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 Almost Everything You Need to Know About Your Packard Bell Computer
Upgrade Stories Archive
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This page contains PB 640 upgrade stories from 1999 and 1997.
To read PB 640 upgrade stories from 1999 click here.

12/26/98 01:19:29
Name: Thip My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 640 Model Name: Legend 4670 When Purchaced: 1996
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 120 Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
First upgrade was a faster modem (33.6) when lighning blew my 28.8 out. Then I added a second hard drive to supplement the 1.2 GB. Last year I upped the RAM to 48 MB and the 4X CD-ROM to 24X, and I scrapped the modem/sound card combo for an inexpensive ound card. This past summer I added a COAST module, and today I installed an Evergreen MxPro200(Merry Christmas!!! --many thanks to my husband Chuck). I still have plenty of room for expansion but the next project will be a better video card. If anyone out there reads this and wonders--*all* the upgrades were a snap; the hardest part was getting the doggone clip off the CPU.

12/23/98 14:20:12
Name: Neal Fildes My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: 640
Model Name: Platinum I When Purchaced: 1995 Original RAM: 16M
Original CPU Speed: P133
Comments:
I just did the PL-Pro/MMX Plus upgrade. I had already upgraded the bios to the latest one from the PB web site. Initially I had trouble with Tomb Raider III - the drawing to the screen interfered with the background sound. In the process of reloading most recent sound and video (Mystique 220) drivers, my system got hosed. it would loop and never let me use the mouse. So I did a win98 upgrade and it un-hosed things, but I still had some trouble. (the sound card was pci64 and the matrox is also PCI). I then pgraded the sound driver to most recent, re-flashed the Mystique 220 BIOS, and loaded the latest 220 drivers, and VOILA! a VERY HAPPY CAMPER! it was worth the effort! nrf

12/13/98 04:54:27
Name: Larry My URL: Visit Me Motherboard #: pb430
Model Name: pb640 When Purchaced: 1995 Original RAM: 4mb
Original CPU Speed: 25mhz Original Video memory: 512k
Comments:
Added multi-media kit,33.6 zoom modem,64mb memory, upgraded 170mb hard drive to 1.7gb,installed Pentium 63 overdrive processor,added Trident 1mb video card,replaced 15" monitor with 17",upgraded to Windows95. All upgrades&add-ons done with no problems or trouble at all.Machine runs perfect,don't believe all you hear about Packard Bell,Guess I got one of the good ones.

12/03/98 15:37:44
Name: Ken Grierson My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 640 Model Name: Platinum 1 When Purchaced: Summer '95
Original RAM: 16 Megs Original CPU Speed: 133 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
1st thing I did was add an Iomega Zip drive, damn the 3 1/2" floppies!!! 2nd was RAM to 64 Megs, then added 256k L2 cache. 6 months ago dropped an ATI All-in-Wonder Pro 4 Meg card. Unbelievable improvement..sold the 14 inch color TV and use the 'puter or all TV and video watching! :) Flashed the BIOS to CPORxxx7 then went and ugraded the HD to an IBM 4.2 Gig HD...DO NOT BUY THESE DRIVES!!!! They are CRAP!!! 2 crashed out in 6 months, after the second time IBM refused to honor the warranty on it...said I had a short in the Motherboar ...total B.S.!!! I had the system checked out by 2 independent shops, no problems at all. The techies were amazed that a PB came in and didn't need work done on it. LOL Looking to replace the IBM drive with a Bigfoot 8.4 or larger HD. Considering I knew NOTHING about home computers when I bought this box I am happy with it..just need to drop a PowerLeap adapter to get to MMX power and get a 21 inch monitor and then I'll be current. Total upgrade cost so far...$450 U.S.

