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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 600 upgrade stories from 1999 and 1997.
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12/29/98 16:14:58
Name: Eric Claude My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 402CD When Purchaced: November 1995
Original RAM: 8 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 MHz Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
Partly with confidence gained from reading Ray's upgrade stories, I finally juiced up this machine which had become painfully slow. I had previously added another 16 MB RAM, but the improvement was minor. Then I installed a PNY "Quick Chip" 200 MHz CPU nd another 16 MB RAM. The new CPU includes a 3x clock multiplier, so I set the motherboard jumpers J30 and J31 IN, which sets the bus speed to 66 MHz (intended for a 100 MHz processor). The BIOS now shows a 133 MHz CPU. The CPU upgrade helped a lot, but replacing the original 850 MB hard drive gave me equal improvement. I installed a new 6.4 GB Western Digital drive initially as the slave (with 3 partitions) and used XCOPY32 to copy the entire contents of the C: drive to D:. Then all I did was remove t e old drive and reset the jumpers on the new drive to be the master. I've had no problems and the improvement has been fantastic! 

12/28/98 19:31:35
Name: Hoan My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: PL237 When Purchaced: 1994
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 120 Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
system was upgraded to Intel 200 MMX with jumper settings changed. Ram upgraded to 104 MB using three 32 Mb modules. added second modem. added a 4.3 and 100 mb hardrives with a 6 connector IDE cable. orginal hardrive was set as a slave due to slower se k time. System speed was faster with that change. Wintune 97 rates the clock speed at 166. windows 98 reduces system speed. system BIOS was updated to 4.04. 

12/27/98 07:33:40
Name: Paul Provencher My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb600 Model Name: legend422cdt When Purchaced: 8-95
Original RAM: 16mb Original CPU Speed: 75mhz Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
This was my first computer and it still my one and only computer. It was bought with windows 3.11 and I recieved a windows 95 upgrade free from Packard Bell which was to be the first of many upgrades to this machine. In the follwing years I added ram, cur ently I have 56mb, a hard drive,had a 1.2g added a 1.6g,removed the old packard bell factory install software and install windows 95 0s2 version which I'm still using.I also upgraded my cd-rom from a 4x to a 16x. My modem was a 14.4 now it is a newcom 56kifxc. Added a diamond stea th 3D 2000 video card. The computer is year 2000 compliant, and I'm on my second procesor upgrade,the first was to a P133 and just recently I installed an Evergreen 200MXPro.All of these upgrades were done by me except the hard drive addition which I got ome professional help. The easiest upgrade was the processor upgrade. Who said Packard Bell computors were hard to upgrade.Thank to Ray's PB web site this make PB's probably the easiest computers to upgrade. 

12/14/98 18:43:12
Name: Milton A. Lopez My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Platinum 130 When Purchaced: 1996 - Do not remember!!!
Original RAM: 8 MB Original CPU Speed: 133 Mhz Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
From 8 MB RAM to 110 MB RAM Added additional 6.4 GB Seagate Hard-drive Added a TV Card From 133 Mhz CPU to 240 Mhz CPU 28.8 k to 56K V90 Modem 1 MB Video to 2MB Added a 16-bit Sound Card Added a 3D Video Card I was trying to add a SCSI Adapter to add and additional SCSI-2 hard drive, but there are not enough resources to support all the new devices. I was having hardware conflicts so I have to de-install the adapter. The computer works fine now! it is a mons er!!! 

12/13/98 05:12:30
Name: Michael Vaughn My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 406cd When Purchaced: 11/15/96
Original RAM: 8 Meg Original CPU Speed: 75 Original Video memory: 1 Meg
Comments:
I popped in a 28.8 modem I got cheap and upgraded my ram to 24 Meg, I'm going to put in another 32 as soon a my wife lets me open my christmas present. I upgraded my video to 2 Meg ( no noticeable cahnge) so I got a Diamond Viper V330 and tried to install it. The system wouldn't boot and all I got was two slow beeps. PBell wouldn't help ( they would for $2.97 a minute). So I had to return it and I got a Raven by Quantum3d- same problem. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to get it to boot? 

12/06/98 22:54:23
Name: Buzz My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 600 Model Name: Multimedia C110 When Purchaced: 7/97
Original RAM: 16MB Original CPU Speed: 120 Mhz Original Video memory: 1 Mb
Comments:
First upgrade was a Viking 33.6 ISA Internal Data/Fax Modem. Initially the only way it would work was if the original PB Modem Sound card was removed. After much effort finally found a solution which allows both modems and the sound card to work. The V king card is a half card and must be in the bottom slot which will run the half cards. The PB card is installed in the next slot up. The secret in getting them to work together is in the settings. For COM 1, use the automatic settings (03F8-03FF, IRQ 0 ). For 33.6 modem, remove the check for the automatic setting and select basic configuration 0000(02F8-02FF,IRQ 03). With this setup COM 2 is absent from the device list. COM 3 shows a conflict with COM 1. COM 4 shows a conflict with 33.6 modem. But CO 3 and COM 4 are not used anyway. Also the wave device for voice modem shows as missing or not working. In any case I have my 33.6 modem plus the PB sound which was my original goal. Next I added the PNY 32Mb DRAM memory upgrade. I could have gotten 64M of EDO RAM for about the same price but decided on DRAM as recomended in the Pentium manual that came with the computer. It was simple to install and no problems. I overclocked the cpu by resetting P31 from out to in. Verified 133Mhz using Wintune. D wnloaded TweakDUN and installed it using the recommended settings. I'm not sure what the settings should be for primarily internet useage. Any suggestions would be appreciated. These upgrades have really made this into a sweet machine. I'm grateful to your site for all the help. Keep up the good work.

