Upgraded Acer 3680 Celeron CPU to a T5300!

VikingDon.....I know very little about virtualization myself, except only recently figuring how to enable it. I had a virtual PC running inside VirtualBox before I figured out how to enable the T5600 chip`s virtualization, so still not sure what it`s all about, and any guess I ventured, at this point, would probably be wrong. I just wanted to have it enabled to optimize the upgrade. Most of this stuff I`m doing right now, is for the first time, so I`m definitely a newbie.

I set up a virtual PC in VirtualBox (first time for this, too) to test the load on the CPU. I highly recommend it for trying out other operating systems and it runs on Windows XP. Here`s the VirtualBox site:

VirtualBox

I recently came across a site where they`re actively working on virtualization inside a virtual PC and I plan on looking into that when I get these machines finished.

The bios mod for enabling virtualization is actually very easy, if you follow the steps. The disclaimer is like what would now come on a rubber band, IMO. If you manage to shoot yourself in the eye, then it`s very dangerous.

 

Isn't the bios modified by the administrator of the bios-mods site

Acer Aspire 3680 v3508 Unlocked Advanced Options

already have this done?? I have downloaded the file awhile back, just never installed it. I've used winflash to upgrade from the 3505 to 3508. Would the vitualization already be enabled if I flash with his modified bios??

Update: I flashed that unlocked bios, but there was no advanced options. I noticed others had the same problems, and Kizwan had "fixed" the file. Flashing that tomorrow

2nd update: I flashed Kizwan's fixed bios, and got the advanced options. So I just enabled vitualization and that was it... I now have it turned on

 

RouterRugby... I downloaded VirtualBox and installed it. Trying to figure it out. I need a bootable XP disc, I see to install an OS. The first choice to boot from, is a floppy, but doesn't have an option for a flash drive... seems a little outdated.

 

Exactly, VikingDon. My syntax was a bit confusing, but I also flashed kizwan`s modified bios to enable virtualization ( I think it`s called "hardware virtualization").

Actually, I didn`t see any advanced options. After flashing the bios, I ran SecurAble again and it showed that virtualization was enabled, where it did not before. Where do you get to "see" the advanced options?

With VirtualBox, I already had a bootable XP disk, so that was no problem. I think there is a way to use a flash drive, but you may have to have it plugged in before VirtualBox sees it. I`ve been using ImgBurn, so burning an ISO image to a disk is easier for me.

The first VirtualBox "guest" machine I set up was the XP version inside Ubuntu. I highly recommend setting up Windows guests inside a Ubuntu host. This was my first time using Ubuntu and I found it very user friendly. I did find that the 10.04 version is more stable and the newest version has some bugs with the wifi.

I was able to set up a 64 bit version of XP in Ubuntu, but was only able set up an i386 32bit version of guest Ubuntu inside my Vista host.

I think I`ll try to set up a guest XP inside the Vista host and see how it goes. I think it may accept the 64 bit version(I think I saw somewhere where the 32 bit limitation was a Linux issue). I`ll also try it with a flash drive to see if I can get that to work. I`ll let you know how it goes.

 

Well, if you go to the link I have above, the is the first post by the administrator. He has a link to download his modified bios (that is the first one I flashed). When I flashed it, I didn't get advanced options. From the posts after others had the same problem. The 6th post is by kizwan, who "fixed" the bios, and has a link to download his fixed one (he also re-modified it to take care of a freezing problem with "frequency ratio" by removing it from the settings). The screen he posted of advanced options (without frequency ratio) is exactly what I have. But this is the one you need to flash to get the advanced options.

Acer Aspire 3680 v3508 Unlocked By 1234s282 FIXED.rar

You can turn the virtualization on or off, and a few other settings that wouldn't be available without the advanced options.

I'll put in my flash before opening virtual box. I just double-click on any ISO file, and it goes directly to nero burner... I'm just broke till the end of the week, and don't have any blank discs.

 

I just don`t know where I would need to go to see advanced options, I`m pretty sure I flashed the same bios, maybe.

Regarding VirtualBox, I found a reply that said a flash drive was not an option, but someone else said you don`t need an image on a bootable disk. They said all you needed to do was "attach" the ISO file. Being a complete noob, I don`t understand what that is. Maybe some action in the VirtualBox Manager.

