Upgrading a processor, need a little help

[Fordtruckmaniac]

I realize this may be a tall order.

Just wanting to know if this swap would work.

I am wanting to upgrade the processor in a IBM 300PL. It currently has a 667MHz Pentium 3, air cooled processor. The numbers on it are 667/256/133/1.65V.

I am looking at a 1000/256/133/1.7V Pentium 3 with a cooling fan as the replacement.

This is a Slot 1 processor.

The MB is an IBM 61H2511

Would the small voltage difference matter?
I can't find anything regarding what all processors this board will take.

Thanks,

[Joe_Flanagan]

I realize this may be a tall order.

Just wanting to know if this swap would work.

I am wanting to upgrade the processor in a IBM 300PL. It currently has a 667MHz Pentium 3, air cooled processor. The numbers on it are 667/256/133/1.65V.

These are before my time, but I'll see if i can help.
OK, first thing. Are we talking Slot 1 or Socket 370 ?

I am looking at a 1000/256/133/1.7V Pentium 3 with a cooling fan as the replacement.

The MB is an IBM 61H2511

Would the small voltage difference matter?
I can't find anything regarding what all processors this board will take.

Thanks,

For the following, you need to get into your system's BIOS utility and see how much control you have there.
Some of those old proprietary boards will have modular BIOS and don't offer much adjustment.

I wouldn't sweat that voltage difference. One of three things will happen.
1. You may have CPU core voltage control in BIOS
2. It will [auto] adjust
3. It won't power up
In my experience #2 was the case in a PII -> PIII swap.

Another thing to consider is can your board's multipliers run that 1000GHz that you have your sights on.

You have a 667 @ 133...that means that you are using a 5x multiplier. (667 ÷ 5 = 133)

You need a 7.5 multiplier to run that 1000
Check your board for multiplier jumpers near the CPU
There may be a jumper schematic somewhere inside your case.
It's possible that there may be control in BIOS for this.

There were lots of 933MHz PIII's . This of course used a 7x multiplier on a 133MHz FSB

Another thing to consider is that there are many PIII + mobo packages for sale on eBay. $20 -> $30 average.
These are from retired/recycled computers and some of the good sellers will guarantee that they work.
Just pick one that uses the same type of memory that you have.
I would look at Asus and Intel boards and some in that era had both on-board video and an AGP slot.
If your case will allow, get a full size ATX board for more flexibility.

PIII Chart :
http://www.geek.com/procspec/intel/pentium3consumer.htm

[legit]

Whoa, thats old school  

[Fordtruckmaniac]

jflan

It is a slot 1 board.

I see no jumpers by the processor.

Regarding changing the board, this IBM is one of those flat towers or what ever you call them.

Sideways??

[Joe_Flanagan]

You at least need a motherboard model number to have a chance at this.
If it says IBM on the case, then it's most likely a proprietary board.
The opposite of that is a mainstream board that one would use in a custom computer, FYI.

The proprietary boards are more difficult to garner info on.

Download, install and run Everest Free Edition from Lavalys.
It should be able to identify your board.
Then Google the board make and model and see what comes back.

That's a desktop, you have.
If it's much lees than 8" high you will have to use low-profile cards.
The footprint determines the max board size:
ATX = 12" x 9.6"
MicroATX = 9.6" x 9.6"

[Fordtruckmaniac]

Belarc Advisor and Everest Home Edition, ID the board as an IBM 656590U. I did find a link that has the

Technical Information Manual
PC 300GL Types 6563, 6564, 6574
[highlight]PC 300PL Type 6565[/highlight] (this model number shows on the front of the case 6565-90U)

and references rocker switch settings for this board that shows settings for 700, 733, 800, 866, 933mhz 1000mhz and 1066mhz cpu's.

Might it be a go then?

[GX1_Man]

It MIGHT be, but I would carefully research this onthe IBM site. I have 2 similar machines but would never thing of putting another processor in because IBM generally put those out with the fastest one available at the time and stable in that motherboard. I like those processors that don't even require a fan!

That is definitely a proprietary motherboard so don't even think of taking the advice of getting one off eBay and hoping it fits. It won't. Just look at the PCI riser slot if you don't believe me.

Here's a starting point for your research.


http://www-1.ibm.com/support/search.wss?q=6565-90U&rs=0&lang=en+en&loc=en-US&from=tss&ics=iso-8859-1&cs=utf-8&cc=us&search.x=57&search.y=11

[Joe_Flanagan]

Wow! I'd have to be on payroll to wade through that IBM site.
If you decide to take on this mission...
Try this:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-4D4KLL#processor

You can learn a little about your motherboard's capabilities by reading the release notes attached to the BIOS updates.
Some of this Lenovo stuff is on an FTP server, post back if you have trouble hooking up and someone will help you.

Looks like the last one (BIOS) for your board was 19 Sept 2002...if I have the board number correct.
Don't jump into flashing BIOS unless you need to. It can be fatal if done wrong.
On my PIII swap I had to flash so that L2 cache was recognized.
I am also able to address more memory and run large HD's since doing the flash.
BIOS flashing does have its payoffs.

