rec.autos.simulators

Well, it's tax refund time, and I was thinking of upgrading my Dell
PIII-450, probably to something like 850Mhz.  I know I'm limited to that
speed based on the 100Mhz bus, but I had other questions...  

First of all, what is the big diff between 'boxed' and 'unboxed'
processors?  

Next, assuming 'unboxed' means just the bare CPU, will my current fan
adequately cool this new chip?  Or should I plan on purchasing other
pieces?  

And last of all, where is a good website that covers installation
issues?  Obviously this is a bit more complicating than plugging in more
RAM, and I'd hate to get in over my head.  Thanks guys - I trust your
opinions...

briGuy

Go to DellTalk Forum at:

http://delltalk.us.dell.com/

Under Dimension Desktops, Hardware Upgrades, you'll find plenty of Dell
specific information regarding upgrades.

Also see Rob Hancock's site http://roberthancock.netfirms.com/dell/
He's a regular poster on the DellTalk forums.

Good Luck,
Brian

On Tue, 23 Jan 2001 18:42:35 -0600, BriGuy

Not really.  You just yank out the old processor and put in the new
one, as long as it's the same form factor (Slot 1 vs Socket 370,
etc.),  You will probably have to change some settings in your BIOS to
support the new CPU, presuming it is supported by your motherboard and
BIOS in the first place.  Other than that, it's pretty simple.  Try
and ID the maker of the motherboard and then go to their site to see
what it'll handle.

~daxe

On Tue, 23 Jan 2001 18:42:35 -0600, BriGuy

Not really.  They are the same.  The boxed version has a longer
warranty, 3years I think.  OEM is like 90days.  Boxed gets you the
certificate, manual etc.  OEM is fine.  Most of the chips I buy are
OEM.  

I assume your Dell is slot 1.  And your current chip is a P3 Katmai.
The newer P3's are using a different Coppermine more.  So make sure
you motherboard can support it.  You could get slot 1 P3's or get the
socket version and put it on a 'slotket' card.  Depending which route
you take you'd probably have to get a new heat sink fan setup.  

If your motherboard supports Coppermine P3's, it should just be a swap
and plug in.  Your motherboard is already set up at 100mhz.  Since all
P3's are multiplier locked anyway, it doesn't matter what that is set
in the bios.

If you can add RAM in your slots then you'll be able to add the CPU.
Basically Intels just plug in....<vbg>

Also we have found that "OEM's" are not as good as CPU's as "Retail Boxed
Versions". Many of our tests have shown that the OEM's will run at a higher
temp and are less friendly to overclocking. Retail boxed is more than just
the warranty  :o)

Visit www.sharkyextreme.com  for some well written info.

Thanks, Matt

I just did this upgrade to a Dell with a Slot1 850. The processor just slips
right in. It takes about 2 minutes.

The only glitch was that the 850 uses a SECC2 retention clip to secure the
processor to the MB. The 450 Mobo uses an SECC clip, which is incompatible.
So, friction is the only thing holding my processor chip in place. It hasn't
been a problem in the month since I upgraded.

Regards,
Gordon

Thanks, man.  I think I'll do it.  Did your CPU come with a new fan and
heatsink, or are you using the original ones?  I have no idea how CPU's
are sold...  If the old ones, do you think they're up to it?  

I also did an 850 Retail chip instead of an OEM. I have found that the
retention devices used to hold on the OEM Heatsincs/fans can hit the
compacitors behind the chip, on the motherboard. The Retail Intel
Boxed P3-850 has a fan on it and no odd retention device, the Dell
(intel) motherboard has two fan plugs. I removed the duct that was
covering the old CPU and did not reinstall it. I then installed the
new CPU and plugged in its fan, close up the case and you are there. I
have found that a BIOS upgrade before upgrading is good and you may
have to switch the maintenance mode jumper for one boot to get it to
see the CPU correctly.

SLG

(All spelling errors are intentional and are there to show new
and improved ways of spelling old words. Grammatical errors are
due to too many English classes/teachers)

What he said, except I did no BIOS upgrade or jumper fiddling. If you have
BIOS A09 or later, you should be OK. The BIOS only recognizes the 850 as a
500 mHz, but all the diagnostics and benchmarks recognize it as an 850.