Most of the time I need step by step instructions, "for the complete idiot", since I mostly don`t have a clue about files and such. I`ll look around some more, a little later, and see if I can find a link to the exact steps. If you figure it out, let me know. Looks like you won`t have to get any more disks after all.

 

When you hold F2 on bootup, you'll go into bios. The modified bios will have the extra "Advanced" option between main & security. The first setting is the virtualization. Without the modified bios, there would be no advanced tab. As you can see, you can turn the virtualization on or off.

 

Thanks, that`s what I needed.

I found this page on virtual storage for VirtualBox, I haven`t completely weeded through it yet, but it probably holds the key to attaching an ISO image to VirtualBox.

Chapter 5. Virtual storage

 

Advanced options didn`t show up in BIOS, but it`s no big deal since Vitualization and speed stepping are enabled. I`ll look for the other bios for the next machine.

I found a solution for attaching ISO to VirtualBox.1) Download ISO to desktop. 2) Set up "New" machine with ROM, RAM, etc. 3)Click on "Settings" and select "Storage". 4) At the bottom of menu page click on + sign that adds controller (I picked the SATA controller, but I`m not sure it matters) 5) SATA controller shows up on list. Click on + sign that adds a CD/DVD drive, then click on "Choose Disk" and browse to your ISO image, select image and it`ll show up by controller. 6) Click on "Start", with your new virtual PC highlighted, to begin install.

Looking back over the process, you can also create a virtual hard drive as well as a CD/DVD, so it probably doesn`t matter which you use to attach the ISO to. When you start up your new virtual PC, it gives you the F12 option to choose the boot order.

I did have a bit of trouble getting it to recognize some of the ISO images I had, but others worked fine. I did encounter a few partitioning problems (basically me having too many options that I don`t understand) working through the complete instillation, but this is definitely a way to "attach" an ISO image. A burned image on a disk is way simpler and easier for me.

 

I got the Virtual Box installed, and used an ISO of Windows XP to install the OS. It's pretty cool. Now to get it to interact with the host PC a little better. Like I mentioned before, I have a scanner that has the slides/negatives feature, that will only work on XP. What I'll have to do, is print out the Virtual Box manual and read it.



PS RouterRugby... this Virtual Box is confusing. Do you have any idea how I am suppose to "mount" the guest additions ISO?? I found this particular ISO file & copied it to my desktop, so it will be handy when I figure out what to do with it. lol

Quoting manual:

"The VirtualBox Guest Additions for all supported guest operating systems are provided as a
single CD-ROM image file which is called VBoxGuestAdditions.iso. This image file is located
in the installation directory of VirtualBox. To install the Guest Additions for a particular VM, you
mount this ISO file in your VM as a virtual CD-ROM and install from there."

Update: Got everything working ok

 

Hey that`s great! Sorry I didn`t include a heads up about guest additions, since it`s an issue on mouse control and having a fullscreen instead of the tiny screen.

Also, to have wireless capabilities activated on your guest, you may have to use "bridged networking" . This sets up routing or bridging between your guest and the rest of your network.

This may only be an issue with linux, but if you don`t have wireless on your guest PC now:

1) Go to Settings ---> Network and select Bridged Network in the "Attached to"box where it now has NAT.
2) In "Name"box, select your wireless network adapter.
3) Now setup your wireless network in your guest PC, like you ordinarily would.

 

Thanks for the info.

You may be interested in this other software (CPU-Z) that monitors your system:



PS Thinking about installing Windows 7 Ultimate in my virtual box, to give it a test run & see if I like it

 

Yeah, I`ve got those. They`re very useful for looking at our upgrades under a load.

I forget which one, but one of the system analyzers showed our upgraded CPU was capable of "nested paging". I also found a VirtualBox forum discussion where nested paging can enable running virtualization in side a virtualizer. Looks like another way to optimize this upgrade:

dreaMING of Fusion: VirtualBox Hardware Virtualization and Nested Paging

https://forums.virtualbox.org/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=20589&sid=7ba37b468b689815860756105c103dfa

It`s great playing the mad doctor with a blank hard drive. I`ve tried several different systems inside Virtualbox. With a blank HD, I`ve also used GParted to set up configurations of different patricians with different systems. My favorite is Ubuntu-10.04 with VirtualBox and different systems running inside that. I found it was easier setting up 64bit systems on VBox inside Ubuntu than it was a Windows partition. YMMV

 

Nice work VikingDon, I did the same thing, only I used a T7600 from ebay and its running fine and stable at 2.33GHz, also got 2x2GB 667MHz DDR2 memory sticks to go with the FSB.
As fast as I know, this is the very max this laptop can go, other than upgrading the HDD and replacing the wireless-g for a wireless-n (did those too).
All in all after these upgrades its quite a fine laptop considering its age.

