Thinkpads Forum

Is there any software that detects automatically the fastest CPU and the biggest RAM that a computer can support? I have the freeware PCWizard which sort of does that but it would say something like "Supported Speed: 1200MHz (or more)", and so it doesn't seem very accurate.

My experiences with these programs is that all have the same "flaw": They only can report the fastest processor which the BIOS can recognize by name. Often (every time, in my case), the board will accept a faster processor, but the BIOS will report it wrong, and the computer will still work perfectly.

Example, I have an ASUS P3V133 mobo (I am currently on that machine), and using one of these programs, it shows that the fastest processor possible is a PIII 800. I am actually running a PIII 1200, and during boot, I get an error message that the CPU ID string is incorrect (but the boot does not stop), and the BIOS reports that the processor is a "PII 1200." Everything continues to load correctly, and then it runs perfectly.

Ditto with a Gateway... utility program reports fastest possible CPU as a PIII 700. I actually have a (PIII) 1400C/256/100. During start-up the BIOS says it's a "Pentium Pro 700."

Ditto with two other upgraded computers... both upgraded past what the utility says the "max" CPU speed.

I generally find these programs' report of max RAM as accurate, but not always. Best way to get info, IMO, is to find a message board for the computer or motherboard you have, and ask what's the fastest speed and max RAM people have successfully been able to run.