12/02/98 10:00:41
Name: Thomas H. My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 600 Agoura/Pheonix 4.04 Model Name: Multimedia C110 When Purchaced: Nov '96
Original RAM: 16 Original CPU Speed: 120 Original Video memory: 1MB
Comments:
Ripped out the original RAM, installed 64MB PNY, big improvement in speed! Removed the original Sound144 sound/modem combo for an Ensoniq AudioPCI and a Cardinal 56K internal. System speed and net browsing improved big time... sound much better too! :) Removed my old Diamond Viper V330 4MB 128 card from my game machine after upgrading it to a RivaTNT and put it in the PB. Hey, this thing is starting to rock right? Finally, I increased the front side BUS from 60MHz to 66MHz effectively overclocking my P120 to 133. Here's a tip for you guys too... if the underside of your Intel processor has the SSS marking it is very overclockable. They were purposely downgraded in order to meet marketing quotas. In Other words, a P120 is really a P133, a P150 is ac ually a P166, and so on, and so on. Anyways, dual booting Windows95 and WindowsNT4 Workstation SP4 without incident. Nice, decent, solid machine that cost me 800 bucks to start and another 270 dollars to upgrade over the last couple of years. (not inclu ing NT4)and it's more reliable than my "made from scratch" 300MHz gaming machine on a 100MHz front side BUS with all high end hardware! It's true!

11/19/98 13:23:08
Name: Russ My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 600 Model Name: Packard Bell Force 2460 When Purchaced: 9/95
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: P-75 Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
Hello People, I have overhauled this system several times with money being an issue each time. I never have had the money on hand to go out and buy a brand new screamer for $2000, so Ive done it piece by piece. Original System P-75 / NO Cache (First Mistake) Price:$1599 / Monitor (great at the time) Sold Upgraded 486 for $1299 Upgrade #1 Month after purchase dropped in a 133 CPU Upgraded to 32 MB RAM Added a Matrox Mystique 3D Upgrade #2 Added a Western Digital 1.6MB Hard Drive Sound Blaster Awe 32 Upgrade #3 Removed Matrox Mystique and Replaced with a Hercules Stingray 3D card. Big mistake. A real slug at 2D performance, but it was just released with great press. Replaced Soundblaster Awe 32 with Soundblaster 64 Value. Managed to Blow out 1 channel on the Card with I believe too many speakers wired in. External 33.6 Zoom/Fax Modem (finally got on the Internet) Upgrade #4 Added a Western Digital 2.1 GB Hard Drive and removed original Conner 1.0 GB Drive. Added 32 MB for a total of 64MB Upgrade #5 Removed Stingray 3D Video Card and replaced with a Velocity 128 4MB Card (very good card) Good a Good deal on some Used Compaq Memory and Upgraded to 128 MB. Upgraded P-133 to AMD K6 233 MHz. with the PowerLeap Adapter (great Product) Upgrade #6 Replaced Western Digital 1.6 GB Drive with an early Christmas/Birthday Present from the In-Laws - 10.1 GB Western Digital Hard Drive. (I won't complain about going over to their house too much anymore!!) Replaced K6 233 with a K6-2 333 ($119) using the existing PowerLeap Adapter. Latest Upgrade The Powerleap/AMD K6-2 333 performed very well on the PB600 Motherboard but unfortunately without that L2 Cache performance majorly sucked. I Also had this Brand New 10.1 GB Ultra DMA Drive which the system didn't support either. So, I just wanted to let you know about a great deal I found. I finally took the plunge and have Lept away from my PowerLeap Adapter. I recently purchased a Socket 7 Soyo Motherboard SY-5EAS and Mini-Tower Case / 250 Watt for only $78 from TDN (link belo ). And I already had the AMD K6-2 333 which I purchased from a local PC Shop for $119. I then transplanted all my hardware from my PB600 into the new system.. After moving the AMD K6-2 to the New System Performance increased by 100 %%!! on all Wintune enchmarks!!! Not bad for a $200 Investment. The great thing about TDN is that they install the Motherboard/Power Supply into Case at no charge, so all you have to do is move your Hardware from your old system into the new. Some of the Specs on the SY-5EAS MotherBoard are Supports AMD K62 Write Allocate Feature 66 and 75 MHz. Bus Speed 512K L2 Cache Award Bios 1.a5 6/15/98 CD-ROM, LS-120, Zip Boot Support 4 Standard SIMM Slots and 1 DIMM Slot Supports Ultra DMA 33 Spec 4 PCI Slots (1 Shared ISA) 3 ISA Slots 250 WATT PowerSupply PS2 Mouse Port Infrared Port (Optional) 2 USB Ports (Optional) **Win95 OSR2 or Windows 98 required to take advantage of USB feature. Windows 95A works fine with this Motherboard as well , you just won't have USB support. ** My AMD K6-2 333 is running with a 75 MHz. FS Bus which means its running at 337 MHz. Bug in Windows 95 OSR2 which required Patch to Allow AMD K6-2 to operate at above 333 MHz. Clockspeed. ** Windows 95A OSR1 may require patch to properly identify Soyo ETEQ Chipset on Motherboard. Available at Soyo Website. **Recommend OSR2 or Windows 98 to take full advantage of Motherboard / Features. **Recommend re-installing Windows 95. Windows Booted OK, but the Hardware Device Manager got really confused because of all the OLD PB600 existing Motherboard Devices and would continuosly try to add the New Motherboard / Devices at every boot-up. Latest Upgrade Problems Went crazy trying to figure out why New System would power Hardware Devices yet appeared dead. No Beep Codes on Boot. Troubleshooted myself and TDN for a week. After finall removing Motherboard to return, I removed used Compaq Memory 128 MB (which worked in Packard Bell) and what ya know Beep, Beep, Beep, IT's ALIVE! I replaced the Compaq Memory with Standard PNY 72-Pin SIMMS and everything worked flawlessly. So, the problem was really my fault / Not TDN or the Soyo SY-5EAS Motherboard. Upgrade 7 Here we go again. Have Creative Labs 16MB Voodoo Banshee Video Card on Backorder. Good Luck, Russ

