VERY old computer but id still like to upgrade CPU

lion149

lion149

Member
Hey folks,

I have an old Dell (Optiplex gx1). I'd love to throw a faster chip in her considering how cheap it must be to get a hold of them now-a-days. The link below is to the computer in question. i just need guidance on to exactly what chip to look for :confused: . I believe the max to be 600mhz but it doesn't provide info on like the socket etc. Im just a tad lost. Ive never done anything like this so it will also be a great way to learn so please avoid comments such as "why bother wasting your time/$ etc. Thanks!

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ban_gx1/specs.htm#System%20Information

Dell OPtiplex gx1
Pent III 500mhz :P
512mb Ram
200 watt PSU
7 gig HDD
CD-ROM
 
I beleive that would be a Slot1 processor(that or a Socket370) Um...I don't know what else to tell you... Find a compatiable processor, pull the old one out and replace with the new one. If it is a slot sometimes the retaining clips can be tricky. I've seen a few different forms of clips so I can't tell you right off how to remove it.

If you're wondering where to get such a processor, you about have to rely on ebay... And I know you said not to say this, but why bother? :P
 
Get CPU-z and it will tell you the type of slot. dont go buying any slot one processor , check FSB too. the slot one i think goes up to 800MHz? (thats guesswork). slot 1 processors have 2 clips at each end. bend one away from it and pull hard, the processor will come loose. then check the other one, usually it will come out too, b ut if it doesnt follow the steps again
 
Its not realy worth spending any money on it because even if you do upgrade the processor a little it will still be slow :)
 
oscaryu1 said:
slot 1 processors have 2 clips at each end. bend one away from it and pull hard, the processor will come loose. then check the other one, usually it will come out too
Click to expand...

Don't sound so sure of yourself. As I mentioned, there are many different ways Slot1 processors lock into their slots...
 
Hey Folks,
Thanks for some added insight I ve got some more information now. I downloaded PC wizard cause cpu-z would not work, odd but anyway this is what info it gave me on the CPU. Soo any more help on what the max best chip i can get for this old dell?

General Information :
Type : Intel Pentium III
Codename : Katmaï
Revision : kC0
Technology : 0.25µ
CPU ID : 6.7.3
CPU IDEx : 6.7.3
Microcode : MU06730E

Features :
VME - Virtual Mode Ext. : Yes
DE - Debugging Extension : Yes
PSE - Page Size Extension : Yes
TSC - Time Stamp Counter : Yes
MSR - Model Specific Registers : Yes
PAE - Physical Address Extension : Yes
MCE - Machine Check Exception : Yes
APIC - Local APIC Built-in : No
SEP - Fast System Call : Yes
MTRR - Memory Type Range Reg. : Yes
PGE - Page Global Enable : Yes
MCA - Machine Check Architecture : Yes
PAT - Page Attribute Table : Yes
PSE36 - 36-bit Page Size Extension : Yes
PSN - Unique Serial Number : No
DS - Debug Trace & EMON Store : No
ACPI - Software Clock Control : No
SS - Self Snoop : No
TM - Thermal Monitor : No
HTT - Hyper-Threading : No
SBF - Signal Break on FERR : No
MON - Monitor/Mwait : No
DSCPL - CPL qualified Debug Store : No
TM2 - Thermal Monitor 2 : No
CID - Context ID : No
EST - Enhanced SpeedStep Tec... No
XD - No-execute Page : No
VT - Vanderpool Technology : No
LT - LaGrande Technology : No

Miscellaneous :
FPU - Co-processor Built-in : Yes
CX8 - CMPXCHG8B : Yes
CX16 - CMPXCHG16B : No
CMOV - Conditionnal Move Inst. : Yes
CLF - Cache Line Flush : No
FXSR - Fast Float Save & Restore : Yes
xTPR - Send Task Priority : No
DCA - Direct Cache Access : No
DAZ - Denormals Are Zero : Yes
MMX Technology : Yes
SSE Technology : Yes
SSE2 Technology : No
SSE3 Technology : No
S-SSE3 : No
SSE4A : No
Intel64 (EM64T) : No
IA-64 Technology : No
PBE - Pend. Brk. EN. : No
LAHF - LAHF/SAHF Inst. : No

Advanced Settings :
In Order Queue Depth : 8
Low Power Mode : Yes
L2 Cache Range : 4 GB
L2 Cache Latency : 8 clock(s)

Mainboard Upgradeability :
Socket/Slot : Microprocessor
Upgrade interface : Slot 1
Supported Speed : 800 MHz (or more)
Supported Voltage : 3.3V
 
Besides the bold, that info really doesn't tell me squat about the machine... Though if it can take around an 800MHz processor, you're probably open to most any Slot1 made. I think most of the later slot ones(after about 600MHz or so) are 133MHz FSB, and that seems to be the main limiting factor with many boards. I had one that won't take my 733MHz Slot1, but works great with a 650.

Just look on ebay if you "REALLY" want to upgrade. Sometimes you can find cheap processors. But in the end, I seriously doubt you'll notice much, if any difference.
 
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