 

Hey I have a question about the compatibility of the intel t7200 processor and my (intel i943/940GML.) I'm just a little confused whether or not my chipset will support the T7200, I really want to upgrade. I have the Acer Aspire 3680 with the celeron M 440 @ 1.8ghz, running a single 2gb ram stick at 533mhz. Also if there has been any discovery of better processors that are compatible with my set up. Thank you.

 

@ Loco_Colombian: Yep, you should be able to put in anything up to a T7600. The M 440 is what I had to start with. Your mobo should have the 943 chipset, which will support the core 2 duo cpu. You can check by looking on (or near) the ram slot for a sticker, that should start with MB.AZL06. I bought a new mobo (MB.TDX06) for mine from ebay ($80) that has the 945 chipset that allowed more ram, and 667 fsb across the board. BTW, my model is: 3680-2682

@ galo5150: Wish I could have afforded the T7600. They cost about 3 times what the T7200 did. I installed a 500 gig, 7200 rpm HDD. You can get better performance with the faster drive. Going with a solid state drive would really improve the speed (maybe when the prices drop a little on both, I'll make further upgrades to a T7600 & a SSD)

Anyway, since I made my last post here, I have installed Windows 7 ultimate. I was hesitant at first, as I assumed it might run a little slower then the original vista home basic, and take up a lot more disk space (wrong on both accounts). 7 Ultimate runs faster then basic vista In fact, the cpu scored higher in windows experience with 7 installed, then it did with vista (everything else being equal). The 7 OS was supposedly engineered for multi-core processors, so that may be the reason. What really surprised me, was the 7 ultimate (with all the bells & whistles) took up slightly less space the the vista home basic. I did a fresh re-install of vista a few weeks ago, and it took around 9 gigs of space. When I installed a fresh 7 ultimate a couple days ago, it used up about 8 gigs. I now have all the programs back in, and it's still about 1 gig less, then it was with vista.

 

Thank you very much VikingDon, I just got this baby and originally only had Vista home basic and 512kb of ram. It was dreadful, she was running mega slow, I mean about whole minute worth time between accomplishing commands, but after I threw the 2gb dr2 stick she ran great. I installed windows 7 ultimate right after and shes been running like a dream, so I definitely recommend doing it. Would you happen to have a link to a ebay vendor that sells the 945 mobo, if not the full 945 model name. I'd really like to check it out. I'm also hoping the 945 might have an actual gpu in it besides a generic chipset. I'm about to buy the t7200, I looked into the t7600 and beyond the fact that it's only a .3ghz increase it's cost way more then the t7200.

:Side note, do I have to format when I install the new processor, or will she start up no problem? I checked my bios version and it's at the 1.3505 which I believe is the required version.

 

Well, when I checked to see if that mobo is still available, I realized perhaps I should have waited a couple of months to buy mine... their price has dropped to $59 (free shipping).

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

No, you won't have to format anything. Add a new cpu, and mobo, and when you first boot, it will just add drivers, and will take no longer to load, then plugging in a flash drive the first time. Yes, the 1.3505 is correct bios, but you might want to eventually up to the 1.3508, and if you have noticed my last few post, I've flashed a modified 1.3508, that has the "advance" options that allows for virtualization to be enabled.

 

O thank you very much for the link and all the help. I already ordered the t7200 so that will be here in a couple days. I'll probably hold off the mother board for a little while, need to rake up some money first. What's the virtualization feature on the moded bios? I'm still going to upgrade it, but I've never heard of that feature.

 

Loco_Colombian.... I don`t think you need another mobo. I put a T5600 core 2 duo onto the same kind of mobo that you have. I`m sure you can use a T7200 on your mobo and you wouldn`t need to buy a new one unless yours is dead.

I bought 3 parts computers hoping to get 1 good one, but all 3 were basically in good shape. I thought the mobo was bad in one, so I bought the same MB.TDX06 mobo that VikingDon got. Since I only needed a daughter board to fix that one, I`ll have one mobo left over.

