33 TO 66 MHZ
8 messages in this thread
I'm planning to upgrade my 486/33 to 66 mhz with an Intel Overdrive chip
and after talking directly with Intel, I've found out some interesting
things;
If you have a motherboard with an Overdrive socket, you can get the 169 pin
version of the Overdrive, stick it in, turn the machine on and that's all
— you're now at 66mhz.
If you have a motherboard without an Overdrive socket (like mine), then you
get the 168 pin version of the Overdrive chip, remove your current 486/33
cpu chip, and replace it with the Overdrive. You then have a "surplus"
486/33 cpu.
What seems pleasantly strange is that the list price for both versions of
the Overdrive chip is the same: $799. I'm looking forward to the increase
in speed and a new computer built around my surplus cpu.
Has anyone made the 33-66 mhz upgrade?
Alec Jason
Hi, Alec.
Will this chip bring performance identical to that of a 486-dx2 66Mhz? Will
the overdrive chip work in *any* 486-33? Could you please say where you are
getting it and how much it costs.
Thanks for answering any of these ???s!
Regards, Alan Iglesias
Alan
By using the Intel Overdrive 66 mhz processor, my computer will become a
DX2/66. There is no other version, all DX2/66's will use one of the two
Overdrive chips so there can not be a difference in performance.
Its amazing but I cannot find anyone who knows anything about the subject
nor can I find any articles in the computer magazines or tabloids on the
subject of 485/33 to 66 mhz conversions. Even the various computer gurus I
seek out for truths now and then don't know anything. I may be the first
person in the universe to actually make the switch!
Regarding your question on whether the Overdrive chips are compatible with
all computers: Intel publishes a list of "certified" motherboards which
they have tested. Intel does not test all the clone boards like mine so I'm
going to try it and see. My understanding is that virtually all 486
motherboards will actually work with the Overdrive chips — the primary
problem arises from the amount of heat generated by the chip. Most clone
boards are not built to Intel's heat specs. I'm going to use one of those
clip on fans for cooling.
The Overdrive chip (either version) cost $799 and you have to ask around to
find one; it seems that everyone has gone to great lengths to keep all this
a secret.
Alec Jason
Alec,
Thanks for the quick response. After consulting with some of my hardware
junkies out here, it would seem that Intel has some interesting marketing
plans/scenarios for the move to 66Mhz chip speed. I don't really know
anything specific, but you know — sometimes you just get a feel about
these things…Best of luck with your upgrade and I'd love to hear about
the results/benchmarks!
Regards, Alan Iglesias
Hey Alec! Where the heck have you been? On tour with Autodesk? I just
upgraded to the 486/666 which is a real devil! (bad joke). No actually, I'm
considering it for my 486/33 but may just swap out the entire motherboard
because that motherboard will only take 16mb and this has been a severe
limitation for me. I've heard you have to be *very* careful removing the
old processor since they are seated with an immense amount of force (unless
you have a "ZIF" zero insertion force socket) and knowing my luck I'd
probably break or ruin it during the removal or placement of the
"overdrive" chip. Good luck and be careful.
Martin
Hi Martin,
No, I've just been very busy with bodies and bullets. I'm working now on a
big animation for a murder trial down your way soon.
Thanks for the advice on the chip removal. I've got a crowbar, a dent
puller and a jar of Vaseline ready.
Alec Jason
Hi Alec,
Glad to hear you got your 66 chip. Just curious as to how many K cache
you're operating with. There's been some discussion that in order to make
a 66 mhz chip work properly, you need at least a 256 K cache. I'm trying
to track down whether there's any validity in that when it comes to 3DS.
BTW I saw a short clip on CNN of that animation you got so much press
about. That one was sure a homerun for you <g>.
Roger D.
Roger,
Sorry to take so long to reply.
I really don't know much about the technical requirements for upgrading
from 33 to 66 mhz. We just pulled out the old cpu and stuck in the new one
and that was that: 66 mhz. I suggest you call Intel's hotline for
information, they were helpful and knowledgeable: (I can't find their tech
support number but they are on Compuserve: Go Intelforum.)
I think you'll be seeing some new publicity on my latest animation pretty
soon.
Alec Jason