Senor Roboto

I want to put in a new processor in my computer, since the one I have right now is running at 1.25 gigahertz, and I want something faster. Well, I found on in my price range at newegg, the AMD Athlon XP+ 2800 with a FSB of 333 megahertz for 121 bucks. Seems a lot better then the one I have in right now, but I was wondering how difficult it is to put a new processor in. I downloaded all the video's on doing it from AMD's website, and was wondering if a novice computer person like myself would have problems.

the_marq

Yeah I'd say go for it.

If you have seen it done it's really not all that hard. Remember to be careful of static and don't forget the thermal grease.

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MooseMan3000

Um. You can't just "put in a new processor."

You need to be SURE that your motherboard can take it. First off, if your motherboard isn't fast enough for the processor... there's not much point.

And second, more importantly, if you have the wrong kind of socket for the processor, you will damage the new one beyond repair if you try to put it in.

Furthermore, if you just get a new processor, chances are your RAM won't be able to keep up with it, since you probably have older stuff. So what I would recommend is buying a new motherboard, processor, and RAM all at the same time.

If you can't afford that, though, at least check on your current motherboard. It needs Socket A for Athlon XP processors. If you already have an Athlon processor, it should fit. Unless you have an Athlon 850, which uses Slot A, instead of Socket A...


So could you give us a few details on what you have? Ideally, we would want to know your motherboard model, but if you can't find that, at least tell us what processor you have now, along with the RAM you have.

Senor Roboto

I know my motherboard can handle what I want. I have a KT6 Delta which can handle up to Athlon XP+3200 according to it's little handbook. And I have a gig of PC3200 DDR SDRAM, so I think that's enough. I was just wondering how difficult it was to do it.

You see, I was ripped off a few months ago when getting this computer, and lately I've been trying to learn how to build my own so this doesn't happen again.

MooseMan3000

Righto. PC3200 is rated at 400 MHz, so the RAM is fine.

And since your mobo can handle it, by all means, go for it. It's really easy to do. All you need to do is (After the power is disconnected and everything is grounded) remove your heatsink/fan unit from your old processor. Then (probably) lift up a lever next to the processor, lift it out and drop the new one in. Check in your motherboard manual to see if there are any specific directions you need to follow, but it shouldn't be too difficult at all.

Oh, and make sure to put a little thermal grease on the processor then put the heatsink/fan back in. Heh.

Wyodiver33

I wouldn't use your old heatsink and fan for a new processor. So buy an XP+ 2800 Retail. It will come with a basic, but good heatsink and fan. If you intend to overclock, buy an OEM XP+ 2800 and get a good quality heatsink and fan. I have a Thermaltake Volcano 11+ and I like it a lot. It's a bit loud though. Good luck.

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Senor Roboto

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll be putting this processor in on Tuesday or Wednesday. If all goes good, then the only thing I won't have experience installing in a computer is a motherboard, and I'll never get suckered into a bad computer deal again. Hehe, I feel like such a big nerd now.

Lasereth

Your story sounds familiar...you have a nice motherboard with really nice RAM, but you have a processor running at 1.25 GHz. If you don't have the FSB jumper set correctly on your motherboard, most Athlon XP's will show up as 1.2 GHz. Is there any chance that you actually have a nice processor with the FSB jumper setting wrong? Sorry if this is a simple question, but it's happened to people I know.

-Lasereth

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Senor Roboto

Thank goodness you posted that, I was just about to go buy a new processor. It's very possible that I have a nice processor. I thought the place I bought this computer from put in a XP 2800, but it wasn't running that fast, so I figured they ripped me off. How can I check this "FSB jumper setting"?

MooseMan3000

Whoa, good call Las. That didn't even occur to me.

Roboto: what you want to do is take a look at your motherboard documentation. Somewhere in there should be a description of all the jumpers on the entire motherboard, and if Lasereth is right, one of them will be a FSB setting jumper. Make sure you have it set to the 333 MHz for the 2800 (if it is a 2800).

I don't know if Athlons are, but I know my P4 is labeled... you might be able to literally look at the processor to see if it is, in fact, a 2800. Anyone know of a way to check with software (BIOS?) what he's running? I can't think of any right now. Then again, it is 12:30 in the morning, and I've had a long day...

Anyway, check both of those things. I suppose it would be a bit silly to get a new processor if you already had one that was just as fast.

Senor Roboto

Well I looked in my manual, and the only jumpers it had in it were two. One about clearing the system configuration, and another that configures the subwoofer audio signals.
And your second idea, looking at the processor it self. It's covered by the heat sink, if I take that off to take a look at the cpu, will it be easy to put back on?

Edit: I went into that BIOS thing, and it said the CPU FSB was 100 mhz. Would this explain the problem?

Edit2: I brought the CPU FSB up to 133 MHz, and now apparently my CPU is running at 1.67 GHz. I'm just wondering if this is safe for my computer, and what am I actually doing.

Lasereth

I'd go ahead and take the CPU fan off of the motherboard. Take the processor out and look at the bottom of it (or top, depending on which you have). It's rather easy to do with a flat-head screwdriver. Yes, you will have to use some force, but you're supposed to have to use some force. Those things are really snug. Just make sure you watch how it comes off so you know how to put it back on. Those videos at AMD's site show how to do it easily.

If you think you have an Athlon XP 2800+, then I'd set the BIOS to 166. That's the correct FSB setting for a 2800+. Right now you're at 1.67 GHz with 133. 166x12.5 will put you right at 2.08 GHz, the correct speed for a 2800+.

I'd take the processor off to be sure, though! Hey, the worst thing that can happen by changing the FSB is your PC not turning on. Then just reset it, clear the CMOS battery and restart. You'll know it's not a 2800+ then!

-Lasereth

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Senor Roboto

Well, I guess I do have a 2800+ then. I changed the FSB to 166, and now my cpu is running at 2.1 GHZ. Thank you guys SO much, you saved me a lot of time, money, and aggravation.

Lasereth

Can you go into BIOS and check the CPU Temperature for me? Just wanna make sure it's not running too hot. The fact that you have it running is just about sure fire proof that you have a 2800+, though.

-Lasereth

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Senor Roboto

The CPU temperature iis 55 degrees Celsius

Lasereth

Sounds good. Good thing ya didn't go out and buy a new processor!

-Lasereth

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