Intel P4 - "Upgrading"

[GDW1982]

Hi all,

 

I am going to be shortly upgrading my Pentium 4 processor to a slightly quicker one. I have been in contact with Intel and found a few P4 Processors that work with my 6 year old motherboard.

 

I was informed that I will probably need to upgrade my Fan/Heat Sink too. So I have been looking on eBay and other sites and come across this one But looking at the bottom of it, its rounded where my one is square. Does this matter? The one in my machine at the moment isn't an Intel one like the one in the listing. I assume other companies as well as Intel make fan/heat sinks.

 

The other thing I would like to know, is about BIOS versions. Whilst looking at the Processors that are suitable for my Motherboard, I noticed the "BIOS Version". Now my current P4 is 515 and it says BIOS Version 0244 or greater, the Chip I am looking at says BIOS 0401 or greater. Now I found my BIOS Version, 0067 (I think that's right, the full number is: EV91510A.15A.0067) If 0067 is right, is there something wrong somewhere for my 515 to need version 0244 or greater, or is the BIOS Version numbers confusing me lol. I looked on Intel's website and there doesn't seem to be an upgrade for my BIOS Version or if there is, I can't see it.

 

Doing processors is new for me, but eager to learn, so please excuse my "newbish" questions.

 

Many thanks in advance,

 

Gareth.

[KenB]

Hi,

 

Why are you upgrading the CPU ?

I am not sure that you will see a great deal of difference between your 3GHz and the 3.8GHz max that is suggested.

 

EV91510A.15A.0067

I can't seem to find much related to this or if 0067 is the BIOS Version.

 

Try this:

Start > type in the Run box .....regedit......ENTER

Then click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Hardware > Description >System .......click on BIOS

On the right side is listed the version / vendor / release date etc.

 

Does this confirm the BIOS version for you?

[GDW1982]

I know seem strange to most, but I am quite attached to this PC and figuredI could just upgrade. I was going to buy a new PC, after saving, but I thought (at first) buying RAM and Windows 7 for this computer was a cheaper option, but now it looks like I may have to upgrade the CPU.

 

Now the main reason I want to upgrade the CPU is because, yesterday I got 4gb RAM and installed it, but running Windows 7 Home Premium 32bit, when I look in the system properties, it shows 4gb but only 2.87gb avaliable. So I searched on the Microsoft website and many people had the same issue, one fix was to install Windows 7 64bit. But my Pentium 4 doesn't support 64bit Windows, so I contacted Intel and they suggested getting a bit better chip aka the 630 or above.

 

I did as suggested with the BIOS Version:

 

GATEWA - 20040722

BIOS Date: 07/22/04 17:17:29 Ver: 08.00.10

BIOS Date: 07/22/04 17:17:29 Ver: 08.00.10

 

 

But this is what is said under Start > Run > MSInfo32

[ATTACH=CONFIG]583.vB5-legacyid=1260[/ATTACH]

 

and with regards to the fan, does it matter the shape so long as it compatible with my LGA775 socket?

Edited October 15, 2011 by GDW1982

[KenB]

Hi

 

4GB is the maximum that a 32 Bit system can recognise.

The 2.87 GB can be explained.

1.13 GB is allocated elsewhere - particularly to the Video Adapter.

 

Download Speccy from here:

http://www.piriform.com/speccy

 

Let's see what it says about the BIOS

[GDW1982]

I have a Nvidia 8600GT 256mb Graphics card that I installed myself. Do you mean the Video Adapater on the motherboard? If so is there anyway I can reclaim my 'missing' ram?

 

Here is what Speccy said about the BIOS:

 

BIOS

Brand Intel Corp.

Version EV91510A.15A.0067.2004.0722.1717

Date 07/22/2004

 

and the RAM:

 

RAM

Memory slots

Total memory slots 4

Used memory slots 4

Free memory slots 0

Memory

Type DDR

Size 4096 MBytes

Channels # Dual

DRAM Frequency 133.3 MHz

CAS# Latency (CL) 3 clocks

RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 3 clocks

RAS# Precharge (tRP) 3 clocks

Cycle Time (tRAS) 8 clocks

Physical Memory

Memory Usage 46 %

Total Physical 2.87 GB

Available Physical 1.53 GB

Total Virtual 2.00 GB

Available Virtual 1.89 GB

SPD

Number Of SPD Modules 4

Slot #1

Type DDR

Size 1024 MBytes

Manufacturer Micron Technology

Max Bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)

Part Number 16VDDF12864AY40BF1

Serial Number D367B659

Week/year 73 / 16

SPD Ext. EPP

JEDEC #3

Frequency 200.0 MHz

CAS# Latency 3.0

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 8

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #2

Frequency 166.7 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.5

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 7

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #1

Frequency 133.3 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.0

RAS# To CAS# 2

RAS# Precharge 2

tRAS 6

Voltage 2.500 V

Slot #2

Type DDR

Size 1024 MBytes

Manufacturer Micron Technology

Max Bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)

