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CPU ADAPTOR/////////


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#1
superstar

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I have a "HP Vectra VL400" desktop model pc that utilizes a socket 370. This is my first pc ever. I have an intermidiate knowledge about pc modding, but I have come to a stand still and need help. I am in the mists of attempting to change the old 800mhz Pentium 3 cpu on my motherboard. I have crammed out an entire week on the web learning about adaptors for Pentium 3 sockets. I have a 800mhz cpu on my mobotherboard, but I have done the research and have learned that somehow I can use a socket 370 adaptor in order to use a "1.4Ghz Tualatin" Pentium 3 processor. I have also read up on the fact that a 1.4Ghz Tualatin P3 cpu can be overclocked to about 2.0Ghz. The 1.4Ghz Tualatin has been known to beat the first P4 chips in serious benchmark tests with overclocking. Hense I can save myself the money from buying a new pc, or motherboard, ram, cpu, etc. I know what 2Ghz can do so I am satisfied with attempting to reach that using a Tualatin processor accompanied by an adaptor.


This is the cpu in my system right now: (I assume I am in the range of 500mhz and -1100mhz P3 processors, so I probably use FC-PGA)
http://processorfind...=ALL&CorSpd=ALL


I am in the mists of purchasing one of these types of 1.4Ghz Tualatin processors from a store: (These are just the specs of the ones I am interested in)
http://processorfind...=ALL&CorSpd=ALL

http://processorfind...=ALL&CorSpd=ALL

http://processorfind...=ALL&CorSpd=ALL


I know for a fact that there are "FC-PGA to FC-PGA2" adaptors for socket 370 motherboards available on the internet. There are two main ones I know of which are:
- 370GU http://upgradeware.c...370gu/370gu.htm

- Lin Lin http://www.mycablesh...sku/FC-PGA2.htm

- Lin Lin http://www.hardwarec...cket_370_FC-PGA


There are probably more FC-PGA to FC-PGA2 adaptors out there I do not know of. So far from reading the compatibility list on the 370GU adaptor, I see that they list a "HP Vectra VL400MT" model pc. It's still in the HP Vectra line, and probably has some of the same components mine does. I need to know how I should go about doing this adaption, and if it would work. I am more than curious to hear what all of you have to say about your expertise with the Tualatin chips, and FC-PGA to FC-PGA2 adaptors on various socket 370 motherboards. You see I am not sure if I can use a single 1.4Ghz Tualatin chip on my motherboard using an adaptor. I am also in a black cloud wondering which adaptor would be my best bet, especially with the fact that I want to overclock the Tualatin chip to around 2Ghz. & I don't know which adaptor would let me do that.


Another problem area is wondering if the "Micro Fin - Xp Cooler (AMD XP2400+, XP2700+, XP3200+)" copper base heatsink with fan I have will clamp onto the socket with a cpu adaptor mounted on top of of the original socket. & yes I did say AMD heatsink with fan! I bought it because it fits perfectly on a socket 370, and is semi universal. That is the heatsink and fan I currently use on my socket 370 motherboard, with no problems! I still have the heatsink that originally came on the socket, though it did'nt have a fan on it. I've been using this AMD heatsink with fan for months.


They say you may need an updated bios to get one of these adaptors to work. That seems fine by me, and if I have to do it I guess I will. Although I have never updated a bios before.


Intel made Pentium 3 1.4Ghz Tualatin processors for use on a server, utilizing two cpus at one time. That was back in the day, though they did end up manufacturing motherboards that supported one single Tualatin cpu. I am not in that boat though, and am not going to change my motherboard for one that supports a single Tualatin processor. I rather use a cheap $4 adaptor. The question is will it still allow me to use a single 1.4Ghz Tualatin cpu, even if it comes from a server?


The 370GU adaptor seems a lot more compatible with Tualatin cpus. It claims to support the socket 370 for Intel Pentium-III-S/Pentium-III/Celeron Tualatin-core processors, it even claims support for Pentium-III 1.4Ghz. The Lin Lin adaptor actually brings jumpers which you can use to configure settings for the cpu. Seen here: http://www.hardwarec...9/reviews_id/15


I don't think the 370GU uses jumpers like the Lin Lin.


Reviews on how the Lin Lin preformed on end users pcs can be seen here:
http://www.hardwarec...od/199/prod/199?


From what I read the adpator sites claim all to be true, and claim they can make these adaptions. But of course I may be interpreting this all wrong. I am an intermidiate pc user and modder. I just don't have the cash to cough up a P4 like the rest of you's. & I am not going to be buying a whole new pc for a very, very, long time. I am somewhat happy with my system, but know I can push it to the max. My only option is attempting the "1.4GHZ PENTIUM 3 TUALATIN" challange! The Tualatin has a 512kb L2 cache, and still remains at a 133fsb like the processor I currently use. Except my processor uses 256kb L2 cache. So maybe it is possible, though maybe I won't be able to use the entire 512kb cache. A next thing is the core voltages differ from my 800mhz processor to the Tualatin. I guess that's what the jumpers are for on the Lin Lin adaptor. The 370Gu probably does all of that automatically.


Any of you with me on this one? Sure could use the help. I been cramming my head til 4am everyday on the net searching google on how the transformation can be made into reality. I just don't want to make any mistakes, and don't want to waste money on crappy adaptors, or a Tualatin that will not work or be compatible with this challenge. My pc is very good for an old system. Heck I modded it in an acrylic case, added 512MB ram, new 450 psu, led lights, put in a radeon 9550, bought a dvd dual layer burner, and more. This pc astonishes me for what it was, and what it is now. It is very stable and fast. Although that 2Ghz overclocking sounds a [bleep] of a lot good to me! If you can help me on this karma sure will bite you in the a**.


By the way using the program "Everest" I've checked what it says for chipset and it says "Intel Solano i815" in the "Northbridge" properties list. Obviously under the same list it says "Tualatin CPU - Not Supported". Maybe that can help you guys identify the issue as well. Though that's what the adaptors for!


I hope I can use one of these adaptors, and a 1.4Ghz cpu overclocked closely near 2Ghz. That will save me a lot of time and money. I am exhausted from all the reading I have done on the net. I have'nt slept for 4 days. All for the fact I want this pc to have that kind of cpu.


Please Do Not Make Any Posts About How I Should Wait And Save Up Money For A New Pc, Or How It Is Not Worth It. I Do Not Have The Funds For That, And I Am Trying To Extend The Life Of This Pc!


Thank You All Who Post!


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Edited by superstar, 28 May 2006 - 05:01 AM.

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#2
austin_o

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Oops, excuse me. Now that you mention it I do remember reading that in the very first line of your post. I guess by the time I finished reading that long and rather tedious post, I forgot. Perhaps someone will have the information you are looking for so hang in there. Keep in mind there are other possible solutions to consider, like maybe a barebones computer, a barebones kit or motherboard/cpu combo that could achieve your desired outcome. Good luck!

Edited by austin_o, 28 May 2006 - 10:24 AM.

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#3
superstar

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NO I do not have a slot 1. I have a socket 370 that is currently running a Pentium 3 800Mhz 256L2 cache 133fsb FC-PGA processor. Thanx though. Next person please. Read the top... First post!

Thanx though!
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