New Processor

[Penis Monkey]

I'm looking to get a new processor, a top notch one, but I don't know if it is possible to replace the current one. Does anyone know if you can?
Also, can you replace a processor yourself or do you have to get a specialist to do it?
Can I get any new processor or is the choice limited by the motherboard I have?
And one more thing, I also intend to buy more RAM but my computer says 256MB MAX. It has probably already been mentioned somewhere but I want to know what would happen if I exceeded the maximum amount. Would the excess RAM not work or would it work perfectly fine as if there was no limitation?
Thankyou.

[CornerPocket]

Providing your pc specs would help determine what you are capable of upgrading too.

Changing a cpu is really not to difficult and would probably take around 3-5 minutes to remove/install. Most current mobo's have the auto cpu config that does the work for you vs. setting jumpers. Of course change out times could vary based on someone who has done it vs. not at all.

Adding more memory to a limited mobo is not worth the effort. May not be recognized anyway. Better to upgrade type persay from say pc100 - pc133 to DDR if allowable.

More spec info will get more responses.

[Wolfmight]

u can still get fast cpus for under $100 online.

Amd Althon XP 2400 2.0ghz $75
Pentium 4 1.8GHz Sock 478 $62

check http://www.pricewatch.com/

[ilw]

I sincerely doubt your motherboard can handle a good chip if it can only cope with 256Mb ram.
Your mobo is really gonna limit u, u can't exceed any of its specs so what it lists for max processor speed, ram quantity and speed those are ur limits. If u've got the money upgrade the mobo along with processor, ram and graphics card.
As cornerpocket said, specs/model would give us a better idea

[Penis Monkey]

256MB RAM MAX
20GB HD
3 Serial Ports
Intel Something Graphics Card (Not compat. with XP)
Came with Windows ME but upgraded to XP
Intel Celeron Processor
Serial to USB hub using a serial port
56K Modem but use external 150K Cable Modem

That's all I can think of.

EDIT: In £, how much do you think my PC would be worth. I know that there isn't much info to go by, but I can't remember the full spec.

[CornerPocket]

Originally posted by Penis Monkey@3 July 2003 - 10:37
256MB RAM MAX
20GB HD
3 Serial Ports
Intel Something Graphics Card (Not compat. with XP)
Came with Windows ME but upgraded to XP
Intel Celeron Processor
Serial to USB hub using a serial port
56K Modem but use external 150K Cable Modem

That's all I can think of.

Getting closer, try using Belarc. Gives a detailed report of system specs. Need to know what Celeron processor speed you currently have, memory type (we see that it is 256MB) and mobo type. After that more details can be provided.

[Nightwolf]

Contact your PC manufacturer, or if you can find the brand and model number of your motherboard you may be able to find the upgrade info online.

You can get pretty cheap processors here, but I'm not sure if they ship to Europe. If your motherboard can't handle the upgrade, you might want to consider one of their 'Barebones' systems...

http://www.pcdirect.com/cats.asp?CatID=60

[Penis Monkey]

Here you go, finally.

Operating System

System Model
Windows XP Professional (build 2600)

TriGem Computer, Inc. Emachines 100
Processor a

Main Circuit Board b
733 megahertz Intel Celeron
32 kilobyte primary memory cache
128 kilobyte secondary memory cache

Board: TriGem Computer, Inc. TriGem System Board
Bus Clock: 66 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies LTD Version 1.02 01/09/2001
Drives

Memory Modules c,d
20.01 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
12.34 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space

SAMSUNG COMBO SM-304B [CD-ROM drive]
3.5" format removeable media [Floppy drive]

ST320413A [Hard drive] (20.02 GB) -- drive 0

192 Megabytes Installed Memory

Slot 'M1' has 128 MB
Slot 'M2' has 64 MB

Local Drive Volumes

c: (on drive 0)
20.01 GB
12.34 GB free
Logins

Network Drives
OEMCOMPUTER\default
NT AUTHORITY\LOCAL SERVICE
NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE
NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM

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EPSON Stylus C42 Series
on USB001
Controllers

Display
Standard floppy disk controller
Intel® 82801AA Bus Master IDE Controller
Primary IDE Channel [Controller]
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller]

Intel® 82810 Graphics Controller [Display adapter]
Plug and Play Monitor (13.8"vis, March 2001)
Bus Adapters

Multimedia
Intel® 82801AA USB Universal Host Controller
OPTi 82C861 PCI to USB Open Host Controller

Intel® 82801AA AC'97 Audio Controller
MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device
Standard Game Port
Communications

Other Devices
Conexant SoftK56 PCI Modem(M)
USB Cable Modem 351000
Network Card MAC Address: 000:59:F7:63:4B
Network IP Address: xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx / 24

Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
PS/2 Compatible Mouse
USB Root Hub
USB Root Hub

[CornerPocket]

Okay looks like you have a Emachine computer. Could either be a eTower 733i (US version) or eMachine (UK version).

Take a look at the tower see if you have a model number on the front. Then go to the Unofficial eMachine Help Site. Tons of good info related to your type of machine. Once you get the model number, you should have no issue finding upgrade info. You may also want to upgrade any board drivers and Bios, once pinpointed.

On the site to the left is Motherboards (How To & Reference), click to help identify yours once you have the pc model number.

To the right is Max Cpu Support

Think you will find that site very useful.

[Penis Monkey]

Thankyou very much for your concern. I am very grateful of your help.
Again, thankyou.