I got a T7200 CPU to go with the new MB.TDX06 mobo, that one will be my machine and will sell the others. The only thing you need to worry about buying the T7200 is making sure the socket size will fit your mobo. It will be an "M" socket. Also make sure it is capable of Enhanced Intel Speedstep® Technology and Intel® Virtualization Technology. I would cross reference the serial number ex. SL9SF on an Intel site, to make sure those technologies are there. Just look for the best deal you can find from a reputable seller (high sales numbers + 99.5-99.9 satisfied customers).

Also, if you`re going to go to the trouble of taking apart the machine to put in an upgraded CPU, I`d buy a new one. You can find a take apart video & manual a few pages back. You`ll also need some thermal paste to make sure there`s good heat transfer from your CPU to the heat sink. The trick is to not use too much, look how much they used on your old CPU when you take it off and use about the same amount.

After you get the CPU installed, all you need to do is flash the Bios: Acer 3680 v3508(Your machine will work great without doing this, but it`s great to have your machine optimized!), to enable Enhanced Intel Speedstep® Technology and Intel® Virtualization Technology(The first is very important in helping your machine run cool. It cuts down the speed when the CPU isn`t under a load. The second helps any Virtual PCs you have running in VirtualBox or VMware, run better/faster). You can find the process here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/480992-acer-laptop-phoenix-bios-bios-mod-request.html

Look down the page to the bar that says "Flash BIOS in DOS mode".

 

No, I didn't mean it to sound you "needed" to buy that board for the cpu upgrade. I meant that board has the 945 chipset, which will allow you to go up to 4 gigs of ram, and also with it, your ram will be running at the full 667 fsb of a t5600 through t7600 core 2 duo. If you have the 3680 with the celeron 440 M, 1.86 ghz cpu, who can replace it with any socket m core 2 duo, up to the t7600 without any other mods.

PS, I don't want to confuse you, and as you already ordered the T7200 it would be too late anyway.

There T7200 has two kinds of sockets. There is the PGA (pin grid array) & the BGA (ball grid array). You don't want the latter. The ones with the BGA sockets are rare, but as I nearly made the mistake of buying one on ebay, I thought I'd better mention it. Here is a little info I copied that may be helpful (they are talking about a T7600, but the same for T7200):

"Folks, you guys are making this more confusing that it needs to be. There are four sockets for Intel mobile processors: Socket 478, 479, M, and P. Despite their numbers and letters, Sockets 478, M, and P have 478 contacts whereas Socket 479 has 479 contacts. The physical sockets are all almost identical, save for the offset of a few pins in the corner of each socket.

PGA and BGA refer to type of contact on the processor. PGA chips have pins on the chip side and BGA chips have "balls" on the chip side. As mentioned, PGA chips are replaceable, while BGA chips are soldered to the motherboard. The pin configuration on the back of the chip is the same, regardless of the contact type.

Because BGA chips are soldered to a mainboard and do not use a physical "socket", they are usually not listed as being associated with a socket. That means that while a T7600 PGA chip is considered a Socket M processor, a T7600 BGA chip is NOT considered a Socket M processor; it is simply a BGA processor (this sort of notation is seen on Wikipedia, as you may have seen).

The SL9SD is a Socket M chip. It has 478 pins. CPUZ is wrong in listing it as being or having 479 anything.

EDIT: Due to the way that the pins are offset between Socket 479 and Socket M, Socket M chips WILL actually physically fit in a Socket 479 motherboard. Of course, it won't work electronically, but it's mechanically compatible nonetheless XD."

 

@Loco_Colombian

Theres seems to be some confusion regarding your upgrade, so I'm gonna give you a condensed version, just my 2 cents.

This upgrade it's all about the chipsets. Since you are looking to run a T7200 you'll need a board with a 945GML chipset. The 945GML chipset will allow you to run any 667MHz FSB M socket processor, up to a T7600 which is the fastest 667MHz FSB M processor.

If, on the other hand, you have a 943GML chipset, you will only be able to run 533MHz processors such as a T5200 or a T5300.

