CPU/motherboard Q

Factual Questions
1

I’m currently running a Gigabyte GA-60MM7 motherboard with a
PIII 800FC-PGA CPU.

It is starting to get a little on the slow side, but I don’t want to spend huge amounts on a new system just yet.

Anyone know what the fastest CPU is that I can run on this board ?

I have seen PIII Coppermine CPUs up to around 1.1Ghz around but it’s not much of a step up for the money.

I have seen PIII Tualatin CPUs about on Ebay, but I’m not sure my board can run one as I’ve also seen some sort of socket adaptors that change things from socket 370 to whatever the Tualatin has to run in.

If I can get one to work an upgrade to 1.4Ghz would be a reasonable step up from what I have right now.

2

You can check out Gigabyte’s website: http://www.gigabyte.com.tw

There are a couple different revisions listed for that board, so you’ll have to find your revision and download the appropriate manual. The manual will list which CPUs can be used. Note that you may need to upgrade your BIOS to support later CPUs in some cases.

Remember that CPUs don’t slow down over time. If you are experiencing system slowdowns, its most likely due to the OS. How long since a format/reinstall? Are you running any large applications? Have you checked to see if a memory upgrade will help?

3

You can avoid buying a new system AND get a more current processor if you buy a new motherboard. They’re not very expensive.

Check out pricewatch.com . Click on Motherboards, or even Motherboard Combos, which are sets of motherboards and CPUs sold as a bundle.

4

Cheers for the replies.

The CPU is starting to show its age running more recent games, I know when Half-Life2 and Doom III come out I’ll have to bite the bullet.

The online manuals are not bang up to date from what I can see, I’ll take another look.