Highest possible(sensible ) CPU for mobo

[JHC1]

Hi all, first post. My home system has an Elite K7S5A mobo.
I am currently running it with an XP 1600. Neither the shop that sold it too me , nor any of the local sources can give me a definitive answer as to how high a CPU , XP 2100 or higher this mobo supports. The other pertinent question is how much performance gain until the restrictions of the mobo itself make further upgrades " not worth it", I may be better to get new mobo, in terms of price /performance, Any opinions? thanks.

 

[johnodq]

The limiting factor here will be the 266 FSB that the board runs at, any 266FSB Athlon should be able to run in it subject to BIOS updates so that the board recognises the chip.

http://www.ecs.com.tw/products/pd_spec.asp?product_id=75

Check the manufacturers site for information regarding specifications/compatibilty etc.

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Johnodq
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Please let me know if the advice I give is of help.
Feedback will benefit all

Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[Jontmke]

The limiting factors are the Multiplier and the bus speed. Running the bus more than 266 is technically overclocking so I would refrain from that so the other factor is how high the multiplier will go. That is if you can even change it. You will have to find out. On most you can do it in the bios, or on the board. Sometimes it is a combo of the two. An example: if the multiplier will go to 12X, with the 266MHZ bus, than 266 x 12 =3192 ghz or a 3ghz cpu. By the way if you are using sdram at 133 (like me) that changes the picture. That will be the bus speed not 266. The cpu will be running at 266 but the RAM and bus will be running at 133. So, as in the example above, 12 x 133 =1596 mhz or a 1.6 GHZ cpu maximum.

 

[paparazi]

Revision 1X/3X of the K7S5A goes upto XP2.6+ from what I can see looking at the bios flash upgrade path. Martin Replying helps further our knowledge, without comment leaves us wondering.

 

[JHC1]

Thank you all very much for your advice, it has been MOST helpful.. I am away for a few days, and then I shall pursue the avenues suggested, and will post results..

Regards..