Now, check the sticker on the ram bay, if it starts with:

MB.AZL06 - you have a 943GML chipset, therefore, you can run M processors with FSB of 533MHz, also you can have a maximum ram of 2GB. The best ram configuration is of course 2x1GB, so you can gain dual channel performance. You can also run a single 2GB ram stick but you'll lose the dual channel performance. Also, if you install 2 sticks of 2GB in an attempt of running 4GB, the board will only recognize 1 of the sticks and stay at 2GB max ram. Also make sure you run 533Mhz ram sticks.

MB.TDX06 - you have a 945GML chipset and can run M processors with a FSB of 667MHz, also you can have a maximum ram of 4GB, the best ram configuration is obviously 2x2GB so you can gain dual channel performance. Also, make sure you buy 667MHz ram sticks.

Important note: the MB.AZL06 (943GML) board comes with a Mini-PCI slot where the wireless card sits in. Now, the MB.TDX06 (945GML) board comes instead with a Mini-PCIe slot, therefore, you'll also need to buy a wireless card for a Mini-PCIe slot if you want wireless.

There are 2 types of Mini-PCIe wireless cards, half-height and full-height. The one you'll need is a full-height. The reason for this is because the Mini-PCIe slot on the MB.TDX06 (945GML) board is configured for a full-height Mini-PCIe wireless card. Also, you'll be getting a wireless-n card, so faster wireless speeds.

You can also opt to get a USB wireless stick, I don't really dig that option, but you can do it if you want, works too.

Finally I'm leaving some links that will help you see all the hardware being mentioned here.

List of M processors with descriptions

MB.TDX06 (945GML) board

4GB Kit (2x2GB Modules) 667MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 SO-DIMM for MB.TDX06 (945GML)

Mini-PCie Wireless-N Card Full-Height

 

OK guys, I beg to disagree, but:

I have a 3680 running right now with the intel i943/940GML and it has the T5600 CPU core 2 duo on board. It shows VT-x, speedstepping, and nested paging enabled. It shows it is running at 667MHz FBS and it is showing 2.5GB of RAM, which is 1 @2GB and 1 @ .5GB (512kb), so I`m pretty sure when I replace the 512kb with the other 2GB memory stick, it it will show and use 4GB of memory.

I defer on the sockets because Im not that familiar with them( I would have liked to have known that before, since it would have made shopping for a CPU much easier) , but the above is now running on my 3680 machine.

I will test the T7200 on one of my other machines before transferring it to my MB.TDX06 mobo, but I`m pretty sure it will work in the i943/940GML. The proof will be "in the pudding" as they say, but I already have one batch of the goods on the T5600.

 

Okay, now I'm all kinds of confused. Just to set the record straight, I have the 943gml aka the board that can only hold up to 2 gb of ram, I read at the beginning of the thread and was told by Vikingdon that my chipset can run the T7200. Now I'm being told that It can't, as well as that I might have bought the wrong cpu depending on the Socket, which for that I will post the link so you guys can help me figure out whether I bought the wrong one. Here. Please help me out here because now I'm lost. As far as the installation of the cpu itself I have no problem with that, I've already completely disassembled and reassembled the computer once before a couple days ago so I know what I'm working with.

:As far as buying the 945gml mobo, I was thinking of doing so, so that I can run up to 4gb of rams allowing for a slightly better performance, but like I said I was going to hold off because I don't have the money for it right now. Once again thanks for the all the info and help.

:I just checked the Ram area for the sticker that should have the model number for my mobo, but it seems like it's been ripped off, all that is left is the sticker residue.

 

Yes, the processor type is wrong, you have bought Package type FCBGA which is normally soldered to the MB, you should have gone for FCPGA package which has pins and fit in to the socket. T7200 CPU will work in your MB but the Package type should be FCPGA. Something similar to this: http://www.cpu-world.com/sspec/SL/SL9SF.html

 

Thank you so much for the conformation on this ellalan. I already messaged the seller and am hoping to get a response soon, hopefully I got to them before they shipped the Item. I did only buy it later in the after noon yesterday. So I hope they get my message soon.

This here would be exactly what I'm looking for right?

 

Yes, that should be fine and Good luck.

 

OK, about re-clearing some of this up.

Any of the core 2 duo cpu T5200 - T7600 socket M will work fine with your mobo if it's MB.AZL06 or MB.TDX06. From T5600 & up the processors work at 667 fsb. But with the MB.AZL06, the "RAM" will be restricted to 533 fsb. You can install any stick up to 800 fsb, but it will restricted to 533. The MB.TDX06 will allow a 667 stick to run at it's full speed. If you have PC wizard installed, it would show how it works.

