"Built-In" CPU??

[Cobracon]

Per an earlier request for upgrading the processor in my K7SEM Mobo, I checked for the revision number and mine is a Rev. 3.0, which should support an Anthlon XP 2600+ processor according to the replies.

While browsing other forums, I came across a related posting on the K7SEM v3.0 board which stated the processor was "built-in" to the mobo, and if the processor went bad, the board and all has to be replaced. Can anyone confirm or deny this?? For what it's worth, I shut down the computer and tried to remove the heatsink (after releasing the hold down clip), and it's as if the heatsink is glued to the processor. All of the K7 pictures I've seen online show a white 'base' into which the processor plugs and has a latch to lock the processor to the socket. My board doesn't appear to be setup that way. The OEM heatsink's base is larger (overlaps) than the processor, and even with a mirror and flashlight, I can't see the edge of the processor or the socket underneath the heatsink.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on this??

[isa-d]

I don't remember exactly but may be was K7SOM with the processor soldered on the MB.
Try to detach the heatsink so you can easly see if the CPU is soldered or in a socket.

[Cobracon]

I tried inserting a screwdriver under the edge of the heatsink and prying upward slightly to dislodge it, but it won't budge. I didn't use a lot of pressure because I don't want to destroy the processor and/or board. Like I said, it's as if the heatsink is bonded to the processor. The heatsink retainer strap has been completely removed. I've sent an email to ECS (Elitegroup), the manufacturer, but haven't heard anything from them yet.

If I knew of a newer and faster board/CPU combination that could be installed in the K7SEM's place, for a reasonable price ($100 - $200), and use the same SDRAM, power supply (the same power connection for the board), HDDs, etc., I'd buy it. This computer runs fine for it's age and old technology, but it's basically being used as a learning device for me to try and understand what makes these things tick.

At this point the original USB ports (v1.1) have failed, which I understand is fairly common with this board, and the front mounted Line In/Out jacks don't work anymore either. I'm using one of the two PCI slots for a USB 2.0 board. The computer was given to me to tinker with, so any money I spend to ressurect it is all I have invested. So far the BIOS upgrade chip/removal tool/floppy disks have cost me $40.

[isa-d]

Do you use the integrated VGA or an AGP video card on the K7SEM?

For replace MB/CPU in your system and using the other hardware you must looking for a MB with the support for SDRAM memory, a good MB was an ECS K7S5A but don't have an integrated VGA and was ATX (a bit higher respect K7SEM), I don't know if it can be fitted into your case. Other features are double support for memory (SDRAM or DDR) and support for Athlon XP processor (but you must control the PCB version and compare it with this CPU suppot page)
http://www.cpu-upgrade.com/mb-ECS/index.html
the principal problem is don't have integrated VGA and I don't think you can find a new item, try a reserch ob Ebay...

If you change the MB you must reinstall the S.O.

Sorry for my bad english.

[Cobracon]

Your English is just fine, my Italian is non-existant!! Did you mean I must reinstall the O.S. instead of the S.O.??

[isa-d]

Yes, you must reinstal XP or Win98 if you change the motherboard.
About your problem with USB and audio integrated in the MB, control in your bios if are enabled because in old MB you must enable these features manually.

[Cobracon]

I upgraded the BIOS a few days ago with a new chip and was hoping that would take care of the USB and speaker/microphone problem since I had to clear CMOS before installing the new chip, but it didn't. I don't have the setup CD (drivers, etc.) for this mobo either. I do have a "CheckIt" Diagnostic CD from Smith Micro Software, Inc., and during one of the dozens of tests it runs on a computer it showed me where the USB ports are enabled during MoBo setup, but the diagnostic CD doesn't allow for BIOS changes. The problem with the 'factory' USB connections is they don't supply the 5 volt power like they need to so the connected device will work. That's not really a problem though, because the original ports are v1.1, and I have a PCI card installed which supplies USB v2.0 ports and 2 FireWire connections.

I have come up with a solution to my problem though. Today I'm going to buy a Biostar P4M800 Pro-M7 (Socket 775) motherboard, which has the same form factor as my current motherboard. It's the retail package version, so it comes with the setup/driver CD, cables, motherboard manual, etc. This will allow for all sorts of processor choices. I also ordered a 600 watt power supply last night. All that's left after that will be a modern processor and 2GB of memory. I currently run Windows XP Pro, which I will reinstall after adding the new goodies.

[Cobracon]

Hello isa-d.

I emailed ECS the other day and asked them about the CPU looking like it was soldered to the motherboard. They said I had an OEM K7SEM board (which I already knew), and the CPU was in fact soldered to the motherboard. The 3 different manuals, for all 3 versions, of the K7SEM available online at their website don't apply to my motherboard either. All of the jumper, power/FDD/HDD connections, etc are in different locations on my board. Basically it's a 'throwaway', and that's what I will do after installing the new mobo, CPU, and RAM.

Thank you for your efforts to help me resolve the problem.