11/13/98 14:23:43
Name: EH My URL: Visit Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Axcel 833cd
When Purchaced: 1995 Original CPU Speed: 100
Comments:
Just this past weekend, my computer got infected with CIH.SPACEFILLER. It wiped out all my EXE files. So, I thouhgt this was a good oportunity to do a clean install. I formated the HD and Reinstalled: Windows 95 RevB, CL SBaws64, USR 56K v90, 4mb Vid C rd, Office 97. I have 90mgs of ram, a new 133mhz Intel chip (free :) ), HP Scanjet 5100cxi, HP Deskjet 720, Slave HD 1.6gb, and 32x Hitachi cdrom. All I need is more processor speed. Thinking about Powerleap. EH 

11/08/98 01:29:37
Name: ron gaudier My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb 600 Model Name: force 4650 Original CPU Speed: 120
Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
I installed an additional 16 megs of memory (total of 24). In addition, I installed an AMD K6-2 3D now chip using the powerleap adaptor. The installation was simple and took about 20 minutes to do. I also reset the jumpers to run at the full 300 megahertz The only problems I have noticed is that the bios does not recognize the chip and displays ??? after cpu. However all of the benchmark tests I have done show a significant improvement over original performance, although it is lower than is should be fo a 300 mhz system. I attribute this in part to my out of date original hard drive and insufficient ram. I purchased my chip through price watch for $77.00 plus shipping. The adaptor was about $50.00. Short of possibly adding some more ram, this is lik ly the last money I will invest in this system. I figure the improvements made thus far have bought me another two to three years of useful life. Now all I have left to be concerned of is Y2K which my machine does not currently comply with. 

11/04/98 07:09:41
Name: Joel Stanley My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 600 Model Name: Legend 814CD When Purchaced: Used, 6-97
Original CPU Speed: 100MHz Original Video memory: 1 Meg
Comments:
I recently purchased the Evergree MxPro 240 upgrade processor. With considerable help from this page, along with some fortunate guess work, I have succeeded in upgrading my system to 240MMX performance. The process was simple, the only snag was finding ou how to set my jumpers. I finally figured out by trial and error that J30 is IN, J31 & J32 are out. Other combinations of settings resulted in improved CPU speeds ranging from 133 to 200MHz, until I finally hit the right combination. My system is now per orming very well. I have also had good luck avoiding compatability problems with upgrading my video card by installing a Diamond Monster 3D upgrade. (this is a 4 meg card that attaches to your current video card to enhance game performance.) 

11/02/98 13:06:24
Name: David Killengray My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 2440 When Purchaced: 2/96
Original RAM: 16Mb Original CPU Speed: 75Mhz Pentium Original Video memory: 1Mb
Comments:
Hi, Bought the system while living in the US and I'm now back inb the UK. Original upgrade was to add 16Mb to fill up all the slots and give 32Mb total. Then I added a USR 33.6 Winmodem which casued some IRQ conflicts but it all came out OK. Still using t e original sound card/modem but the modem stoppped working last week (fried?). Added a no-name S3/Virge video card that screwed up Win95 and then changed it to an ATI 3D Charger that works fine. I'm about to plunge into cpu upgrade and am thinking PowerLe p with AMD K6 2 300Mhz Anyone have any tips? 

11/02/98 06:11:16
Name: Cory Robbins My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 3550 When Purchaced: 3/96
Original RAM: 16 megs Original CPU Speed: 100 mhz Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
I have done a lot to this systen so far. Some not by choice, but because of original equipment problems, not all covered under warranty. First update or change was replacing the combination modem(28.8)/sound card with a Creative 16 and US Robotics 33.6. Neither proved to be a problem with configuration or installation. The original hard drive(Conner 1.0 gig) died under warranty and was replaced with a 1.6 gig Seagate. This drive has not been replaced witha 3.5 gig Maxtor. System memory has been increased to 104 megs. This so far has been the most noticable upgrade. The 100 mhz cpu has been replaced with an Intel 166 mmx overdrive. Video ram was increased to 2 megs. Nothing noticable after this upgrade. I am currently planning on another series of upgrades including a 3d video card, better sound card and a Power Leap to an AMD K6-300 chip. I hope to have this upgrades in place by the 1st of '99. I'll post again and let you know how it all went. Nothing like trying to make a "real" computer out of a Packard Bell!

10/19/98 01:17:31
Name: Joseph Wang My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: 600 Model Name: Legend 5320 When Purchaced: 11/95
Original RAM: 8 meg Original CPU Speed: 100 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
Replaced original card with 56K modem. Added 48Meg memory and a second hard drive which runs Linux. Overclocked it from 100 to 133. Next step is to get a better video card and maybe change the CPU. 

10/16/98 04:20:11
Name: Mark Nguyen My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb 600 Model Name: F 3580 When Purchaced: Nov 1993
Original RAM: 16 Original CPU Speed: 100
Comments:
I don't know what to call my Pc now ... because i replaced all the parts in it .. 48 Ram PNK, Maxtor 5.1 Gig , 16 Awe Wave sound, Zoom 56 k, Aztech Speacker, Toshiba 17 " monitor , and 2 mb (unknown) Video board. Logitech Mouse. The only thing i haven't upgrade is the CPU and MB because the MB limited only to 133mhz .. i am planning to buy a new MB . but still have alot of questions before doing so :) 

