I have a Compaq Presario 1220 laptop with
a Cyrix processor. It is a 200MHz MMX enhanced processor (2.9 volt). I
need to know what upgrade options I have for the processor. I want to go
as fast as I can, and I have heard that kits are made to make others work.
I looked inside and the processor has no separate fan, only a heat sink.
CPU upgrade kits are available (from Evergreen,
Kingston, PowerLeap, and others linked
to our Vendors page) for many desktop
machines whose motherboards do not directly support today's newer
processors. They usually involve an adapter that sits between the native
socket (or slot) and the new CPU that performs the voltage/multiplier/BIOS
translations. Due to the additional height required for these adapter
configurations, they tend not to fit into space-conscious notebook
computer cases. A direct CPU replacement upgrade is usually your only
choice, if even that is available.
For your laptop, your maximum CPU upgrade options are limited by the
native 66MHz bus speed of the motherboard. Replacing your PR200MX with
anything faster in the Cyrix line will require that your notebook
motherboard can provide a higher (75 or 100MHz) bus speed, which is not
likely. If your motherboard supports a higher voltage (which also does not
appear likely according to Compaq
Support), you can consider an AMD
K6-266. Check our CPU Comparator to see
the difference in speed.
A memory
upgrade
to the 96MB max would be your best bet for a performance increase.
The CPU
Scorecard assumes no risk or liability for damage or loss due to
the use of the information or advice provided here. All responses are
based on the best available information at the time of writing. However,
users of this information who wish to apply it to their computer
situations do so at their own risk.
