How can I upgrade this computer?

[sicko]

Hello people, I just got a computer off a friend of mine, I've moved my computer for my framily to use and I want to put the computer I just got in my room so that I can write papers, play MP3s, and maybe play some games. Anyways, the computer is an old Packard Bell Penium 166 MHz. I don't even think it has MMX. Is this computer upgradeable at all? I'm not worried about cutting edge speed I just want to get the CPU up to speed a bit more so I can play some games on it. I'm getting some RAM off another friend so I'll have 64mb (that's enough for doing class work, MP3s, and games), I can get an ISA graphics card to replace the onboard graphics, but the only thing I'm willing to spend some $$$ on is a new CPU. So my question for you guys is if there is anything I can do with this system. Really, if I can get it up to 300+ MHz, I'd be happy. I don't want to drop much cash on this thing, like I said it's just for class work, mp3s, and games. I don't want to spend more then maybe $60-$100 on it. If it can be done please let me know, I don't know much about Intel CPUs b/c I've always used AMD chips when I build a system. Thanks for your help, sicko

[mefisto3]

it depends on your mobo whether u can upgrade the cpu or not. check what is the max cpu speed it supports. i would think prob upto 300Mhz.

[kersplat2]

Most p166 boards supported up to p180 -p233 chips, I believe. The problem to me would be actually finding one, but thats what pricewatch is for 8).

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System specs:
IBM keyboard
Microsoft Intellimouse 3.0

[richardginn]

well computergeeks.com has a 200 mghz chip for sale for only 18 bucks!!!!!

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www.geocities.com/richardginn/templatehtml -Come visit the Template HTML homepage

[bluesfusion]

Hey you said you want to spend $60-$100 on it, right? Then just throw away that motherboard and CPU. You can buy a new ECS mobo and a Duron combo for less than $100!!!

The costs from pricewatch are -
1GHz Duron + mobo combo = $101
950Mhz Duron + mobo = $90
900Mhz Duron + mobo = $87

Much better than 166Mhz or 300Mhz.
And you can't play any games on a 300Mhz cpu anymore. It'll play mp3s well even on 166Mhz, but for games, you better stick to minesweeper, hearts and solitaire even on a 300Mhz.

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1)Duron 750@900, Epox 8KTA3, 256MB Cas2, 32MB GeForce2 MX, 60GB Maxtor D740X, CDRW, DVD, ZIP100, SB Live!, Cable.
2)Duron 700@800, MSI K7TPro2A, 128MB Cas3, 8MB ATI Rage Pro Turbo, 20GB Maxtor, Onboard Sound, T3 connection.

[Mechanic]

"If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it!" There is no way to economically upgrade this system. I have built and repaired hundreds of systems and you don't want to try this. If the system works, use it like it is. If it doesn't work, use it for a door stop! Here is the short list:

Just remember that there are probably a dozen systems made with 166 CPU's all configured differently. The exact specs for your system are serial number specific.

1. Sound card and modem may be integrated on the same card.
2. System will probably required special ram that will cost three times as much as PC133 ram.
3. Bios will not recognize a large HD and will require special software to allow it to function with drives over 8GB.
4. Motherboard may not accept any other CPU but the type and speed in the system.
5. System probably contains a 135 Watt power supply.

And the list goes on and on and on and on and on!



[This message has been edited by Mechanic (edited February 07, 2002).]

[Thraner]

Originally posted by sicko:
I've moved my computer for my framily to use and I want to put the computer I just got in my room so that I can write papers, play MP3s, and maybe play some games.

why did you give up your computer for this one??? also, don't forget about p0rn....
Thraner

[CadetLee]

ISA video card for games!? Ack!

I'd just sell it for as much as you can get, then build an el cheapo duron system

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System specs

Heatware

CadetLee: A walking commercial for AMD, Lite-On, PowerVR, and Newegg.

[Thraner]

Originally posted by CadetLee:
I'd just sell it for as much as you can get, then build an el cheapo duron system

or he could use that machine to set up a peer-to-peer network....
Thraner

[chronicle]

Not really what you would call a High-tech Machine

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Girls!
Can´t live with ´em
Can´t live without ´em!

[gwelling]

Nasty, nasty As the proud (?) owner of a formerly Pentium 166 non-MMX machine, may I humbly suggest our friend consider an Intel Overdrive 200mhz MMX chip? I recently put one in my Compaq Presario 4712 with no problem. I got the chip on ebay for $36.00, not a bad deal. It makes a big difference in bringing up graphics files, and I feel it was a worthwhile upgrade. I think the Intel website still has the utility that will look at the machine and tell if the Overdrive chip will work. Worth a look....yeah, you're still in the dark ages, but the machine can still do productive work; just depends on your needs and your patience.

[DMan82]

bluefusion:
And you can't play any games on a 300Mhz cpu anymore. It'll play mp3s well even on 166Mhz, but for games, you better stick to minesweeper, hearts and solitaire even on a 300Mhz.

Now, that's not very fair . I run a P2-300 with a TNT, and I can play all of my games...let's see:
Falcon 4.0, Descent3, Starsiege, Starsiege: Tribes, Earth2150, Rogue Spear, and the list goes on. But, yeah, if I wanted to play anything new....doh!


-Douglas



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Don't ya just hate it when you see a brand new Corvette, then you see the guy driving it is smoking...

[sicko]

Thanks for your help guys. I'll look into all the suggestions you gave. I doubt I'll build a cheap duron system b/c chances are this power supply isn't enough for a Duron, and on this system the graphics are integrated on the mobo so I'll still have to buy a grpahics card. And if I'm going to have to buy a new PS, mobo, CPU, HSF, and RAM, then I might as well build a whole new system.
The games I plan on playing aren't exactly cutting edge, I just want to play stuff while I'm taking a break from my class work.
I didn't trade my system for this one. The computer the family was using before was just too old so I moved mine down so that everyone could use it. That was about 6 months ago, recently a friend told me he's not using this new (new to me) computer and if I want it I could take it. I've got a 4 gig hard drive and that should be enough. I just want a computer in my room because it's more comfortable to stay up doing work in my room then down in the basement. I put Win98 SE on the box and got that to load just fine, so now I'm going to put in office and Visual C++ and Visual Basic. Between those I should have everything I need for my classes. If it gets to the point where this box is just too old to handle what I need done then I'll just put down the $$$ and build a completely new (AMD) system. Once again, thank you all for your help, sicko