10/14/98 23:47:32
Name: John Walker My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 812CD When Purchaced: 1-Dec-95
Original RAM: 8 Meg Original CPU Speed: 100 Mhz Original Video memory: 1 Meg
Comments:
I started upgrading this machine almost as soon as I unpacked it from it's box. The first upgrade brought me into the 32MB RAM range, and I definetely noticed a big difference running all applications. The next major upgrade was to get rid of the Sound 44 (Packard Bells modem/sound card in one) system that the computer came with, it would not run properly for some reason. Installing a USR 33.6 modem and the AWE-64 (SoundBlaster) sound card really made this computer soar. My next upgrade project was cl arly the CPU. If you call Packard Bell they will tell you that they have only tested the PB600 with a P133, but Intel sells an Overdrive processor (Pentium 166MMX) that I installed myself and I experienced no problems. If you plan to do this with your c mputer, you will not see CPU = 166MMX on the startup. My computer only states CPU = 133???, which is considered normal according to Intel. After several months of being satisfied with my computer's new performance I decided to delve into the CMOS, just o make sure that the Y2K did not exist with my computer. It did. After surfing the net for several hours I came across the proper CMOS upgrade and installed it fairly easily, although I did have to reload most of my Modem / SoundBlaster software again. Finally, my last upgrade, which was probably the hardest. The harddrive. I decided to go with the Western Digital 5.1 GB harddrive, although there are some better ones out there on the market. After several hours of labor I managed to copy all my files onto this new drive, and it ran surprisingly well. I guess I'm finished upgrading for now... 

10/07/98 22:38:27
Name: CL My URL: Visit Me Motherboard #: PB600
Model Name: Legend 406CDW When Purchaced: 11/95 Original CPU Speed: 75 MHz
Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
First thing I did shortly after purchasing my PB was to replace the Intel 75 MHz chip with a Intel 100 MHZ chip. Then I replaced the PB sound/modem card. I installed a Creative Labs sound card and now have a Atlas 56K internal modem. I upgraded the memo y to 40 meg. Odd number but it was free. I then re-formated the drive and loaded Windows 95 ( B version/ osr2 ). Got rid of all the PB software. I reformat and reload every few months or so. I like to keep it running clean. I then replace the 4X CD Ro with a 16 X drive. Just recently I purchased a Evergreen Technologies 200 MHz MMX chip. It cost about $129.00. Model number 376. Installed in minutes and works great. No changes needed. The PC even boots faster. So far it has been a great machine..

10/03/98 18:41:15
Name: David Gagné My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Pack Mate 5200CD Original RAM: 16
Original CPU Speed: 120
Comments:
Upgraded RAM to 32Mb works fine. Overclocked to 133 works fine. Upgraded flash agoura bios to 1.20. Replaced the original HD (1.2 GB) by a Maxtor 5.7 GB. I have a lot of trouble with this drive. It looks like the PheonixBIOS 4.04 doesn't handle this large HD properly. I can use the EZDrive utility that came with the drive but it's a lot of problems when I want to install a new operating system and some usefull disk utilities don't work. Any helpfull tips. Thanks.

09/29/98 20:51:37
Name: Dayle My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: PM 4100CDW When Purchaced: February, 1996
Original RAM: 8 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 MHZ Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
I first added RAM so that I now have 32MB. Second, I added a Jaton Corp. 33.6 modem. This was a bit hard getting it to fit into the slot, but once in, I loaded the drivers which came with it and everything was fine. Next, I added a 2.0 GIG hard drive a a slave. The instructions which came with my computer were not very explicit, so I had to ask a friend for help. Additionally, even though you can add an additional hard drive, there is no room for it in the case, so we had to attach it near the bottom of the case using only one screw. I would suggest that if you wanted to add a hard drive, buy a large drive (PB says you can add up to an 8 GIG hard drive) and transfer everything from your original drive to the new one. By having two drives, your maste is drive C, the second is drive D, and your CD ROM is now E. When you try and play some of your previously loaded games and things, you have to reload them because of the change of name of your CD ROM. Additionally, you will have to reconfigure or relo d all of your pre-installed software that came with your computer. I was given a 120 MHZ pentium chip which I installed easily overclocked to 133 MHZ (the chip came with a fan attached, so I was not concerned about overheating). Finally, I have just ins alled a 24X CD ROM (very, very easy to install) and a Diamond Stealth II S220 video chip pursuant to the instructions listed previously on this site. While the video chip went in easily, I had a hard time configuring it to work properly. After I plugged it in, my screen was basically dancing around. I had to contact Diamond via e-mail. They were very quick in their response. Basically, I had to download updated drivers from their site and then change my monitor type to a different one they specified. Later, I had to change a setting in Quick Time, and then everything was fine. (I am very, very happy with the quality and colors of the video chip.) If you are not experienced with upgrading, you could probably upgrade everything except your hard drive. Find a knowledgeable friend, and be sure to check the auction sites and your local stores for some great deals right now. Office MAX has given away 33.6 modems for free twice this year, Office Depot and Circuit City both have $30 rebates for 24X CD ROMS and there are a lot of sales on hard drives. As a side note, I used to regularly lose my sound in the computer; but now that I have upgraded, this never happens. Additionally, for some reason, I have had to reinstall Windows 95 three different times be ause I find that I am not be able to add new hardware. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT PACKARD BELL WITH A QUESTION, THEIR E-MAIL SERVICE IS MUCH BETTER THAN THEIR PHONE SERVICE--also be sure to check out the PB USER site which is mentioned in Ray's site someplac . GET ON THEIR MAILING LIST!

