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What is the CPU capacity of my Dell motherboard?

I've got a Dell Dimension R350, with a 350 PII processor. Dell support says the motherboard can take up to a PII 450 processor, but the Intel site says the chipset (82443BX/ZX 440 BX/ZX CPU to PCI Bridge [AGP Implemented)] is capable of supporting a PIII CPU. Does anyone know what this board can take or how to find out?
Thanks.

jlauster

The best way to find this out would be to make a phone call to tech support at Dell. If this is an XPS R350 system, there is a BIOS flash available, but it does not say whether it provides support for a P-III. If it does, you may be able to go as high as a P-III 600 (with the proper parameters), but I doubt that you'd be able to go any faster, as your motherboard would, most likely, not support the voltage requirements of P-IIIs above that speed. Not all P-III 600 processors would work.

It's best to ask Dell directly for the information.

cjsewell

ASKER

jlauster,
Thanks for your advice, though I get the impression on Dells website that they hold only one position on upgrading their product. I'll try talking to tech support directly and see if I get a tech willing to talk outside the box.
cjsewell

jlauster

OK. Let us know how it goes. Thanks for the response.

Wesley Lennon

A PII processor is a slot 1, as opposed to PIII being a socket 370. I do not think you can go PIII on that machine.

Wesley Lennon

Specs from http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dkhan/Specs.htm

General
Microprocessor type Intel® Pentium® II with MMX™ technology
Microprocessor speeds 350 MHz internal/100 MHz external
400 MHz internal/100 MHz external
450 MHz internal/100 MHz external
L1 cache 32 KB
L2 cache 512 KB
Microprocessor mounting single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge connected to the system board contains microprocessor and cache circuitry
Math coprocessor internal to microprocessor

Notice the SEC=Single Edge Contact...Slot 1

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jlauster

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cjsewell

ASKER

Thanks so much for your time and consideration. I've seen the 600MHz processors you talked about on eBay. The price was too high to justify. Think I'll just start fresh with a new board.

jlauster

That's probably a better way to invest your money. Glad we could help. Thanks.