I have an NEC Powermate ML3 Computer with 1.5 Ghz Processor. What is the max I can upgrade the processor to?

Question

This is a link to the spec of the computer

http://www.ciao.co.uk/NEC_PC__6520484

Basically I know I can upgrade the RAM from 256MB (current) to 512MB. But as it says the processor is 'upgradable', could I take out the 1.5Ghz and replace it with a 1.7, 2.0 or even as far as a 2.4 Ghz processor?

I'm on a tight budget so getting a new computer is out of the question!

Thanks to everyone in advance.

Answer 1

That's a very old PC, you'd probably be wasting your time and money.

Try to find a good used PC in the 3GHZ range (not a Celeron) with 512MB RAM, AND with the XP Recovery disks, and you'll be happier.

Answer 2

hi jamie
this is a socket 478 pentium 4 processor,so you have to be careful you dont get a newer pentium 4 which come in the lga775 socket
although there are still socket 478 pentium 4 processors around you wont have a big choice
the Intel Pentium® 4 3.4GHz Prescott (800MHz) 1MB cache OEM socket 478 CPU(http://www.pcupgrade.co.uk/productdetails.asp?ProductID=2807&categoryid=102)is the fastest 478 pentium 4 avalible and is a worthwhile upgrade,this is more than twice your current clock speed
one problem is that most pentium 4 cpu,s are hyper threaded,however your motherboard is quite old and wont support hyper threading but should still work fine on a single thread
the Intel Pentium® 4 2.4GHz (400MHz) 512K cache Northwood Boxed CPU inc Fan and Heatsink socket 478 CPU (http://www.pcupgrade.co.uk/productdetails.asp?ProductID=2799&categoryid=102)is more near the speed you asked for,its alot cheaper and still a massive speed increase
another issue could be replacing the processor as pentium 4 processors are known for being awkward to remove(heatsink ect)
also take a look at this ite for a good selection of 478 pentium 4,s....http://www.geeks.com/products_sc.asp?cat=271
good luck mate !