09/18/98 16:01:46
Name: Vince My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 422CDT When Purchaced: 1995
Original RAM: 16 megs Original CPU Speed: 75 MHz Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
I upgraded the RAM to 48 megs, installed the 125 Overdrive Intel processor. (Incidentally, this is actually a 166 processor, so if you change some jumper settings on the motherboard you can run at the full 166 MHz. Big improvement!) So if anybody out t ere has installed the Intel Overdrive 75 to 125 processor, change your jumper settings and get the full 166 MHz! As it is, we are actually UNDERclocking the Overdrive processor! I also installed the extra meg of video RAM, plus a 56K modem. I intend to install a faster processor since I've heard that it will support a 233 processor, or perhaps even faster. Plus, I want to install a good 3D video card. -Vince 

09/11/98 14:04:56
Name: EH My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: PB600
Model Name: Axcel833cd When Purchaced: summer 1995 Original RAM: 8mb (on board)
Original CPU Speed: 100mhz Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
Original equipment: 850mb hd IDE CL GL-5434 1mb ram (can't overclock this chip set) No on board cache 100mhz intel petium with heatsink only 8mb on board ram Combo Sound/modem 144 am/sp NEC 4x cdrom 3.5 floppy drive 3x3 case (not much room) Windows 3.11 Goldstar 14 inch SVGA monitor Not finished with all the upgrades, but... Added: Win95 from Win 3.11, no plans to go to win98. Heard of too many problems. A registered version of Scitech Display Doctor ver6.53 which gives me more resolutions, accelerated video modes, and vesa support. 1.6gb hd as slave, which was cheap and extremely easy. Slave hd placed between powersorce and cdrom, not ideal but works for now. Extra 1mb of vid ram to make for a total of 2mbs. Two FPM 60ns 32mb and two FPM 70ns 8mb simms for a grand total of 90mbs of ram... what a difference. Overclocked the processor to 120mhz and added fan to existing heatsink. Tried to go to 133 but computer would lock up while booting windows 95. Thinking that win95 was causing some type of configuration error, I tried to boot directly to dos. It booted but would freak if I used any dos commands. So I will have to settle for 120mhz. Did notice slight performance increases. Future upgrades... hold on pocket book. Powerleap adapter with K6-2 300 3D, assuming that nothing new is released. V.90 modem with Lucent Tech chip set. Looks like a decent modem and affordable. Would like to install a new video card, not sure what type. No standards designated yet. Vodoo chip set seems like the winner thus far. New monitor. Panasonic Panaflat PF70, 17 inch.

09/10/98 15:25:49
Name: John Ruschmeyer My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 422CDT When Purchaced: Nov '95
Original RAM: 16mb Original CPU Speed: 75mhz Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
As this was initially my wife's system, I was loathe to touch it. However, have done some relatively conservative upgrades. 1) Replaced original 1.2gig HD with 6.3gig (original died after 2 yrs). 2) Replaced fan in power supply (noisy and not working well). 3) Replaced 4x CD-ROM with 16x and, later, 24x. 4) Upgraded memory to 56MB. 5) Flash BIOS upgrade to Agoura 1.20 (Y2K fixes). 6) Rplaced original processor with YNY "Qwik Chip" upgrade. This is a 200mhz IDT WinChip which plugged right into the Socket 5 on the PB600. Required changing J31 and J32 to get 66mhz clock. Performance is roughly equivalent to 200mhz Pentium MMX. (Cost $ 49 and highly recommended) Have not touched original Sound144 modem/sound card, though may do so to regain an interrupt and get true stereo. Have also installed Ethernet and SCSI cards (along with SCSI ZIP). Currently all cards are ISA, so strong motivation to migrate some function lity to PCI. Interested in finding a PBTV4 board and the pinout for the internal modem/serial port on the PB600.
08/25/98 17:02:27
Name: Sidney Heard My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: LEGEND 813CDT When Purchaced: NOVEBER 1995
Original RAM: 16MB Original CPU Speed: 100MHz Original Video memory: 1MHz
Comments:
I upgraded my RAM from 16 MB to 104 MB, Video memory 2 MB with no noticeable difference, then my Hard Drive from 1.6 GB HDD to 4.8 GB HDD and my CPU from 100 MHz to 300MHz. (Using the Power Leap PRO/MMX Plus adapter with an AMD K6-2 300 3DON CPU. It works just great with no problems but now my PC display of the CPU type and/or speed is wrong, the start up screen shows that I have a CPU = Pentium ??? MHz Processor). It is truly a great machine now.

07/26/98 02:38:25
Name: Mike Metro My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 812CD When Purchaced: Fall of '96
Original CPU Speed: 100 Mhz Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
The first upgrade was to increase my RAM to 24megs which will also be my next upgrade. Following that I installed a 33.6 USR Winmodem and a sound card. I added a 4.2 GB hardrive even though I didn't have a bay for it (it rests on the bottom of the case) I also increased my video memory. Because some of the software I wanted to buy exceeded my cpu I decided to upgrade that next. I bought the PowerLeap and an AMD K6 2/266 Mhz cpu. I had a little difficulty getting it to work but it's working fine now. The key was to rem out the CD-ROM device line in config.sys. Otherwise I couldn't get the new cpu to boot. Anyone know why I had to do this? I also tried Win98 but it wouldn't install with the CD-ROM line remmed out as it needed to use the CD-ROM during nstallation. It got to a certain point and the CD-ROM wouldn't finish installing Win98. I had to put my old cpu back in to install Win98. But Win98 kept locking up on me so I'll set that aside for awhile. Note: If you do upgrade your cpu you should keep your old one as you may need it. I haven't tried to oc the new cpu yet but that will come soon. This machine has been easy to upgrade for me and the only problems I've had were due to my lack of knowledge which has been increasing every time I upgrade s mething.

07/06/98 18:40:20
Name: Serge My Email: Email Me Motherboard #: PB 600
Model Name: Platinum I When Purchaced: 4-96 Original RAM: 16
Original CPU Speed: Pentium 133 Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
The first thing I did was install 2 32-meg EDO SIMMS (for a total of 80 MB RAM). A HUGE performance boost- no more disk swapping for me! :) I've also added a generic SCSI card and a CD-writer (Phillips CDD-2600, nice model for it's time), a 56k v.90 Winmo em (yeah, I know, but it was cheap), and about to add an equally cheap S3 video card. Oddly enough, hardware's given me no problems at all, but my next computer's still gonna be a Dell :)


05/05/98 15:20:55
Name: David Collins My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Force 482 CDT Original RAM: 8 MB
Original CPU Speed: 75 MHZ Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
I originally just upgraded the RAM to 16 MB then to 24 MB and now to 32 MB. Also upgraded the Video memory to 2 MB (No noticeable difference), updraded from a 1 GB HDD to 2.1 GB and the CPU from 75 MHz to 133MHz. It was a good machine when we bought it b t it's a great one now.


