they
also provide.

Sweet huh.

Thanks for the input,
savagcl

 

Hi Christer,

RAM is not a problem, we have 1 gig installed.

Will post results of upgrade when its done.

savagcl