Here's exactly what I did with mine:

The first upgrade was to put the T5600 in my acer with the original MB.AZL06 board. PC wizard showed that the cpu was working at 667 MHz, but the 800 MHz stick I had installed, was working at 533 MHz.

The next upgrade was the MB.TDX06 mobo (using the same T5600). After I fired it up, I ran PC wizard, and now it showed the same 800 fsb stick was now running at 667 MHz. I also installed a 2nd 2gb stick.

Galo 5150... as has been proven early on in this discussion (which began in Jan. 08), T5600 to T7600 CAN be used with the board with the 943GML chipset (MB.AZL06), and will show that they are working at 667 fsb. It's the RAM where the fsb is restricted to 533. Also I used the wireless card that was in the MB.AZL06 mobo for the MB.TDX06. So Loco_Colombian doesn't need to buy another wireless card.

 

Thanks VikingDon. Very very helpful. I have a question. Do you do any gaming on your Aspire 3680? I'd like to know what kind of games you've been able to run on it. I know it's very unlikely because of the lack of a good GPU, but I was able to play League of Legends on this, but with like 8 fps, I'm sure the new Cpu will help raise the FPS. Which leads me to believe that it should be able to run some other games on low settings.

 

You welcome Loco_Colombian

Nope, haven't done any gaming so far. I do use the video converter software, and it's much faster then with the original celeron.

If still have any doubts about what can be done, my first post here on pg 159 is when I had put the T5600 in my MB.AZL06 board.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/206137-upgraded-acer-3680-celeron-cpu-t5300-159.html

Except for the chipset, the board is identical with the MB.TDX06. I just removed the wireless card out of one board and put it in the new one.

BTW, I have that T5600, that I would give you an awesome deal with It would be a huge improvement over the celeron, and get a little experience. Then later get the T7200, with the new board. Just a thought.

 

I see, I see. I appreciate the offer on the t5600, I'll mull it over and weigh my options and let you know what I decide. Yeah I'm sure any core 2 duo would have a huge impact on this laptops performance, I'm excited to see the improvements for myself. This is my first time messing around with a Laptop before. I have my build, but obviously is a pc tower that I put together. But over all thank you very much for all the help guys and Vikingdon I'll let you know about that offer.

 

@Loco_Colombian

I've played World of Warcraft on my MB.AZL06 with a T5300 and 2GB ram, I had to play it on low settings and it moved ok, but very choppy during fast action or with many players in the screen.

I haven't played it since my last upgrade, i got now a MB.TDX06 with a T7600 and 4GM ram, so I'll install it and let you know how it moves now.

 

Thanks, Sounds great, I would really appreciate it. I'm sure with the 4gb of ram it'll help to run a lot smoother. Hope it all goes well =)

O Great News, I just checked my ebay and it seems they were able to get to my request to cancel the t7200 I order. Now I'm just waiting to get my refund before I accept the cancellation. I'll update you guys soon on what happens.

 

Loco_Colombian... did you receive the private msg I sent you? I noticed you didn't respond, so I thought you might have not noticed you received a private msg.

Anyway, here is what I get now for a rating with the windows experience:

Processor: 5.0

Memory: 5.0

Graphics: 3.6

Gaming graphics: 3.2

Harddrive: 5.9

So by the graphics scores, it wouldn't seem like the 3680 would ever be a really good gaming machine. The 5.9 for the HDD, is obviously from the 7200 rpm drive, and that's pretty good score I think. I wonder what it would be with a SSD.

galo5150... could I ask a favor from you, and you could share the results with all of us? Would you run the windows experience, and see what score you get with the T7600, so it could be compared with my T7200 score, to see what could be expected with an upgrade???

 

Thanks VikingDon, for all the information and clarifications, and to the other guys(Adventures, galo5150, ellalan and many more I can`t remember)as well.
It would be great if someone could get all this information together in one place. Until recently I didn`t know how many pins the 3680 memory sticks had(200), much less the CPU pin configuration. I had to dig deep for some of it and completely missed other info.
Also, I have PC Wizzard, but haven`t been able to find the 533 RAM speed on there. What header is it under?