05/02/98 21:54:30
Name: april My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb600 Model Name: spectria 300cdq When Purchaced: 4/96
Original CPU Speed: 75
Comments:
Let's see. Went from 75 to 100 cpu, 8 to 40 ram, 850 to maxtor 3.5 hd, trashed the spam card, went to a sb16 and a cardinal 56k. I failed with the video card replacement. Think it had something to do with refreshrates and monitor. You see it would only run 56 & 60 refreshrates on cirrus. The new card wouldn't go that low. Eventually I'll try again, after we try and get rid of that 1 inch gap on each side on the screen. Packard Bell claims it's supposed to be that way. I guess it's supposed to shrink a l by itself. Next step when the bucks roll in is to try the video card again, and (yes I know its an all-in-one)lose the monitor.


04/16/98 22:02:51
Name: Russ My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Force 2460 When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 mhz. Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
Hello People, bought my system at COMPUSA for $1499 with 14" monitor. It was a good price at the time, considering I sold my PB Legend Supreme 486 100 mhz for $1200 and kept my 15" monitor. As soon as I bought it I wanted to upgraded the CPU to a P-133 an got some bogus advice from Packard Bell telling me I could use the Intel OverDrive P-133. Turns out only a non-Overdrive P-133 CPU would work, so the creeps at Egghead wouldn't take back the OverDrive CPU, and I wound up eating the $320 and traded in as exchange for 32 MB of Memory. Next I went out and picked up a Intel P-133 and that worked fine. After that I put in a Western Digital 1.6 GB drive to go with the Connor 1 GB I already had. A few months later I put in a Sound Blaster Awe 32 and a Diamond 8X CD-ROM which was rated well at that time. Then I got itchy again and dropped in a Matrox Mystique Vid-Card which I was happy with for a short time. A year went by and the New Breed of 3D Vid-Cards hit the market, so of coarse I had to get one. I picked up the Hercules Stingray 128 3D with the Voodoo Rush Chipset, big mistake, had good 3D but the 2D performance majorly sucked, it was slower than the Matrox Mystique in 2D. Yeah I know, I must be a Hardware Junkie, lucky I am poor most of the time. Well, n t long after that my Sound Blaster AWE 32 died, I think I may have killed it by having 4 speakers connected to it for quite awhile. So I picked up the Sound Blaster AWE 64 Value Card as a replacement. There's really not much difference beteen the AWE 32 a d the AWE 64. Which brings me to 1998 and Ray's WebSite where I found out about the PowerLeap Pro Adapter, and it didn't take long before the itch started up again. I picked up the PowerLeap Pro for $55 and bought a AMD K6 233 MMX for $170 at a local PC s op, and I am kick-ass happy with the results. After installing the PowerLeap I read alot about the K6 28 watt heat dissipation requirements so I drilled a 3" hole in the top of the Desktop case over the CPU and bought a 32 Cubic ft. 3" Case Fan at Radio S ack for $20 and attached it to blow air into the case, there was just enough room to screw the Fan in at the front left corner area of case. So I now have a pretty fast and cool CPU, but of coarse I needed a faster Video Card. So I dumped the Stingray Slo as a Slug Vid-Card and picked up the newly reduced in price STB Velocity 128 2D/3D PCI card 4MB, cost $149. Performance is outstanding and the 3D Rocks as well. My Graphic Wintune 97 BenchMarks increased by 100 %. I also upgraded to 64MB FPM RAM and dump d the Conner 1GB slug for a 2nd Western Digital 2.5 GB. I think I have taken this Packard Bell to it's max finally and the only thing left to do, will be to buy a Barebones System and do a transplant, but then again................ I am gettin' kinda itch .


04/08/98 16:10:35
Name: Bill McKinnon My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend Supreme 102cd When Purchaced: Dec.95
Original RAM: 8mb Original CPU Speed: Pent 75 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
I first started buy adding a fan, overclocking to 120 (it wouldn,t go to 133) and adding 32 meg of ram. I now have an Intel 233MMX with Powerleap adapter(the bus speed is finally at 66. It kept crashing when I attached jumper J31 and for some reason it wo ked the last time I tried it!)56 mb ram, Quantum 6.4 gig disk drive; Hayes Accura 56k modem. I still have the original video as there is no room in the 3X3 box for a upgrade. Thanks to all who helped!

03/29/98 23:09:33
Name: Duane Graham My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb 600 Model Name: force 4650 When Purchaced: Feb-10-1996
Original RAM: 8mb Original CPU Speed: 120 Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
Thanks to your great website RAY i overclocked my 120 to a 133 and I purchased a powerleap and am looking for a p-233mmx. I upped my hd to a 1.6gb and put a matrox mystique 3d videocard in (works great) pulled the stock soundcard\modem out and put in a so ndblaster 16 and a Us Robotics 56k modem and 8x cd-rom i am running 56mb of ram most of this i did over a year ago but the overclocking and the powerleap idea i got from you thanks for having the most informative packardbell site in the world P.S. when i asked the idiots at computercity about any of these upgrades i was told that they were all impossible thanks again RAY

