Maximize Performance: Upgrading and Overclocking with AMD 5x86

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Upgrading the CPU
3. Overclocking the AMD 5 x86
4. Comparing the 50MHz and 40MHz Frontside Bus
5. RAM Upgrade
6. Sound Card and Floppy Drive Changes
7. Replacement for Caching VLB IO Controller Card
8. testing the AMD 5 x86 at 133MHz
9. Benchmark Results
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the high-end DX 446 class tower machine, specifically focusing on its upgrades. Previously, we randomly picked up this machine at a swap meet and received positive feedback from viewers. Today, we will be upgrading it further by swapping out the CPU for an AMD 5 x86, overclocking the processor, and examining its performance at different speeds. Additionally, we will address the ongoing debate between 50MHz and 40MHz frontside bus, explore RAM upgrades, make changes to the sound card and floppy drive, and replace the caching VLB IO controller card. Throughout the article, we will provide insights into the benchmark results, analysis, and our overall conclusions about this machine.

Upgrading the CPU

One of the first upgrades we decided to tackle was the CPU. We replaced the Intel DX4 100MHz with an AMD 5 x86 at 133MHz. The AMD 5 x86 is a supercharged 486 chip, and although it is technically a 486, it performs exceptionally well. This swap alone should provide a significant performance boost to the machine. The AMD 5 x86 that we used is from the Adz and ADW variants, both known for their overclocking capabilities. However, it is important to note that the earlier ADEs zee chips are generally regarded as better overclockers. We will see how well this new CPU performs in our benchmarks and determine if it outperforms the previous one.

Overclocking the AMD 5 x86

To truly test the capabilities of the AMD 5 x86, we decided to overclock it. We started by overclocking it to 160MHz, a speed we believe it can handle without any stability issues. However, we also wanted to compare its performance at 50MHz and 40MHz frontside bus speeds. In the past, 50MHz frontside bus was considered unstable and not widely used. There were rumors that running the AMD 5 x86 at 50MHz provided significant benefits, but we wanted to put this myth to the test. Additionally, we also wanted to evaluate the performance difference between overclocking the CPU with a 50MHz and 40MHz frontside bus.

Comparing the 50MHz and 40MHz Frontside Bus

In this section, we will delve into the debate between the 50MHz and 40MHz frontside bus. With the AMD 5 x86 CPU, there has been speculation that running it at 50MHz frontside bus results in better performance compared to a 40MHz frontside bus. Some users claimed that 50MHz frontside bus machines outperformed the 66MHz DX2 machines. However, our analysis suggests otherwise. While there may be a slight advantage to running the AMD 5 x86 at 50MHz, the instability and limitations of the 50MHz frontside bus outweigh the potential benefits. We will analyze benchmark results to provide evidence supporting this conclusion.

RAM Upgrade

Another upgrade we implemented was increasing the RAM from 32MB to 64MB. While 32MB is already deemed sufficient for a DOS machine, we decided to maximize the potential of the DX 446 machine by doubling its RAM. This upgrade will particularly come in handy if we decide to install Windows 95 or 98 on this machine, as these operating systems may benefit from the additional memory. However, it is important to note that most DOS applications do not require such a large amount of RAM, and 8-16MB is usually more than enough. We will assess the impact of this RAM upgrade in terms of performance and compatibility with various games and applications.

Sound Card and Floppy Drive Changes

In our Quest to optimize the DX 446 machine, we made some changes to the sound card and floppy drive. We removed the Wave blaster from the sound card and reassigned it to a different card that did not have compatibility issues. Although this modification may seem unnecessary, it allows for better utilization of resources and resolves the MIDI compatibility problem. We also kept the floppy drive connected to the SCSI interface, but we replaced the caching VLB IO controller card with a suitable replacement. This change ensures smoother operation and eliminates any potential issues that might arise with the previous configuration.

Replacement for Caching VLB IO Controller Card

To maintain the functionality of the caching VLB IO controller card in another machine, we decided to find a suitable replacement for the DX 446 machine. After conducting thorough research, we discovered the VLB Pro, an IDE controller card from CMD. It supports fast ATA enhanced IDE and has been tested for compatibility and performance. With this replacement, we were able to increase the storage capacity of the hard drive to two gigabytes, removing the previous limitation of 512 megabytes. This new controller card exhibits similar performance to the caching controller, ensuring a seamless experience for users.

Testing the AMD 5 x86 at 133MHz

With the upgrades complete, it is time to evaluate the performance of the AMD 5 x86 at 133MHz. This CPU is highly regarded for its overclocking capabilities and is expected to provide superior performance compared to the previous Intel DX4 100MHz. We will assess its stability, compatibility with various applications and games, and overall system responsiveness. By conducting thorough tests and benchmarks, we aim to provide an accurate representation of the capabilities of the AMD 5 x86 at 133MHz.

Benchmark Results

In this section, we will analyze the benchmark results obtained from testing the DX 446 machine with its upgraded AMD 5 x86 CPU. We will compare the performance at different frontside bus speeds and examine the impact of the CPU's overclocking. The benchmark results will provide insights into the effectiveness of the upgrades and help us determine the most optimal settings for optimal system performance.

Conclusion

After thorough testing and analysis, we have reached the conclusion that the DX 446 machine, with its AMD 5 x86 CPU and various upgrades, delivers exceptional performance. While there may be some slight performance differences between the 50MHz and 40MHz frontside bus, the stability and overall performance provided by the 40MHz frontside bus outweigh any potential benefits of the 50MHz option. The RAM upgrade to 64MB proves to be beneficial for running Windows 95 or 98, although it may not significantly impact DOS applications. Overall, the DX 446 machine offers an excellent high-end 486 experience and showcases the capabilities of the AMD 5 x86 CPU.