Amstrad 75MHz to 166 Overdrive + MMX upgrade???

Roy Scott

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Jan 10, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/10/98

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Please help if poss.

I have an Amstrad PC9555i P75, with 16Mb RAM, running the Phoenix 4.04 BIOS.
After running the BIOS check & consulting with my local PC World store I fitted a 166 Overdrive Processor with MMX (setting the clock speed at 66MHz).
It now refuses to boot without multiple resets, and when it does begin to boot it halts with the message "Previous boot incomplete - default configuration used". Using F1 Win95 loads but the Matrox Mystique video card is described as having "hardware conflicts" & the troubleshooter identifies conflicts with the settings for the keyboard (sic) and the "system board extension for PnP BIOS".
Amstrad have been taken over by Viglen, & Phoenix do not seem able to help.

Should I just "unplug 'n' play" by refitting the P75 & resetting the clock speed. If so I want my money back from PC World who advised the upgrade.

Andy

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Jan 10, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/10/98

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I had the same boot problems and had to put back my original processor.
PC world will take back the overdrive and refund your money, they did me....

I posted this problem with Intel but received no reply.

From what I can gather MMX is not compatible with alot of computers which just about sums up the computer industry....honestly it is almost impossible to find two people that can offer the same advise....IBM compatibles....PHAA! I think I should have bought
an "APPLE"...

Listen good luck and please do let me know if you find somebody that really does know what they are talking about.

Cheers

Andy.

Randy Stolz

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Jan 12, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/12/98

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Hi Roy,

I would first try setting your motherboard bus speed back to 50 MHz as
there's no telling your motherboard will even run at 66 MHz even with a
standard Pentium(R) processor. This OverDrive(R) processor will run if
compatible at 125 MHz this way. If Viglen can't confirm compatibility,
or supply at bios upgrade that will make the system work, I would not pursue
this upgrade. Return the processor to PC World for a refund.

Randy Stolz
Intel Internet Technical Support

Roy Scott

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Jan 12, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/12/98

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Thanx for the prompt reply, Randy.
The initial screen report on boot-up identifies the CPU as a Pentium 100MHz - does this not suggest that the motherboard will run at 66MHz?? Furthermore Norton diagnostics identifies the CPU as 166MHz.
I'll contact Viglen & reset the clock speed as you suggest - here's hoping!!

Roy

Randy Stolz

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Jan 13, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/13/98

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Hi Roy,

There will very likely be driver issues for your peripherals. If you
get past POST but the O?S fails to launch try reloading and/or updating
the video driver. Same with other peripheral drivers. As long as the
boot up sequence is ok don't put much value in what speed the bios
reports as many report this incorrectly (higher speed was never
anticipated when written). It's correct operation that counts. The
Intel diagnostics will correctly report processor speed.

Randy Stolz
Intel Internet Support

:>Thanx for the prompt reply, Randy.

Roy Scott

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Jan 13, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/13/98

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Thanks for your interest, Randy.
Unfortunately I have not managed to get the Overdrive with MMX to function. The ol' P75 is back in place and all systems are go (but slow).
My feelings of frustration lead me to believe that there should be better guidance available to potential Intel upgrade customers. I think that your company should be aware that one of the UK's major computer retailers (PC World) is not able to offer its'(and your) customers proper advice.
Do let me know if anyone does eventually manage to upgrade an Amstrad P75/90/100 to 166 with MMX - once I know how it's done I might be interested!

Roy

Roy Scott

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Jan 13, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/13/98

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Hi Andy

I've read your various postings with interest & share your sense of frustration. For me this MMX upgrade trip has been a waste of time - but what surprises me (though it shouldn't) is how an amateur like me ends up establishing quickly, expensively and painfully that the "professional" advice from retail staff is quite simply completely wrong.
There will be gnashing of teeth & grinding of bone if I don't get my money back pronto! GRR...

Good luck to you,
Roy

Randy Stolz

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Jan 15, 1998, 3:00:00 AM1/15/98

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Hi Roy,

Thank you for the feedback. I will look into this "poor advice" you
received and take steps to get it corrected. If you do not receive a
prompt refund I urge you to call our support line.

Randy Stolz
Intel Internet Support

:>Thanks for your interest, Randy.

:> .