Replacing PC processor

[chairwars]

Im thinking of buying a new processor for my PC. My motherboard says that the processor must be mPGA478 socket compatible. So if I were to buy a Intel Pentium 4 PPGA 478pin, would that be compatible? Cheers in advance.

[Macro]

Yes. But do also check what FSB your mobo is. the 478 pin comes in 533 MHz and 800 MHHz FSB. Further, check the max speed of 478 processor that the mobo will accept.

Intel [developer.intel.com]

[chairwars]

Thanks Macro. Im having trouble finding out what FSB my mobo is but I think its probably the lower. I also can't find out the max speed of 478 processor the mobo will take. Im running a 1.8GHz Celeron processor with an Imperial 1.03 TriGem Computer, Inc.(WMT478/NWD) mobo with BIOS PhoenixBIOS 4.0 Release 6.0. Any ideas on how I can find out what the max speed of processor I can buy?

[oddsod]

The motherboard manual should have come with the PC. If you've lost it you can usually get a copy of the manual from the manufacturer's website. But, you can't do any of that if you don't know what your motherboard model is. This may help to identify your motherboard [pcnineoneone.com].

[chairwars]

I do have the motherboard manual but it does not tell me any of the information I need. The motherboard info is posted above, and the manufacturer is no help as their customer support is non existent.

[oddsod]

chairwars, I did see that and did a quick check in Google and it did not appear to be a full model number.

The Trigem computer bit is the company name, the WMT478/NWD sounds more like a format, the BIOS info does not seem to add anything.

If you can identify the exact model number (and revision) you can find a lot even if the manufacturer isn't helpful. A quick search in Google will lead you to forums etc where others have mentioned that specific motherboard. Also, the manual may have jumper setting info on items like the multiplier. You can work out the max speed it supports.

To be honest my personal opinion is that it's not worth upgrading just the processor. I doubt you will see any noticeable difference in performance.

[chairwars]

The motherboard model is IM845GL and the FSB is 400MHz so I think ill just give up on the whole idea. Thanks for your help. PS How easy is it to fit a new motherboard?

[oddsod]

It's pretty easy. You may want to check that the back plate has holes in the right place for the new board (or you get a new backplate to match it). Also make sure your PSU plugs into it, that you have the right sockets etc for all your other devices. And, a clean installation of Windows would be good too. Doesn't the 845GL include onboard graphics? You may need a new graphics card if the new board doesn't have OBG.

[chairwars]

Its got Intel Extreme Graphics (845)AGP, and I just found this page on my motherboard which has way more info than my manual: ht*p://www.e4allinc.info/dir1/motherboards/socket478/imperial.htm

[oddsod]

From that page:

Processor Family: Pentium 4 (Northwood, Willamette)
Note: So it may not take later 478 CPUs like the Prescott.

Chipset: Intel 82845GL
Pretty old chipset lacking many modern features. A new board could cost you $50-$100 and give you firewire, USB 2.0 etc. in addition to features you already have like the RJ45 (network card).

Video RAM Size: either 1-16MB or 1-32MB (Shared memory architecture similar to the Intel 810/810e chipset)
Severely limits gaming but also "robs" the rest of your PC of badly needed RAM.

Also, the "L" at the end of the chipset suggests it doesn't support 533 MHz FSB processors.

[chairwars]

So getting a new motherboard would seem like a good plan? Any suggestions on a good place to look for a new motherboard and the kind of features to look for in it?

[oddsod]

PC magazines do a good job of rounding up and evaluating motherboards. Have a browse thru' the mags at your local newsagent. There are several online review sites as well which you should be able to find with your favourite SE. In the end, if I wasn't a techie, I'd just go down to my local PC store and have them advise and fit it. Then should something not work you've got a comeback.

[chairwars]

Ok I replaced my motherboard with a new one and I'd like to do a clean install of windows, reformat the hard disk etc. So to do this do I uninstall windows XP from the Control Panel and format the hard drive seperately?

[oddsod]

If you are reformatting the hard disk you don't need to "uninstall windows". Formatting deletes everything on the disk.