I just found these:

Type : DDR2-SDRAM PC2-5300 (333MHz) - [DDR2-666]
Format : SO-DIMM (67.6 x 3)
Size : 512MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
Module Buffered : No
Module Registered : No
Module SLi Ready (EPP) : No
Width : 64-bit
Error Correction Capability (EC... No
Max. Burst Length : 8
Refresh : Reduced (.5x)7.8, Self Refreshµs
Voltage : SSTL 1.8v
Prefetch Buffer : 4-bit
Manufacture : Week 16 of 2007
Supported Frequencies : 200MHz, 266MHz, 333MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 3 clocks @ 200MHz, 4 clocks @ 266MHz, 5 clocks @ 333MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 3 clocks @ 200MHz, 4 clocks @ 266MHz, 5 clocks @ 333MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 3 clocks @ 200MHz, 4 clocks @ 266MHz, 5 clocks @ 333MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 9 clocks @ 200MHz, 12 clocks @ 266MHz, 15 clocks @ 333MHz
Min TRC : 12 clocks @ 200MHz, 16 clocks @ 266MHz, 20 clocks @ 333MHz

Is this it?

BTW, nice ratings on your machine!

 

RouterRugby... Go to my computer, and then right click, and click on properties. This will give you the screen with the basic pc info, such as OS, installed memory, etc. About the middle of this screen, you'll see "Windows Experience Index." You may already have a rating there (which would be the lowest score of your overall rating). Click on that, and it will take you to the screen that shows the ratings of the individual components. Even if it already shows a score, run it again.

With PC Wizard, in hardware, click on mainboard, then click on chipset. The info's all there at the bottom. should show what your ram is running. You double the numbers to get it. 266 would be 533 bus, and 334 would be 667.

 

Last night I tried to update the BIOS on my 3620 but failed, so it is still at 1.01, does it support Speedstep?

 

I didn't know anything about the 3620, so I looked it up. It has the 910gml chipset, and 400 MHz ram. I wouldn't know what bios it would have. I would doubt it could be upgraded to a core2 duo (which has the speedstepping), so probably no.

 

sorry I meant to upgrade to a Pentium M, I heard if the bios doesn't support speedstep the processor would run at the lowest freq, just want people to confirm this.

 

Does anyone know much about overclocking?? I was just reading that a T7200 has a 19x multiplier, which would allow it to be overclocked to a max of 3.16GHz.

Also, trying to figure out the following statement made by the administrator at the bios-mods where I found the modified 3508 bios:

"Heres a mega-mod for the Acer Aspire 3680. This wonderful machine has already been tested and you can replace the ancient slow Celeron M with a 800mhz FSB or 1066mhz Core 2 Duo!!! :O."

Anyone can give me a clue how this is possible with the 3680??

I found this video on overclocking a core2 duo:

How To Overclock an Intel Core 2 Duo Cpu

I have CPU-Cool software downloaded, and heard it's the best for overclocking. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Well I'm not an expert in the topic, but I have spent some time messing around with it and exploring that option on some of my old computers. But the best piece of advise I could tell you is to be careful, especially with an overclocking that huge, that's a whole 1.16ghz extra. But if you don't understand anything about Overclocking then the lamest term of it would be that: When cpu's are made they are created to the specification in which they are advertised for and which they are set to run at, but they are always made with a bit extra capability of speed and memory. What overclocking allows you to do is explore how much farther beyond the default clocking of the processor you can push it to, while maintaining a stable consistency. What you have to keep in mind is that though some random person might have been able to overclock a certain cpu, for example t7200, to a certain speed, like 3.16ghz from 2.0 ghz, doesn't mean that every other single t7200 can go up to that clocking. What this information does offer is a good estimate of how far you might be able to overclock your own t7200. Now the process of Overclocking is very tedious and consist of constant trial and error, or you can call it 'trail till error,' experimenting. The simplest way I know of overclocking would be from the bois. Pretty much what you would have to do is navigate your bois and enable or discover overclocking capabilities in your bois and go from there. After that the best way I've read and heard to overclock is by .10 of a ghz per overclock and then run your system and have it undergo a stress test to make sure your computer can run at the overclocked speed while under stress or heavy activity. And pretty much repeating the process until you computer fails, letting you know that you have overclocked it beyond a point it can sustain. Once you have determined that point you clock you computer to the highest clocking you were able to maintain the computer stable. Sorry if this information was repetitive, but I hope it helped a bit. Please do your research about this, I'm sure that my explanation is just as I expressed, a lamest term explanation and I'm sure there are several things I left out that I can't remember.