10/09/98 09:25:59
Name: Don Crews My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Pb2951 When Purchaced: 0297
Original RAM: 16MGS Original CPU Speed: 120Mhz Original Video memory: 1mg
Comments:
I have since upgraded my PB to: P233MMX(Powerleap), 128Mgs of EDO Ram, 512 level 2 cache, and added such other things like a parrell model Zip drive, added a parellel port(card adapter type for ISA Slot), and added a SQuest SparQ 1GB portable drive, and l stly a new hard drive--quantum firball. I then looked into the possibility of a graphics accelerator for 2d and 3d----at first bought the Viper 330----RAN GREAT. Wanted to upgrade to better card-----baught a Creative labs TNT------hung at the BIOS and would not run---tried everything imaginable--tech support did not have a clue--took it back got another one of SAME brand------same thing and took it back---I then w ited for the Diamond to come out. I then baught the Viper 550 16MG TNT---did the normal video driver changes, and slapped the card in the computer, installed the drivers, rebooted--------and VIOLA RUNS FANTASTIC! THE TNT DOES RUN ON A PB640 socket 7 motherboard! There has been others having problems running a TNT on a socket 7 system. So I feel very fortunate. Visual quality in GAMES is GREAT and the 2d is much--much better then the Riva128ZX as with the 3D. Thoug t I would pass this on and give hope for those that are wanting a TNT but are having second thoughts about it running with a socket 7 system or a packard bell or a PB640 Mother baord. I hope if you purchase one that it DOES run---Thanks Ray-------good sig t.

09/22/98 21:26:58
Name: Robin My URL: Visit Me Motherboard #: 640
Model Name: Executive (UK Model) When Purchaced: Dec 95 Original RAM: 8mb
Original CPU Speed: P75 Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
For Burt in previous entry: You need to push CPU quite hard into Powerleap adaptor, then it is very secure. I had same problem as you at first. If I hadn't found this site I wouldn't have heard of Powerleap as they don't seem to sell in UK. Have now got 233MMX, and use Matrox Mystique (4mb) to run Iiyama 17" monitor, millions of times better than the original garbage PB monitor supplied.
09/02/98 22:04:33
Name: Burt My URL: Visit Me
Motherboard #: PB 640 Original CPU Speed: 133
Comments:
Just got PL-Pro/MMX Plus - Although I have same PB as Ray with latest Thousand Oaks Bios and tried to go from Intel 133 to 233MX - it didn't work. I'M not impressed with the fact that the chip doesn't have a positive lock in the PL-Pro and took a while t figure out pin markings on the bottom of the device - not a clue given in the instruction book. Sending this back.

08/15/98 05:04:45
Name: Chris Yzaguirre My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Legend 2440 When Purchaced: April 96
Original RAM: 16MB Original CPU Speed: 75MHZ overclocking to 120MHZ Original Video memory: 1MB now 2MB
Comments:
Where shall I start. First thing I did was upgrade to 32MB memory then 32 more for a total of 64 MB. Somewhere between the 32 and and 64 I added a Maxtor 3.2GB hard drive to my original 1.0GB Seagate. After my original modem/sound card decided to dump added a Soundblaster Awe 64 Value card then switched to a generic Yamaha OPL-3 soundcard. I replaced my modem with a Newcom 33.6 fax/data with no probs. Feeling I needed more video application, again I initially installed a Diamond Stealth 2000XL w/2MB then switched to a AOpen PT-75 video card with 2MB. Not satisfied and after reviewing overclocking options in Ray's site I decided to give it a try. Started with a mild overclock to 100MHZ...no prob. Greedily, I jumped to 133MHZ but came up with Window fatal errors. Finally settled for 120MHZ and gone up against Wintune 98 with great results. By the way, I have a SX969 CPU. Am looking for a P133 or P166 so I can overclock near my motherboard capacity (200MHZ). Have ordered a 256K Pipeline Burst Cac e (COAST) module to increase my performance. I've gleaned so much fom Ray's that my extra Soundblaster and Diamond Stealth card have gone to my home built Shuttle Hot 569a motherboard with a AMD K6 266. Any questions feel free to contact me.


07/24/98 20:12:12
Name: Tony Botta My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Platinum Pro XXI When Purchaced: 1995 ?
Original RAM: 24 megs Original CPU Speed: 150 mhz Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
over clocked cpu to 166 mhz, tried 180 but became unstable after running a few minutes. Wouldn't boot at 200 mhz. Installed 128 megs edo ram, 512k cache ram. Diamond Stealth 2000 3D Pro witn 2 megs video ram. Diamond Supra 56k modem, Sound Blaster 16 car . Added second hard drive a couple months after we bought the computer, total of 4.2 gigs between both drives. I do alot of online playing, I used MTU Speed Pro to set registery for steady data flow over the net. All these upgrades have given this machine a new life, we would have had to buy a new one other wise.


07/09/98 11:15:36
Name: Joe My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: PB 640
Model Name: Platinum XI When Purchaced: 3/96 Original RAM: 16
Original CPU Speed: 166 non MMX Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
First upgrade I made was adding a Monster 3d card, was so easy I added more, 32 megs of EDO ram, DVD-ROM drive from Creative Labs & a X2 USrobotics modem and AWE 64 sound card. The combo sound/modem card failed 12/97, the ONLY problem I had with this comp ter. After seeing Ray installed a K6/300 with the help of the PowerLeap adapter on his PB 640, I really want to install one for myself. I would appreciate any pointers, feel free to email me.

