Upgrade from P3/500 to, say, P3/800 - HOW?

[Fredrp]

I have an IBM PC300GL (model 6564-S6G). The parts list shows CPUs up to 800MHz but IBM now says warranty will become invalid. Cannot get reason for this from IBM... What are the risks? If acceptable, what are the problems, if any/many, that I face?

[bassman]

Hello Fred and welcome to PC Guide,
The problem with the warranty becoming invalid is, they (IBM) doesn't know your skill level or "ability" to work on a computer. If you took it to an authorized IBM service center, they should be able to do the upgrade for you and maintain your warranty.
You might try identifying your mobo manufacturer and model. Then try looking at the specs for it on their website. We have seen lately that some printed documentation is not exactly accurate.
The problems you face are improper voltage and bus speeds among other settings, that can cause damage to mobo, cpu and other components.
You might take a look Here (http://www.pcguide.com/ref/hdd/perf/perf/ext/pcCPU-c.html) and see if what you are asking is even worth the effort.
Good luck http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

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If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
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This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.

[hiredgoonz]

If, when talking to a tech support person, they tell you to open your case (and thusly break the tamper seals), they would have no way of knowing how many times you have done so, what upgrades you have made, and your warranty will be intact (provided you return it to its factory state before taking it in, if you ever need to take it in)...

I think it is ridiculous for them to be able to void your warranty simply for adding/replacing something inside...unless they could prove you broke something by doing this, there is NO reason that your warranty for the entire computer should be invalid...

In any event, I would follow bassman's suggestions about finding documentation...the cpu settings may be jumpered or in bios, you'll need to find out...

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When all else fails, read the instructions.

[Fredrp]

Thanks, Bassman and Hiredgoonz, for comments. Yes, I realise that an IBM agent is the safer way to go. I also see that the next upgrade, after CPU, would be to add an ATA/100 EIDE controller and a faster, bigger HDD.

What I was dreaming/hoping for, was someone who would recognise the IBM model number and say, "yes, I've done it, this way". (Dream on...)

Below I show the details of the machine in question. Having added a HDD and memory myself, I'd like to do the CPU - but... Any more offers of advice/information?
__________________________________________________ ________________
PC 300GL Small Business Series (Published October 99)

For this Model

Model P1SS6UK
Configuration type
Micro tower (4x4), PCI

Processor type2
Pentium III 500MHz

Chipset
AGP 4X/133

Number of Processors (std/max)
1/1

Memory (std/max)
128 MB / 1024 MB

RAM type/speed:
SDRAM/133MHz

Disk capacity1
13.5GB (Ultra ATA/66 with S.M.A.R.T. III)

HDD rpm:
7200rpm

HDD Average Access Time:
9ms

Graphics Subsystem
SR9 AGP 2x Adapter with S3 Savage4, 8MB and AGP 2x (supports AGP 4x)

Slots and Bays (total/available)
4(2) x 4(1)

Network Interface
Optional

CD-ROM
48Xmax-20Xmin

Audio
ESS PCI



Hard Disk
l Hard disk size1: 13.5GB
Hard disk type: Ultra ATA/66 with S.M.A.R.T. III
Total possible device types: --
Hard disk controller: Ultra ATA/66 (PCI 32-bit busmaster on motherboard)
Hard disk average seek time: 9ms
Average latency: 4.17ms
Additional storage features: --
RAID levels supported:
Hot swappable drive bays:

(Fujitsu 8.5GB HDD installed by me in spare internal bay; cloned C:\ partition with Dual Boot)

Memory l Memory (RAM) std/max: 128MB / 1024MB
RAM speed: 133MHz
Optional RAM configuration: 168-pin DIMMs
RAM type: SDRAM
RAM slots total (available): 2 DIMM (1 DIMM

(second 128MB DIMM installed by me = 256MB total)


Processor l Processor (CPU)2: Pentium III
Processor internal clock speed2: 500MHz
Front Side Bus: 100MHz
Processor manufacturer: Intel
Math co-processor: Built-in
L1 internal CPU cache: 32KB
L2 external CPU cache std/max: 512KB / 512KB
L2 external CPU cache type: Synchronous pipeline burst
Upgradable processor: Yes
Processor upgrade options: Faster Pentium III processors (if available from Intel)
Processor upgrade method: Replace processor cartridge in Intel Slot1 connector
BIOS type: Flash ROM
Number of processors std/max: 1/1
SMP capable (multiple processors): No
Multi-processor bus (slots/speed): --
Core Chipset AGP 4X/133
__________________________________________________ ____________________
(IBM Statement, published as below.)

IBM does not provide technical support for any processor other than the one shipped with the system. The user is responsible for any third-party processors installed. The warranty does not cover the repair or exchange of a system resulting from failure or damage caused by a product for which IBM is not responsible. The warranty also does not cover the repair or exchange of a system resulting from failure or damage caused by modification of processor speed settings.
Document ID: MIGR-4PJSML
Last Modified: 2000-11-08
Copyright © 2001 IBM Corporation
__________________________________________________ _______________________

Thanks in advance for any more help,
Fredrp

[Jumby]

Just a thought...I'm not sure you'll notice the difference in speed from 500MHz to 800MHz, as much as you'll notice the difference in your checkbook.

[bassman]

I have to agree with Jumby on this one. Ram is dirt cheap right now. Take those 128's out and donate them to your local school. Then go to Crucial's site from HERE and buy yourself a pair of 256's. You will enjoy that change much more. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

------------------
If I tell you to think for yourself, then you're not doing it.
.
.
This is not directed at those asking questions in order to gain knowledge. That shows you are thinking.