:Remember that overclocking can be harmful, if done to an extreme, not just to your cpu, but to your entire computer. My intentions are not to scare you from doing it, but only to warn you that there are risks in doing it. Good luck.

 

You need the BIOS mod to enable the Advanced Options in the BIOS, if I remember correctly it should be in the BIOS mod thread, then try overclocking with the heat issues in mind ( I'm sure you've already aware of that) to an acceptable level. I've overclocked my desktop but not my laptop. Good luck.
EDIT: There's a PLL for your model is here, you can use setFSB I guess.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/har...grades/401017-overclocking-acer-laptop-6.html

 

Thanks Loco_Colombian. Iv'e read some of the early posts here, and could see it was a trial & error & stress tests, etc. That's why I downloaded the cpu-cool software, as it was the most used for overclocking it seemed. I'll figure it out eventually.

Also thanks ellalen. I did flash the modified bios with from that thread. I enabled my virtualization in the advance options, but don't know what settings to use to overclock. Here is my advance options, are the right settings there for overclocking?



Update: I have figured this out. The setting that would change multiplier (Frequency Ratio) is missing. I first flashed the administrator's mod bios, but never got the advanced options. Others that posted there had the same problem. Then Kizwan "fixed" the problem, so I downloaded, and flashed his. I got the advanced options, but there was no frequency ratio setting with his. He mentioned that altering it may freeze the system, and the CMOS battery may need be reset to work. So as my advanced has a missing frequency ratio setting, I am unable to overclock from the bios???

PS I'll try the setfsb. I see that it's kizwan who's made the most helpful posts on that thread.

 

Hey VikingDon, is your resolution on the Aspire 3680 go up to 1600X1200? Because mine only goes up to 1280X800. Wondering if there was something you did to be able to change that and make the display larger.

 

I hadn't even noticed that. No mine only goes to 1200x800 in the settings. Actually right now it's set at 1200x768 cuz I'm using my TV as a monitor (the bulb is gone in my laptops screen, and the new one from ebay should arrive next week.)

 

O, Ok, I just noticed your bios recognized you panel at 1600x1200,which is probably it's max potential, but the video card must not be able to go to that resolution. Also if you know of any good threads for instructions on how to flash your bios and how to setup a usb to do so, I'd really appreciate a link. I haven't found any good ones so far. Thanks =)

 

Hi VikingDon,
There are very useful info in this thread and check the link in my previous post's edited part.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/acer/311246-setfsb-added-support-ics954310-couple-more.html

 

Loco_Colombian, here is the link to download kizwan's mod 3508 bios that I flashed. It will give you the advanced options. If you do flash it, let me know if you got the frequency ratio setting. Flashing is as simple as adding software. You just run the "WinPhash" that's included with the download, and that's it. The included pdf instructions (WinPhlash update SOP XP) explains how to do it.

Acer Aspire 3680 v3508 Unlocked By 1234s282 FIXED.rar



ellalen, thanks again for your help I gave setfsb a run, as in clicking the get fsb button, but went no further. This looks pretty straight forward and easy. So if I clicked on the set fsb, would this automatically change the settings to the new ones indicated? Sorry to ask so many questions. I'll learn a little tomorrow on it's use, and probably give it a run... until I scare myself with the blue screen of death. lol

 

VikingDon,
How to use SetFSB
I am also newbie in this, I gather info from these forums and learn as well.
You can increase the FSB by clicking the arrow just above Auto(circled red) to a desired amount, I would increase by 10 to be on the safe side.
You can increase to initially 176 and see the increase( bottom right corner) in speed then press setFSB. As you said, it's pretty straightforward and once you get used to it, it'll be easier.
How did you find the Clock Generator?

 

Hey, Vikingdon thank you so much. That was incredibly easier than I thought it would be =) Umm, I'm not sure what you mean about the frequency ratio setting. If you mean that if there is a setting for frequency ratio in the advanced section of the bios then no I don't think so, I checked my bios under advanced and it didn't seem like there was a ratio setting there. I'll check again and let you know if I find anything.