05/15/98 11:32:12
Name: Dave My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: 640
Model Name: Legend 4610 When Purchaced: 1996 Original RAM: 16 Megs
Original CPU Speed: 120MHZ Original Video memory: 1 Meg
Comments:
The first thing we did was to add another small harddrive (340 MEG) to the existing 1 Gig, Then added aot of edo memory (total of 80 Megs EDO), then 2 Creative Labs cdroms,( the first one blew up within a month). I am almost to the point of selling this t ing for a pentium 2 system because the only bang for all my Bucks was the improved speed inwhich was acheived from buying the extra memory. I have been all over the web, countless emails to the packard bell web site, and still i havent a clue as to if thi thing can upgrade to an mmx system. i have left messages with powerleaps web site. anyone here have the knowledge I am seeking. please email me with any suggestions.

04/23/98 00:07:30
Name: S. Summers My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 640 Model Name: Platinum Xl When Purchaced: 1/1/97
Original RAM: 16 Original CPU Speed: 166 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
I started by adding 32 meg of ram.Then I added a maxtor 3.5 to my 1.6 gig hard drive.Next I changed the jumpers on the motherboard and tried to run at 200 but couldn't keep it going so I got it to run at 180.I ran it like that for about 6 months then some ody gave me a trident video card with 4 megs of ram not great but better than the onboard video. Today I got my powerleap pro and dropped a 233mmx in her and all I can say is WOW! what an easy upgrade and now she flies. Time for a decent video card.


04/21/98 05:55:01
Name: William Perkins My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Multimedia E140 When Purchaced: 08/96
Original RAM: 16 Mb Original CPU Speed: 150 MHz Original Video memory: 1 M
Comments:
Today I installed the PL-ProMMX and increased my speed to 233 MHz. Recently I installed 32 M of RAM for a current total of 48M. I have added a 2M Stealth video card by Diamond. Soon I will add another hard drive to the 1.6 gig I have now. I have also pgraded my modem to a K56 Supra by Diamond Multimedia. Thanks to Ray's Packard Bell Website for the inspiration and for telling me about Powerleap.


03/16/98 02:58:26
Name: Tom Kunkel My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 640 Model Name: F170 When Purchaced: 7-96
Original RAM: 16 Original CPU Speed: 166 Original Video memory: 1MB
Comments:
After two days I was finally able to get my new Diamond Viper V330 video card to work in my computer. To do this I had to install Windows Nt 4.0 on my computer but it mow works beautifully.Some people have posted to this site in the video upgrade project saying that they could not get this card to work. This is a problem with Win 95 not Packard Bell. This is a lot to have to go through to get a video card to work, but it is possible.

01/14/98 17:15:04
Name: Kevin Brooks My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Platinum XI When Purchaced: DEC 96
Original RAM: 8mb FastPage Original CPU Speed: 166 Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
I replaced my original system memory with 96mb of EDO RAM, I also installed an Intergraph Intense 3D Voodoo video upgrade. I removed the old soundcard/modem and installed the SoundBlaster AWE64 Value and Ext USR x2 modem. I replaced the original 6x cd-r m with a 8/18x cd-rom. I also added a SCSI card and a SCSI ZIP drive. Recently a bought a new case and motherboard (a AP5VM motherboard). The system ran fine before a replaced the motherboard, just did it so I can install a p200 MMX chip.


01/10/98 23:05:13
Name: Jim Ramnes My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 640 Model Name: Legend 3540 When Purchaced: 6/96
Original RAM: 8 megs Original CPU Speed: 100 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
First, replaced 4x cd drive with 4 disc 4x changer. Never worked right, caused lots of system crashes. Now have 16x cd drive-great. Upgraded to 24 megs EDO RAM. Installed 33.6 modem and generic 16 bit sound card. Tried overclocking to 133 but would n t boot. Added Samsung 2.1 gig Hard drive. Wish I would have read your story first, Ray. Set it up as slave. Only one partition but am going to change this. Added Umax 610P scanner. Works great but a little slow. Overall I'm very happy with my PB bu will build my next machine myself, as much for the experience and enjoyment as anything.