If you decide you want to try rolling the dice with a slot 1 swap, pay attention to the "Goalpost"
The goalpost attaches to the mobo and CPU/heat-sink-fan slots into the board and the goalpost(s) snap into shoulder(s) on the HSF. It looks like a football goalpost when the CPU is removed.

The various HSF mfrs had differing designs that required their specific goalpost.
It makes the process easier if you can get the correct goalpost with the CPU/HSF.
I had to modify the HSF on mine because I didn't have the correct goalpost.

With all those multipliers, someone in design had big plans...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIP_switch
Typically there is a diagram inside the case somewhere detailing these. Also, there should labeling on the mobo.

[Fordtruckmaniac]

My system BIOS date is 8-3-00.

The Pentium 3, 1000mhz processor I was looking at, has [highlight]exactly[/highlight] the same configuration on the heatsink as the current 667mhz cpu for mounting into the "Goalpost" socket.

Yes the inside of the case has the MB plug identifying data on it.
But the "Technical Information Manual" data site I found has the rocker switch info on it as well as all the relevant info on the MB, (except what all processors it will support).

Reading the "Read Me" file with this flash. It appears to allow a person to run the faster processor.

On the read me file it shows the following.

  2 : PUT THE FLASH UPDATE DISKETTE IN THE DRIVE AND POWER UP THE   *
 *      SYSTEM.. .                                                    *
 *                                                                    *
 *         -YOU ARE PROMPTED TO SELECT YOUR COUNTRY AND PRESS ENTER.  *
 *                                                                    *
 *         -THE SERIAL NUMBER IS DISPLAYED AND YOU ARE ASKED IF YOU   *
 *          WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE THE SERIAL NUMBER                    *
 *                                                                    *
 *            -IF YOU ANSWER "Y" THEN YOU ARE PROMPTED TO ENTER THE   *
 *             CORRECT NUMBER. THEN . . .                             *
 *            -IF YOU ANSWER "N" THEN . . .                           *
 *                                                                    *
 *      -THE MACHINE MODEL/TYPE IS DISPLAYED AND YOU ARE ASKED IF YOU *
 *          WOULD LIKE TO UPDATE THE MODEL/TYPE                       *
 *                                                                    *
 *         -IF YOU ANSWER "Y" THEN YOU ARE PROMPTED TO ENTER THE      *
 *          CORRECT NUMBER. THEN . . .                                *
 *         -IF YOU ANSWER "N" THEN . . .

Do I update the Serial Number and Model /Type Number? Or just select No on those questions? I'm thinking no but wanted to ask.

Don't jump into flashing BIOS unless you need to. It can be fatal if done wrong.

Can you elaborate? I can follow directions well.

Thanks

[Joe_Flanagan]

That must be an IBM (server) thing. I've never been asked to change SN or model #'s .

Are you sure you need this BIOS update?
Have you read the release notes for your current BIOS and do they indicate lack of support for the desired CPU ?

Use a brand-new, formatted diskette.
Be absolutely sure you have the correct BIOS.
If possible use an Uninterruptible  Power Supply.

The diskette will have three elements:

It will typically be bootable (can be started from an A:\  prompt)
It will have a BIOS flashing utility
The new BIOS data

Sometimes you get the package all in one shot and sometimes you have to piece it together yourself.
After you build it, check it for errors before using it.

[Fordtruckmaniac]

I guess I'm not seeing how to find cpu support info on my current BIOS.

Is this the FTP thing you mentioned?


I have already created the floppy with the new BIOS. But not done anything yet.

[GX1_Man]

Those questions are standard with any IBM BIOS upgrade. Just answer no.

[Joe_Flanagan]

I guess I'm not seeing how to find cpu support info on my current BIOS.

Try searching on it at the Lenovo site.
Then if nada, try the IBM site.

Is this the FTP thing you mentioned?

If you were able to D/L your new BIOS, then you have probably already addressed the Lenovo FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server to get it.
It's a non-issue for you.
FYI, I have to use an FTP Client to hook up. I think it's my ISP that causes it.

What you might want to do is Google "How to flash BIOS" and read more about it.

[GX1_Man]

If you have the correct BIOS it will load itself. As you mention the questions you did, it sounds like it is ready to install. An incorrect IBM BIOS download will not flash.

[Fordtruckmaniac]

Thanks to you both jflan and GX1_Man.

I am going to give this a shot.



Jumping back to changing out the mb in this. How would one deal with plugging the power wires to the pins on a home build board. Say like from the on/off power switch, harddrive activity light, reset, etc.
The wires are in a harness plug, which would not allow you to plug them to the certain pins on a non proprietary board. I hope this is making sense.

This old IBM looks to have a micro ATX size board. There is no riser board. The PCI slots would be vertical on the back of the case. As if when you would stand it up on its side it would look like a normal computer from the back.

I have wondered about this issue, like if I were to use a regular HP, Dell, Gateway, case to build something with.