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What matters in swapping a CPU?

C

CPUSwap

Junior Member
I have Dell with a PIII 600EB (not sure what the exact model is but it's VCC is either 1.65v or 1.70v). I also have a PIII 933 SL52Q stepping cD0 and runs at 1.75v. They're both FC-PGA form factor, both have a .18ø core, but the 600 is stepping cC0, cA2, or cB0. I want to put the 933 in the Dell, but how will I know they're compatible. I know the motherboard has to be able to support the voltage requirement, but both CPUs are the same form factor, same core size, use the same chipset, and if you look at the Intel site they're grouped as having all the same features.
 
Just found out it's a SL3XT stepping cB0 on the 600EB. If it helps. Oh yeah, that means it's a 1.65v requirement.
 
The problem with your senario is you bought a Dell, they are very good at making sure you have extremely limited upgrade paths, you will have to confirm that you can adjust the vcore and multiplier, if the board is locked(should be automatic as Dell doesn't have many manual jumpered multpliers on their system boards) on the motherboard to use the 933 at Intel's specs, you may get lucky and it will pop in and work, if it does work don't be suprised that you may have some interesting quirks with your system. I am a Dell Certified Systems Expert on over 250 models including but not limited to Low-Mid range PowerEdge servers, all laptops, and all Desktops/Workstations (Lot's of pain in the ass tests). The bios template that is used for all thier Desktops systems is limited in nature to what you can do(on purpose). This ensures that if you want an upgrade, you have to buy a new Computer which they profit from more than upgrades. Their servers on not as bad as their desktops/workstations, as IT personel tend to have more general knowlege than joeQ down the street.
 
I helping my friend out here, and his dad scored this free Dell so we're just trying to soup it up a bit with a Gateway he got (that's the donor 933 but it's on a baby AT board and it's slow). It's a Optiplex GX110 if that helps. The BIOS has been flashed to the Dell/Phoenix revision A08. It's so limited though, no way to alter multipliers. Have not seen a jumper on the motherboard yet either. What do you suppose I do?
 
CPUSwap -- Start by checking Dell's tech support site. They may (or may not) have some answers. If the motherboard or BIOS is new enough, it may automatically recognize the new CPU and set the mulitplier and bus speed correctly. Depending on the date of manufacture, this may also require you to flash the BIOS. An e-mail to Dell's tech support may get you some accurate answers. 🙂

Powerleap makes conversion units that allow swapping newer CPU's into older slots, but they cost way too much compared to just buying a new motherboard and starting from scratch.

If you want to use the 933, and the old machine won't accept it directly, forget the Dell. You're getting a real computer, Dude. 😉
 
Well I'm now on the Dell with the 933 in it, it didn't boot the first time... POSTed, no error beeps, just didn't go past the bios, but the second time was fine and everything is running smoothly. It says 933 so the multipliers must've been set to 7, and the BIOS is flashed to the newest revision. Just wonder if they'll be any quirks. If so, we'll just use the 600EB again, but for now YAY!
 
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