Stupid question, but gotta ask

[dragon25]

Ok, I'm using Windows XP SP2, and need to know.....

Where do I get motherboard specs, and then find out which processors can be placed on that board?

Currently running a AMD 1.9 GHZ, /w 1.5 Gigs of Ram..want to upgrade to something a lil faster...


thanks

[Schutt]

When you boot your computer motherboard brand and model number flash by, then check that on internet.

Also you can open the comp and look what is printed on the motherboard.

Also Sisoft Sandra for example lists motherboard manufacturer and type when you look for motherboard information

[ramzey]

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

http://www.softpedia.com/progDownload/CpuZ-Download-6980.html

[handy169]

you can just take the cover off and look on the board too.. most cases 2 screws and the side panel comes off. usually you will see the model number in white letters etched on the board

[Tigger29]

If you have a brand name computer, try GOOGLING the model number... you can usually with a little research find out the manufacturer and model of your motherboard, but not usually from the computer manufacturer's website, rather from the MOTHERBOARD manufacturer.

For example.. my old e-machines T1100 (1.0GHZ) has an "Anaheim III" motherboard... upgradeable to 1.1 GHZ and 512MB ram (but only by flashing bios from the motherboard manufacturer.. if you use bios versions supplied by eMachines it will only recognize up to 256MB).

There was no reference to "Anaheim III" on any of the eMachines websites.  EMachines simply lists that model as PIII Socket 370... 128MB.. 20GB.. onboard Intel Graphics.. etc. etc...  They usually only list how it comes from the factory, not what it's capable of.

These brand names do not make their own components.. they buy components manufactured by other companies, but sometimes to their specifications.  You'll sometimes find the same exact motherboard installed on both a Compaq and a Dell (for example)...


Good luck!

[handy169]

also you are probably running a barton althon XP 2600+ (1.9mhz socket A) . meaning your probably motherboard should take a athlon XP 3200+ (333 mhz FSB). there are 2 versions a 400mhz FSB and 333mhz FSB. if your motherboard can handle the 400mhz that would be your fastest option. stay away from the sempron line of socket A chips. they only have 128k cache on them. but if your running a socket A chip i would suggest a low end Althon 64 (939 or AM2) .. you can find CPU and MB and ram combos for under 150.00 http://www.pricewatch.com.  if you dont want to spend money and are just looking to switch your stuff over chances are your system uses a AGP card and that would mean you would  probably have to go with 939 socket as most if not all AM2 boards use  PCI(e) graphics cards now. also you may be able to use your ram if its DDR 333mhz  with the 939 chips set.  so may be your best option.

[Roscoroo]

the biggie here is theres only the sempron socket A  cpu's availiable new .. and alot of the older MB's cant run them without flashing the bios .

you could look on ebay for a barton or mobile barton cpu  


you may already have a good cpu in there and its just a default clock speed .

1.9 ghz can be any thing from a 2200+, 2400+  , 2500+, 2600+  or on up to a 3200+ that is ,,, as i said is underclocked or @ default .

cpuZ or cpuid  doesnt always show the cpu correctly when it comes to 32 bit AMD's   windows shows these cpu's as to what there clocked at not what they actually are .

As example I can take my 2500+ MBarton and make it show up as any cpu listed or go to unknown like it is in my DXdiag  (go to start/run type in Dxdiag yours may show your cpu/machine model ect ... )

------------------
Time of this report: 10/29/2006, 11:34:11
       Machine name:
   Operating System: Windows 2000 Professional (5.0, Build 2195) Service Pack 3
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
       System Model: A7N8X-E
               BIOS: Phoenix-Award BIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) , ~2.5GHz                 Memory: 1024MB RAM
          Page File: 145MB used, 2317MB available

 Note ;   this is a 1.83ghz 2500+ M barton Over clocked on watercooling
if i set it for 2.2 ghz  it shows up as a 3200+ .



so as my examples above you might be able to overclock your cpu alittle for more performance but you need to know exactly what hardware your using .along with things such as Cooling setup ..what temps your running at . what ram , and what type of powersupply is in your pc.

These barton cpu's hate to run at 54C and above  , its very important to track the temps with them . (I stress this point the most )

[stantond]

Originally posted by dragon25
Ok, I'm using Windows XP SP2, and need to know.....

Where do I get motherboard specs, and then find out which processors can be placed on that board?

Currently running a AMD 1.9 GHZ, /w 1.5 Gigs of Ram..want to upgrade to something a lil faster...


thanks

The best way I know to identify the motherboard is to open the case and read any manufacturers information on the board.   Having a name brand quality motherboard will allow you to upgrade the bios and figure out if you can upgrade the processor.  What you want to do is inexpensive and will extend the upgrade time a bit.  Figuring out the motherboard and then finding information about what processors it can handle is the tough part.  Having a better graphics card may be more cost effective, but those dont upgrade well due to motherboard changes.  


Good luck!

Malta