Part Number 16VDDF12864AY40BF1

Serial Number D367B64B

Week/year 73 / 16

SPD Ext. EPP

JEDEC #3

Frequency 200.0 MHz

CAS# Latency 3.0

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 8

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #2

Frequency 166.7 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.5

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 7

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #1

Frequency 133.3 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.0

RAS# To CAS# 2

RAS# Precharge 2

tRAS 6

Voltage 2.500 V

Slot #3

Type DDR

Size 1024 MBytes

Manufacturer Micron Technology

Max Bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)

Part Number 16VDDF12864AY40BF1

Serial Number D367B603

Week/year 73 / 16

SPD Ext. EPP

JEDEC #3

Frequency 200.0 MHz

CAS# Latency 3.0

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 8

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #2

Frequency 166.7 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.5

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 7

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #1

Frequency 133.3 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.0

RAS# To CAS# 2

RAS# Precharge 2

tRAS 6

Voltage 2.500 V

Slot #4

Type DDR

Size 1024 MBytes

Manufacturer Micron Technology

Max Bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)

Part Number 16VDDF12864AY40BF1

Serial Number D367B613

Week/year 73 / 16

SPD Ext. EPP

JEDEC #3

Frequency 200.0 MHz

CAS# Latency 3.0

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 8

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #2

Frequency 166.7 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.5

RAS# To CAS# 3

RAS# Precharge 3

tRAS 7

Voltage 2.500 V

JEDEC #1

Frequency 133.3 MHz

CAS# Latency 2.0

RAS# To CAS# 2

RAS# Precharge 2

tRAS 6

Voltage 2.500 V

 

and finally Graphics:

 

Graphics

Monitor

Name X1700DS on NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT

Current Resolution 1280x1024 pixels

Work Resolution 1280x984 pixels

State enabled, primary

Monitor Width 1280

Monitor Height 1024

Monitor BPP 32 bits per pixel

Monitor Frequency 60 Hz

Device \\.\DISPLAY1\Monitor0

GeForce 8600 GT

GPU G84

Device ID 10DE-0402

Revision A2

Subvendor nVidia (10DE)

Current Performance Level Level 1

Current GPU Clock 540 MHz

Current Memory Clock 700 MHz

Current Shader Clock 1188 MHz

Technology 80 nm

Die Size 169 nm²

Transistors 289 M

Release Date Apr 17, 2007

DirectX Support 10.0

DirectX Shader Model 4.0

OpenGL Support 3.0

Bus Interface PCI Express x16

Temperature 79 °C

Driver nvlddmkm.sys

Driver version 8.17.12.8026

ForceWare version 280.26

BIOS Version 60.84.18.00.00

ROPs 8

Shaders 32 unified

Memory Type GDDR3

Physical Memory 256 MB

Virtual Memory 1472 MB

Bus Width 128 Bit

Edited October 15, 2011 by GDW1982

[GDW1982]

After more searching for the "missing" ram, I have found that most 32 bit systems of any Windows/Linux doesn't actually use the full 4gb as 3gb seems to be their limit. Interesting articles here and here which confirmed this. So I might just pull out 2 of 1gb rams and get 2 x 512mb thus equalling 3gb, or just keep what I have in there, since now I have bought them.

 

Just wish I had read about it before I bought them. I guess it didn't dawn on me to look, as when I read the Motherboards manual, it said it can handle 4gb maximum, so figured it would be ok. But I guess upgrading the processor to a 64bit compatible wouldn't hurt. Just got to find the right one, by finding out my true BIOS version.

Edited October 15, 2011 by GDW1982

[KenB]

Regarding your RAM

 

Keep the 4GB.

I have 4GB in my 32Bit laptop.

 

RAM requirements is confusing - but if the system supports 4GB and "sees" only 3GB it does not mean that it ignores 1GB

 

Your second link explains it better. If you have 3GB RAM your system still needs to allocate memory to the likes of

• System ROM
  
• APIC(s)
  
• Integrated PCI devices, such as network connectors and SCSI controllers
  
• PCI cards
  
• Graphics card
  
• Some PCI Express cards (from your link)
  

============

 

Back to your BIOS update:

 

I am assuming your system is a Gateway ??

This being the case take a look here

http://support.gateway.com/us/en/product/default.aspx?tab=1

 

You may need to click on "Change Selected Product" top left

 

[url=http://support.gateway.com/us/en/product/default.aspx?tab=1][/url]You will need to know Series ( 400 for instance ) and the Model Number.

You will then be able to look at the BIOS

 

This will be linked to the Motherboard that you have.

If you can get some details of this too it will help.

[GDW1982]

My computer is an eMachines 5240, some test scans do show that it's a Gatway, I guess because Gateway and eMachines are the same company.