 


01/08/98 04:27:53
Name: Daniel Barnett My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Platinum Pro XXII When Purchaced: 3 years ago
Original RAM: 24MB Original CPU Speed: 166Mhz Original Video memory: 1Mb
Comments:
I added a 24X cd-rom, then a 56Kb external modem, some cache, and overclocked my CPU to 200Mhz, and bought a Stealth2 S220 for $120 and overclocked that from 40Mhz to 60Mhz. Also put a AWE64 in there.


01/01/98 16:35:40
Name: Ricky Smith My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB640 Model Name: Platinum I When Purchaced: 7/97
Original RAM: 16 mg Original CPU Speed: 133 mhz Original Video memory: 1 mg
Comments:
I have recently upgraded to the following with absolutely no problems: Pentium 200 Mhz MMX Overdrive 64 mg RAM Upgraded BIOS to 1.00.07 CPOR Upgraded CR-581 CD to latest DVD/CD CR 581 drivers from Matshita Upgraded 2d video Disabled on board CL-GD5430 Added SIIG Aurora 4000 Accelerator PCI SVGA with 2 mg mem upgradeable to 4 mg Added Diamond Monster 3D card Upgraded 1010 Monitor with new patch/driver from PBell Upgraded Maxtor HD with new bios update Added DirectX 5.0 Graphics are unbelieveable. This old machine feels like a kid again. All of the drivers/patches were free from various sites. (ie: DriversGuide, PB, Maxtor, Intel)


12/20/97 22:27:10
Name: Greg My URL: Visit Me
My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: PB 640
Original CPU Speed: 133
Comments:
Installed 32mb more ram for a total of 40mb. Made a huge difference. $48 at BestBuy installed a Diamond Stealth 3d 4mb card. Made about a 500%+ change in Wintune. Duke3d is cool now. $74.00 New FIC pa-2007 motherboard with 1mb cache. Put my old 133mhz in it. runs good at 150mhz (75mhz bus x2)...runs better than it did in the PB at 166mhz (66x2.5). $105 of course a new AT style case ($30) everything went smooth, still fine tuning though. I guess this will be my last time here. I learned alot from this site. Feel free to email me with questions about this upgrade. I definitely suggest the video card, it made all the difference.

 


12/07/97 06:29:23
Name: Kevin My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 640 Model Name: Platinum XI When Purchaced: Christmas of 96
Original RAM: 16mb of FastPage Original CPU Speed: 166mhz Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
First took out the original 16mb of ram and added 64mb of EDO ram, then installed a Intense 3D Voodoo video card (based on 3Dfx Rush chip set), then added an external SCSI ZIP drive, replaced original sound/modem card with a SoundBlaster AWE64 (also replaced speakers with Altec Lansing ACS45) and USR x2 ext modem, then replaced 6x, cd-rom with a 8/18x cd-rom, finally added 256kb L2 cache. Runs GREAT now!!!

 


11/29/97 21:58:05
Name: Kalypso My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 640 Model Name: Platnium XXI When Purchaced: July 1996
Original RAM: 24 MB Fast Page Original CPU Speed: 150 mhz Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
The first change was adding 256 MB of pipeline burst cache. Also adding another 1 MB of video memory. Since then I have made the following changes in this order: Installed an Intergraph Intense 3D video card. Partitioned my 2.2G hard into 4 partitions. Installed an internal SCSI Zip drive. Overclocked the processor from 150mhz to 166mhz (never any problems in over a year). Added a new CPU ball bearing fan and another case ball bearing fan (in front of the CPU). Changed out the 24 MB of FPM RAM for 48 MB of 60ns EDO RAM. Installed a USRobotics X2/56K internal modem and a SIIG PCI 32bit Wavetable sound card. (Anybody want to buy the original combo card?) Installed an internal/external SCSI card to run a scanner. Upgraded the RAM to 64 MB. Upgraded the PB cache to 512MB. Next project: Buy a new INWIN case and a Shuttle 603 motherboard. Disassemble the current PB system and reinstall everything in the new case, adding a P166MMX chip clocked at 225mhz (75mhz x 3).

11/29/97 18:29:36
Name: Ray My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 640 Model Name: Platinum I When Purchaced: May 1996
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 133 Pentium Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
Well I will go first since I created this corner of the web. I first added 256k L2 cache, then 1 more MB of video memory, 32 MB more of RAM bringing the total to 48 MB. I have detailed all these upgrades on the PB 640 for those that want more information. Enjoy my site Ray.


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