Upgrading but dont know motherboard Please Help!

[fonzy]

I'm trying to upgrade my A20m but I dont know what FSB and processor, and chips it supports, could someone help me?

[chalrie_hng]

You will find a number like 2628-41U and you want to check its upgradibility with the service manual (google 'A20M maintenance manual'). Another easy way to check is in most cases if the system comes with Celeron 500, most likely the M/B can go is Piii/700MHz(no SpeedStep support - runs constantly at 700MHz). You don't want to upgrade it unless you also prepare to replace the M/B. The max a M/B with SpeedStep support can accomondate up to Piii/1G, while you have to watch very carefully the heat from CPU. Upgrading CPU on A20M really don't have many choices:

micro PGA2
Piii-700(550 w/speedstep)
Piii-800(550)
Piii-850(700)
Piii-900(700)
Piii-1000(700)

A20M equipped with Intel 440BX chipset. You can find very good deal on eBay(search 'mobile pentium iii' or 'micro pga' will bring you a bunch..) for compatible processors.

However, if you already have a 700, a 850 won't jump to another level. My suggestion is, invest more on the RAM rather than CPU. You'll find a 256MB RAM calls same or even higher price as a mobile Pentium iii/900 CPU. Even though, I am lucky to upgrade my A20M to the top of the celing and I am quite happy with what I have now:

Win98SE -> WinXP Pro SP2
Piii/700 -> Piii/900
128MB -> 512MB
12GB -> 60GB(5400rpm/8MB buffer)
CD-ROM -> DVD/CD-RW combo

My experience is, in terms of performance, RAM and hard drive that count. You want to do step-by-step replacement on RAM->Hard Drive -> CPU then run benchmark and see how it goes. Don't just focus on CPU. Good luck!