 

Also the fan/heat sink is a bit confusing. Intel for example recommended this one

 

 

The one in my computer looks like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]584.vB5-legacyid=1261[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]585.vB5-legacyid=1262[/ATTACH]

The silver "spikey" bits (not sure what they are called) are in square shape on my computer, although it doesn't look like an Intel one, compared to that in the link above which the bottom part looks circular, with different clips. Would the one on eBay fit? its an LGA775 socket just like mine on the computer.

Edited October 16, 2011 by GDW1982

[KenB]

Is your motherboard Augsburg 915G ?

 

Speccy may give you this information.

[GDW1982]

Is your motherboard Augsburg 915G ?

 

Speccy may give you this information.

 

No Intel:

 

Manufacturer Intel Corporation

Model D915GAG

Chipset Vendor Intel

Chipset Model i915P/i915G

Chipset Revision B1

Southbridge Vendor Intel

Southbridge Model 82801FB (ICH6)

[KenB]

I think I was in the right ball park ...

 

Augsburg 915G is an Intel board.

 

Speccy reported ......D915GAG

 

Regarding BIOS update:

Take a look here.....

There is a BIOS version 0482 date 27/9/2006 which is an update on your 2004 version.

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&keyword="Intel+Desktop+Board+D915GAG"#

 

Read the "Which file should I download" as the first option is for recovery.

I think you would be best advised selecting the 3rd option.

 

 

http://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=10140&lang=eng&OSVersion=&DownloadType=BIOS

Have you spent any money on this machine yet?

I am just thinking that if the BIOS upgrade ( flash ) goes wrong you could have a machine that will not boot up at all.

 

 

 

[GDW1982]

That is what I was told by a friend about Flashing the BIOS. I have spent a bit of money on it, buying new hard drive, new power unit, new graphics card, RAM and Windows 7 Upgrade (from XP).

 

I have a spare hard drive sat here with XP on it. IF I put that in and Flashed my BIOS, and it doesn't work, would it just affect the Hard-Drive, or would it damage the Motherboard too? Plus that download, doesn't seem to cover Windows 7?

 

I have been looking on eBay and seeing what simiilar spec, but with higher clock speed processor that can support 64-bit, 2nd Hand PC's are going for, seem for less then £100 I can pick one up. Thinking if maybe they come with SATA Drives, then I can plug mine in there, if they have PCI-E x16 slots, then my GFX Card can go in and more importantly DDR slots, since my girlfriend bought me the 4gb of ram for this one for my birthday (unusual Birthday present I know lol).

Edited October 17, 2011 by GDW1982

[KenB]

I have a spare hard drive ........ and Flashed my BIOS, and it doesn't work, would it just affect the Hard-Drive, or would it damage the Motherboard too?

The BIOS is a programmable chip that is actually on the motherboard.

Flashing the BIOS has no effect on the Hard Drive at all.

If you flashed the BIOS with the wrong "update" or for some reason the update was interrupted then your system would not boot at all.

There is no "undo".

You would have to re-flash the BIOS until you got it right.

 

doesn't seem to cover Windows 7?

This is not surprising that Win7 is not listed. The update is dated Sept 2006. Vista was released at the end of 2006 and Win7 obviously later.

There is a Win7 Upgrade Advisor here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

Download the software - it will tell you.

[GDW1982]

This is not surprising that Win7 is not listed. The update is dated Sept 2006. Vista was released at the end of 2006 and Win7 obviously later.

There is a Win7 Upgrade Advisor here:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/downloads/upgrade-advisor

Download the software - it will tell you.

 

Why do I need to download an Upgrade Advisor, when I am already on Windows 7?

 

I think for the "risk" of messing up my Chip, I will leave the Flashing for now. Till I know for sure it will definately be ok to do on my PC.

[GDW1982]

Thanks for the advice. I think I will leave flashing my BIOS, just in case.

 

As with Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, I already have Windows 7 on my PC, so don't need to know if it will run, lol.

 

I have decided to get a new PC now, been looking at a Quad Core machine on eBay (new) that is reasonable, so might be purchasing that and putting my Hard Drive in it.

[KenB]

Windows 7 Upgrade (from XP).

Sorry - I misinterpreted your post. I assumed you had bought the items for the upgrade but had not done it yet.

 

so might be purchasing that and putting my Hard Drive in it.

You are aware that if you do this the machine will not boot up as Windows will detect a new motherboard and hardware ?

You would need to re-install the Operating System.

Unless, of course, the m/board is exactly the same as the old one.

 

Till I know for sure it will definately be ok to do on my PC.

The links I have given you are correct for your motherboard - I was just pointing out that if something does go wrong with flashing the BIOS your system will not be able to boot up.

I always advise that if you can possibly avoid flashing the BIOS - do so.

[GDW1982]

The machine I am looking at getting supports 64-bit Windows 7, which I got with my upgrade disc, it states in the installation that you have to go from 32bit to 64bit Windows 7 from boot up, unlike upgrading XP to 7 whilst actually in Windows.