Make your computer run faster!
Now who said only Video equipment has hidden capabilities?
You probably think the computer you are using now, the one you just bought/upgraded is working to its full capacity. That is what windows95 tells you when you click the "system" icon in "control panel". You pay so much to own "the best", but two questions should be asked:
the answer to both these questions, is: Probably not! Before you upgrade you should check if the whole thing should be replaced, or maybe just "Bottle-neck" items parts? I assume you are smart enough to understand when its really the time to upgrade to a better, faster processor. Teaching you that is not the scope of this article. I just what you to take another look at your old, faithful computer before you decide to throw it away.
CMOS setup
Computer dealers never like doing more than necesary to earn their money. They are trying to sell the most reliable hardware so they wouldn't have to see you again until the one year guaranty is over. To achieve this, computer main boards are often ran slower than the components allow. To check if your computer is not working to its full capacity, reboot your computer and press "Del" or whatever necesary to get into the CMOS setup. (notice: some new pentium boards have automatic setup, and have no access to the setup. If you have no setup utility... skip all this to the next part about the procesor itself). When you are in, find all references to speed and wait-states and so on. Usually, you will find those functions under "Bios features setup" and "chipset features setup". Write down all current values, just in case!
On "Bios features setup"' change all features suggesting better performance, like: enable "Quick power on self test" and disable "floppy seek" to make the boot procedure faster, Fast on "gate A20 option" and so on. If it says "Fast" use it!
On "Chipset features setup", disable auto configuration and change "Isa bus clock" to the biggest fraction (usually 1/2 or 1/3), To minimize master clock divisions. This will determine HD speed, display speed and so on, on all old computers (non PCI). Set all possible functions to "Fast" or "Fastest", and all 'Delay' or WaitStates (WS) to minimum.
If you are not sure what value to pick for a function, dont be afraid to try! Get a performance test program like "Norton Utilities" or "Checkit". Better find some program that checks video, HD and processor speed separately like "Checkit". Run it before and after you change a specific function, to learn if there was any change in performance!
...It would be wise to know, that not all boards can work at highest speed. Remember - you can do no damage! The worst that could happen is that your computer will fail to start after finishing memory count on the next boot. If that happens, reboot using the 'reset' button, and get into setup again. Try returning to the original values in steps, save the one change you made and reboot, checking if the computer starts after each change. This procedure will enable you to find the exact setup, that gives best performance!
Changing processor speed.
As mentioned in all other texts published on this site, manufacturers sometimes sell you a better product than you intend to buy, just to keep low maintenance cost by producing one kind of processor instead of whole series of speeds. only the name on the package is different. If you buy a NEW (Not from old stock) processor, witch is not top speed, you will probably get top speed in low speed package. Usually even old processor can work faster than they are intended to, though not as fast as the new ones, based on new technology. Dont be lazy! Check it out!
If for instance, your motherboard can handle 166Mhz pentium, But you are using a 100MhZ or 133Mhz processor, try changing jumpers to higher speed (or let your local serviceman do it for you). If you do it yourself, you can use the instruction that came with the board, or look at the board itself for a switch or a jumper saying "clock speed" near it.
You cannot damage your computer!!! If your computer doesn't start at all, try one step lower. If the computer starts, count its memory and than stops, It means the processor can stand the high speed, but you should add waitstates on CMOS setup, or set few features slower. Do it step by step to reach the best setup!
Dont listen to anyone telling you its dangerous! According to my experience with 25 (!!) speeded-up computers I can tell you - The processors can stand it! so can all other components. Make sure your processor has a fan installed over it. It will prevent it from overheating!
Sometimes, after speeding-up a computer, everyting looks fine, but it tends to crush more than usual. It happens when the memory works too close to its limit or the processor overheats. If your processor if faned properly, try adding a waitstate or slow down the memory access form CMOS setup. it always does the trick! Trust me on this one.
Good luck!
Back to the VIDEO domain HomePage