03/28/98 04:53:12
Name: Bruce Campbell My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Agoura Model Name: AX 451CDW When Purchaced: 20 March 1998 (used)
Original RAM: 40 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 MHz Original Video memory: 1 MB
Comments:
In order to eliminate the year 2,000 bugs, I dl'd the flash bios update program 14241302.exe from the Packard Bell site, and then successfully made an update floppy. The update ran without any apparent problems, but, for reasons unknown, on the next powe up I ended up with an entirely dead, unresponsive system, except that in the flash recovery mode it beeps in a short pattern which is repeated indefinitely. Since the system won't boot (or even try to), there's nothing I can do that I can see. So I contacted Packard Bell, in entirely friendly terms, but they won't respond in any constructive way - they won't sell a replacement flash, or the image file so I c uld burn the flash in a PROM programmer here, or offer any other help except to sell me a new motherboard. I physically visited the dealer too (where I bought the system used last Friday), but, understandably, they just don't have the means to help - they don't have any additional PB600's nor replacement flashes, alas. So I have a system with no hardware flaws and yet it's entirely useless. What a waste. If anyone has an extra flash bios for this system they'd like to sell or if you know of any way to help restore this one I'd sure appreciate hearing from you. Thanks much and regards, Bruce Bruce Campbell 15270 SW Holly Hill Road Hillsboro, OR 97123-9074 All Telecom (Auto-discriminate): 503-628-2936 (Pacific) Email: Zyskin@aol.com


03/17/98 23:03:18
Name: Larry My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Phoenix 4.04 Agoura 1.20 FLASH Model Name: Spectria cdqw Integral Monitor When Purchaced: 1/1/96 Office Depot $1100.00
Original RAM: 8 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 MHZ Intel Original Video memory: Cirrus 1 MB on board
Comments:
Originally overclocked to 120MHZ an ran aok for over 1 year. Added 40MB ram total 48MB. Replaced 850MB HD with 2.1GB HD spit with partition magic and dual boot, running Win95 and Win98beta 3; added Best Data 56F Kflex modem, still using Packard Bell 14. modem for phone services and sound card; added 1MB video on board to 2mb; 3-16-98 added Zerus MMXtreme 180 CPU (opened jumpers 30 31 32 to operate at 200 MHZ 4x50mhz chip has integral fan, mmx technology, 64K internal write back cache, utilizes RISC tech ology - reduced instruction sets) while video is still original it is the only thing holding the speed back. Intend to replaced soon. Purchased MMXtreme 180 from Tiger Software Item Z19-1002 delivered in two days by Airborne for total $137.98 and it took 15 minutes to install and have up and running. Systems Analyzer reports presence of IDT C6+ 200MHZ CPU. I've built many computers and this is running as well as Cyrix MMZ 200 with the exception of the video.


03/16/98 12:58:30
Name: Russ My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Force 2460 When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 mhz Original Video memory: 2 MB
Comments:
Hello People, Just dropped you a line to eat a little crow. Remember the old Gilda Radner Bit when she is playing Emily Litella on the News. She babbles on about something for a while and then realizes she didn't hear what she was told quite right, and realizes she was wrong and says "Never Mind". Well, Never Mind, I was wrong about the HeatSink not fitting the AMD K6 233 properly. So please disregard the comments I made about the PowerLeap HeatSink not fitting properly 2 messages down from this one. My system was runni g along all day fine with my homemade Monster HeatSink/DoubleFan Combo I put together, that is until I decided to do a very large CPU taxing download. It totally Overheated the CPU and system wouldn't even restart for a few min. At that point, I took apar system again and tried re-fitting the original HeatSink PowerLeap sent. I learned from Nate at PowerLeap (not in the Manual) That you have to loosen the hand screws that hold the Fan/Heatink together first before you try sliding in CPU, and then re-tight n them, and whaddaya know. The Damn thing fit as tight as could be, which is what is should do. I applied some Thermal Compound as well, since I already had it. I also changed which Power Supply connector I had the it to just in case it was a Voltage Prob em. Well It works great now, downloaded that large file without a problem and left system on all night, to see if I would get any heat build up. No problems. Just thought I would let you people know it's safe to take a PowerLeap with a PB 600 Motherboard. Thanks, Russ


03/15/98 18:06:21
Name: Russ My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB 600 Model Name: Force 2460 (Desktop) When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 16 MB Original CPU Speed: 75 mhz Original Video memory: 2 MB
Comments:
Hello people. Here to re-confirm that the PowerLeap/AMD K6 233 works fine with the PB600 motherboard. Sort of. The performance after install tasted great, but the PowerLeap Adapter Paackage was less filling. Meaning, first I didn't think the Chip was work ng because the Power Connector was very loose fitting. It took a lot of jiggling before I could get a connection. Second, the Floppy disk sent was unreadable. And Third and most troublesome, the heatsink they sent didn't fit properly on the AMD K6 233 whi h I bought seperately.There was no contact tape on heatsink either. This all lead to Major OverHeating and System Lockups. The AMD K6 233 is a very HOT chip in more ways than one. So I Had to run system with case off. Let PowerLeap know about problem and hey said the Heatsink should fit, It didn't. Well I found a cheap workaround. I picked up a Second and better HeatSink/Fan for $12.00 and Thermal HeatSink Compound at Radio Shack for $1.99. I used the New HeatSink in place of the Powerleaps putting HeatSi k silcone Compound between CPU and HeatSink for better Heat Dissiaption. Then I piggybacked the PowerLeap Fan on top of the New HeatSink Fan using some longer screws I had laying around the basement. Now the PowerLeap/AMD K6 233 runs like the wind without LockUps. Other upgrades I've done on my system have included a Stingray 128 3D Graphics card, 64 MBs of RAM, 8X Diamond CD-ROM and 2 Western Digital Hard Drives 1.6 GB and 2.1 GB. In closing, I would again like to say I am very Happy about the PowerLeap p rformance, It just might take a little effort on your part to Make It So, Engage.


