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Old 13-08-2007, 07:53 PM   #1 (permalink) Top
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Default Backup Machine - processor Upgrade

I am trying to upgrade my old trusty Dell Optiplex GX1 400-L (Low profile chassis) backup machine, running W2000, for when my main machine breaks down (like now, for instance - am using it at the moment...)

This Specifications page at the Dell website says that the Optiplex GX1 processor speeds vary:
Documentation

..from: 266, 333, 350, 400, or 450 MHz (Pentium II);
to: 450, 500, 550, or 600 MHz (Pentium III)

I have had the 400MHz (Pentium II) for donkey's years but have just bought a 600MHz (Pentium III) Cpu and heatsink on Ebay and I am wondering if I am doing the right thing?


The Optiplex GX1 Service Manual also gives a series of settings for the System-Board Jumpers in increments from 266MHz to only 500MHz and I am also confused about:

"Install 500MHz jumper if the microprocessor’s internal speed is 500 MHz; otherwise, the jumper should not be installed"
"Install 450MHz jumper if the..." etc, etc down to 266MHz.

..and also: "One set of speed jumpers must have a jumper plug installed; otherwise, the system defaults to 350 MHz."

The confusing thing here being the jumper setting currently is 266MHz!


I am also wondering on the maximum sensible Mb to go up to on a Graphics pci Card - The current onboard Video Memory is just the standard 4mb with a further (unobtainable) 4mb uprade option - the PSU is only 145W
I dipped into Ebay and am waiting delivery of an 8mb Matrox but I'm wondering if I could have gone for something a little stronger?

Many thanks in advance

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Old 14-08-2007, 03:46 AM   #2 (permalink) Top
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Why did you such a low speed CPU. At least P IV is going to be the best.
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Old 14-08-2007, 06:05 PM   #3 (permalink) Top
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well i can say that it won't worth the money you spent to a new second hand pentium 3 600mhz cpu

running for linux it may be enough but general concerns for todays computing world needs at least a athlon 64 or pentium 4

anyway if you gonna use it for office products (openoffice.org etc.) it is enough for you but watching movies or playing anything by building up a network is a dream almost with that 4mb pci graphics card

my suggestion is saving money change it completely when you need to but for now don't do anything more than the cpu upgrade you have done
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Old 15-08-2007, 08:51 AM   #4 (permalink) Top
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I think the performance would be the first thing we have to take care of.
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Old 16-08-2007, 08:53 PM   #5 (permalink) Top
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eranga262154 View Post
I think the performance would be the first thing we have to take care of.
you think about performance i think about the case that pc is a backup system for him.
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Old 17-08-2007, 03:29 AM   #6 (permalink) Top
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dracos View Post
you think about performance i think about the case that pc is a backup system for him.
Both are important
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Old 26-08-2007, 07:52 PM   #7 (permalink) Top
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Quote:
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Why did you such a low speed CPU. At least P IV is going to be the best.
The motherboard can't accomodate a P4. P2's came in Slot 1 format only.
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Old 03-09-2007, 06:11 AM   #8 (permalink) Top
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True, but I'm not talking about slots.
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