Another processor related?

[bassvax]

I'm researching the purchase of a new CPU for my son's pc. He currently has a 500MHz Celeron (socket 370). According to the mobo manufacturer's site I can take it up to a 650MHz PIII (slot 1). The mobo supports both and I can control the FSB in the BIOS (66 or 100 only). I'm doing this to improve 3D performance in c++ programming. In my search on pricewatch and CSO I have found what I am looking for but offered in a variety of packagings. Can someone please explain these to me. I assume OEM means used original manufacted equipment. What about White box? Any other forms of packaging? Thanks-Jerry http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Charles Kozierok]

CPUs are generally sold two ways: OEM or retail. Retail comes with a box and full warranty; OEM just comes bare usually and you only get whatever warranty the vendor gives you.
Incidentally, upgrading a Celeron 500 to a PIII-650 is not likely to yield all that much performance improvement. A few percentage points, maybe 10-15% at the most. Probably not the best use of your funds, but of course that's your decision.

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Charles M. Kozierok
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...
Note: Please reply to my forum postings here on the forums. Thanks.

[bassvax]

Thanks Charles! In addition to educating me I think you may have just saved me some bucks-Jerry http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif