Which processor do I need

[JCROCCO]

I have a P4 mainboard M922LU (PC400 systemboards) currently with a 1.8G speed using socket-478 processor, supports up to 533 FSB, currently think it is 400, and for some reason recall I can only go up to 2.4G. If by changing processor, I can go from 400 to 533fsb, and 1.8 to 2.4, I would think that would greatly increase speed.

Using the Northbridge chipset P4X333, and the Southbridge VT8235.

Can I even go higher gig, like 3gig. FSB is probably controlled by the MB, but what can I do to help increase speed? I currently have only 512 mb ram, but I have 4 exact machines, and on the 2 others I have 1 gig ram,(max for MB) with no big significance.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[harpoon84]

Well, the fastest 533FSB P4 is the 3.06 HT model, not sure if your board can handle it though.

It's been long discontinued so you'll most likely need to find a 2nd hand one - provided your mobo supports it.

 

[Ayah]

You could save money and go with a brand new system.

 

[JCROCCO]

Here is the website I found on the board

http://www.pcchips.com.tw/PCCWeb/Produc...ail.aspx?DetailID=149&MenuID=0&LanID=2

the only thing I find different is this site says 2.0 gig max system memory, my user manual says 1 gig max.

Also, this site has what looks to be updates for my bios. How do I verify which bios version I have and how do you update it?

 

[JCROCCO]

Well, according to this chart it can,

http://www.pcchips.com.tw/PCCWeb/Produc...&DetailID=149&DetailName=CPU%20Support

However, this chart says the chips are Northwood, not Northbridge, like my manual says.

The picture looks like mine, and my MB numbers is the same. Dont know which one to trust, just like this documents says it can handle up to 2 gig, and y manual says only 1.

If I was to buy a chip and install it, will I need to do anything to the harddrive? I wouldnt ned to reinstall anything, like the OS would I?

 

[Bobthelost]

Northbridge is a part of the motherboard's chipset, Northwood is a CPU type. Different things entirely.

 

[Thor86]

Originally posted by: JCROCCO
Well, according to this chart it can,

http://www.pcchips.com.tw/PCCWeb/Produc...&DetailID=149&DetailName=CPU%20Support

However, this chart says the chips are Northwood, not Northbridge, like my manual says.

The picture looks like mine, and my MB numbers is the same. Dont know which one to trust, just like this documents says it can handle up to 2 gig, and y manual says only 1.

If I was to buy a chip and install it, will I need to do anything to the harddrive? I wouldnt ned to reinstall anything, like the OS would I?

If your motherboard manufacturer says it supports it, then it should, but you need to be aware of potential bios updates to your board in order to support the later cpus.

533fsb Northwoods are a rarity now a days. You could possibly put a 800fsb in there, but you'd be running at a lower Ghz speed and gambling even if it will work. Good luck.

 

[JCROCCO]

Can you change out completly the mothernboard, and ram(buy new upgraded MB), but use the existing HD and NOT have to reformat and reinstall the OS?

I have swapped out MB for the same MB without problems. Never upgraded a new MB and keeping system and HD.

 

[JCROCCO]

I found one on Ebay for $69. it states this

INTEL P4 NORTHWOOD 2.8GHz 512KB 533MHz PROCESSOR SL6PF

It says it was Pulled from Toshiba Satellite A70. May be compatible with other P4 socket 478 laptops.

Would the processors be the same? It also has this info:

SPECIFICATIONS
Processor type Intel Pentium 4
Processor core Northwood
Part number BX80532PE2800D
RK80532PE072512
Package type 478-pin FC-PGA2
Processor speed (GHz) 2.8
Bus speed (MHz) 533
L2 cache size (KB) 512
Qualification sample QWF9
Previous stepping SL6S4
Manufacturing technology (micron) 0.13
Core voltage (V) 1.525
Case temperature (°C) 75
Core Stepping D1
CPUID 0F29h

How can I verify this is the same and would work?