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Hi,

Be gentle with me, I'm new here.

So, my CPU has died. It was a PII 400MHz.

The motherboard is a P2BXL rev.D.

Can I upgrade the processor? Can I get a PIII? How fast can I go? Am I limited to a PII 450MHz CPU? or limited even further to the PII 400MHz CPU it started with?

Thanks!

mc

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A short, practical expert note expanding on the replies from , , and .

DFI’s P2BXL is a Slot‑1, 440BX‑era board (Slot 1 cartridges, FSB selection, BX features), so the physical platform is the same family used for early Pentium III Slot‑1 modules — but compatibility is not automatic. Confirm the exact silkscreened model/revision on the board, then check the manufacturer CPU‑support list and the BIOS release notes to see which Slot‑1 PIII steppings (if any) are validated for your PCB revision. (tomshardware.com)

Practical checklist (what to do, in order): identify the board and current BIOS version from the boot screen; find the board’s manual/CPU support table and the BIOS files from the vendor; if a PIII is listed, upgrade the motherboard BIOS exactly as the vendor instructs (use the exact BIOS image for that model/rev). Follow standard flash precautions (bootable DOS/USB, correct flasher, stable power, save original BIOS if possible, clear CMOS/load defaults after flashing). These steps avoid the common pitfalls people hit when trying to add newer Slot‑1 chips. ()

Hardware notes to check before buying a CPU: Slot‑1 CPUs use SECC/SECC2 cartridges and many boards use a Universal Retention Mechanism (URM) — the retainer style can differ, so confirm the board’s retainer (or that a URM compatible with SECC2 is installed). Also verify the board’s supported FSB and any voltage/stepping notes in the CPU list; some revisions only add newer PIII support in later BIOS builds. If the manual or CPU list doesn’t explicitly name a SKU, treat it as unsupported. (flylib.com)

Buying and replacement guidance: look for the exact Slot‑1 PIII model names that the manufacturer lists and buy from a seller with a return policy; used Slot‑1 modules are inexpensive but check that the listing shows SECC/SECC2 packaging and the correct FSB. If uncertainty remains after checking the manual and BIOS version, the fastest reliable answer is the exact board silkscreen + BIOS version matched against the vendor’s CPU support table. (soggi.org)

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Member Avatar for Dani

You would need to check with the motherboard manufacturer to see what your particular motherboard is capable of. However, if it's a PII motherboard, it can definitely only support a PII processor.

Member Avatar for TallCool1

So, my CPU has died. It was a PII 400MHz.

The motherboard is a P2BXL rev.D.

Can I upgrade the processor? Can I get a PIII? How fast can I go? Am I limited to a PII 450MHz CPU? or limited even further to the PII 400MHz CPU it started with?

Actually, that DFI motherboard will support a Slot-1 Pentium III, as will nearly all late-model mobos that use the BX chipset -- I'm not sure what the top-end PIII for that socket is (600MHz or more) -- as long as you update the BIOS, you should be OK. If you upgrade the BIOS, look for one that can overclock a bit.

Also be aware that the clips that hold the processor in the socket differ from the PII to the PIII and will need to be changed out before the module swap. Another possibility is a socket-to-slot adapter so that you can use a socket-style PIII or PIII/Celeron chip.

Member Avatar for Lynn

You have gotten some good replies. Here is a site to do some shopping.

The older processors should be quite economical. Just try to be sure they are new and carry a valid warranty and return policy.
Buyer Beware! Happy Hunting.

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