03/10/98 23:58:08
My URL: Visit Me Motherboard #: PB600
Model Name: Platinum1 Original RAM: 16
Original CPU Speed: 133
Comments:
I upgraded my platinum1(pb600)133pent.to a pentium 233mmx.System runs noticably faster.Wintune gives me higher numbers,but my bios(augora4.04-flash upgrade1.20)still says my system is pent 133. any info would be apreciated.


02/24/98 05:43:30
Name: Devin Nickle My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: BL230SP When Purchaced: 10/96
Original RAM: 8mb Original CPU Speed: P75mhz Original Video memory: 1mb
Comments:
I installed a PLPRO MMX Powerleap adapter with an AMD K-6 233mmx in Jan. 98. It works great! I more than doubled my speed. It also helped somewhat with my no L2 cache problem. I am now looking into a 3x3 motherboard with 256k onboard, from New Mode Electr nics. They have them from 100.00 to 150.00. I have Phoenix bios version 4.04. I now also have 32mb RAM, Diamond stealth 3D 3000 w/4mb,20 speed CDROM,SB16,33.6 modem, and Win95 "B" version. (no more bundled software YEAH!!!) This computer works almost as w ll as my P55C 233mmx, with TX chipset.


02/20/98 04:18:52
Name: Fred Morris My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: P600 Model Name: Axel 455CD When Purchaced: 12/95
Original CPU Speed: 75 mhz
Comments:
2/13/98 Replaced P75 with Overdrive P55 overdrive processor with MMX. Kept jumper settings the same, Intel tested it as P166 with MMX, Wintune showed the same...NOT BAD! But this looks as far as I can go, or will go without a new system. Prior to 2/13/98 Replaced combo 14.4 modem/soundcard with US Robotics 33.6 Fax/modem and Soundblaster 32 AWE(with additional 4 megs ram). Installed Creative infra1800 cd.Diamond Stealth 3D 2000. Installed additional hard drive/2.5 gig Western Digital Caviar(attached to ch ssis under CD player.)Have Iomega Zip 100/Mustek 600III EP scanner/HP 600C all linked together off same parallel port.Logitech 3 button mouse . Current RAM 32 megs/overclocked CPU to 100 MHz.Agoura 1.20 bios.


02/15/98 01:49:53
Name: Blake Strabbing My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Legend 402CD When Purchaced: 1/96
Original RAM: 8MB Original CPU Speed: 75MHz Original Video memory: 1MB
Comments:
I have had very good luck upgrading. The biggest disapointment was the lack of L2 cache. The first thing I did was upgrade the modem to a Cardinal 33.6, no problem. I got a 100MHz CPU from my cousin for nothing ( nice guy ) and installed that, with a l ttle help from PB about jumper settings. I have never had any trouble with PB support. I would like to overclock, but haven't figured it out yet. I upgraded the RAM to 56MB. I installed an ATI 3D EXPRESSION+ PC2TV, with no problem. Then sold that to ake room for a Intergraph Intense 3D(I needed the Rendition chip for NASCAR2). I installed a 2.5gig Western Digital hard drive as my Master and switched the original to Slave. I installed Win95B and skipped the PB software. I just installed off the CD' what I wanted. Win95B has FAT32 so I didn't need to partition the new hard drive. I installed a Digital Research 24x CD ROM drive ( very fast compared to 4x that came with system ). Unless there is a way to add L2 cache, I'm going to by a new 200MHz M X ATX motherboard and 9 bay case for $300 ( just dropped in price again )from Tiger. Too close in price to a overdrive to go that route.


02/05/98 03:19:26
Name: Fred Morris My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Axcel 455CD When Purchaced: 12/95
Original RAM: 8 meg Original CPU Speed: 75 Original Video memory: 1 meg
Comments:
Replaced combo 14.4 modem/soundcard with US Robotics 33.6 Fax/modem and Soundblaster 32 AWE(with additional 4 megs ram). Installed Creative infra1800 cd.Diamond Stealth 3D 2000. Installed additional hard drive/2.5 gig Western Digital Caviar(attached to c assis under CD player.)Have Iomega Zip 100/Mustek 600III EP scanner/HP 600C all linked together off same parallel port.Logitech 3 button mouse . Current RAM 32 megs/overclocked CPU to 100 MHz.Agoura 1.20 bios.(next step replace CPU!)


02/02/98 20:08:22
Name: Chuck Newcomb My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: pb600 Model Name: spectria 300cdq When Purchaced: 7/97 used
Original RAM: 8meg Original CPU Speed: 75mgz Original Video memory: cirrus
Comments:
I picked up this used and was told I made a mistake.upgraded the modem to 33600,added ram to 32meg,than the other day wrote in to this server and Ray said let him know when I upgraded.Well I got my courage up and stepped the clock up(put the 31 jumper om)and it says Im running at 90mgz,and is working noticeably faster.so far with out a catch...Im tempted to put 32 on....cdn


12/28/97 02:46:08
Name: Gary My URL: Visit Me My Email: Email Me
Motherboard #: PB600 Model Name: Pack-Mate 4100CD When Purchaced: Dec. /95
Original RAM: 8 M Original CPU Speed: 75 MHz Original Video memory: 1 M
Comments:
I am now running with 32M of RAM. Added an X2 USR Internal Modem which I am connecting at an average of 45.3K. The modem was the most troublesome thing to upgrade so far. Downloaded from PB, the upgrade to the BIOS which fixes the Year 2000 bug - was Agou a 1.17, now 1.20. On Dec. 21/97 added an Evergreen PR180 MxPro Pentium Upgrade ($249CDN from Future Shop - equivalent to $174US). This was the easiest upgrade so far, just one jumper to change. No BIOS change was needed. Ran Wintune 97 which says the proc ssor is running at 153MHz but the Evergreen Upgrade Test shows it is running at 180MHz. A tech guy at Evergreen says that these Diagnostic Programs have trouble with their chips. He assures me that it is running at 180MHz. So far, so good!!

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