The Message Board
at Installations Plus+

[ Installations Plus+ PC Forum ] [ Archive Sep-Dec 97 ]

Posted by: Louis Bruno on November 02, 1997 at 22:37:22
Homepage: Installations Plus+ (websites, upgrades, PCs, repairs, training)
In Reply to: upgrades posted by Linda on November 02, 1997 at 21:57:43

Subject: Re: upgrades to Pentium w/Windows 95

I have emailed you separately the page from the Intel website that deals with your specific computer. It's available by going to the Intel website at www.intel.com, selecting Product Information, then Pentium OverDrive Processor, then selecting the exact make and model of your machine. Intel's upgrade guide tells you what Pentium processor, if any, is recommended for your machine, tells you what switches and jumpers you'll need to set, and gives you the model number to buy.
The 83 mHz Pentium upgrade processor for your PC is available online from Insight (very reliable, fast service; www.insight.com) or over-the-counter from Computer City and other retailers. Expect to pay about $190.
The change from your current 486DX2/66 processor to the Pentium involves removing the 486 and putting the Pentium in its place. Push down hard; it needs to be firmly seated. And checking or changing the jumpers as detailed on Intel's upgrade guide page.

The upgrade to Windows 95 for your machine should involve nothing more than buying the Windows 95 upgrade package (again you could use Insight, or locally at Computer City, Staples, CompUSA, etc.). It runs about $90. Make sure you get the CD-ROM version. The version on floppies is a major pain (many disks) and is subject to bad disks. The CD-ROM version is fast and flawless.

If you follow the instructions packed with the Pentium processor and with Windows 95, without trying anything clever or original -- just play along with where it takes you -- you should have no problem doing it (assuming you have sufficient hard drive capacity), and most, if not all, of the applications you now use in Windows 3.xx will continue to function under Windows 95.

A few caveats:
If you don't have 200-300 mB free on your hard drive now, you should consider upgrading that as well.
Once you've installed Windows 95 it is particularly important not to install any software not specifically labeled "for Window 95". My PC Tips column for February '97 goes into more detail on this point.
If your machine is operating with less than 16 mB RAM, this would be the right time to upgrade. I recommend no less than 16 mB for good Windows 95 performance. A good source of RAM, specified by make and model is available online at www.crucial.com.

In short, I think the upgrade makes sense, is relatively easy and cheap to perform, and should result in enhanced functionality.

Good luck!


Follow Ups: