TurboChip 133 Processor Upgrade

TurboChip 133 is a 5x86 CPU (Central Processing Unit) upgrade that takes your 486 DX2, DX, SX2 or SX system to 5x86 clock-quadrupled processor technology.

Product Overview

• TurboChip 133 is a 5x86 CPU (Central Processing Unit) upgrade that upgrades a 486 DX2, DX, SX2 or SX system to 5x86 clock-quadrupled processor technology. At 133MHz, TurboChip 133 is rated at Pentium 75-plus performance. TurboChip 133 features 16Kb internal cache, a built-in math coprocessor, and up to 33MHz external bus speed processing. TurboChip is a high-performance and convenient solution to increase a computer's performance 250% over its current 486 processing speed to provide the power necessary to run today's popular multi-tasking computing environment.

  TurboChip is a chip-for-chip replacement processor upgrade which installs directly into the existing processor socket, or an IntelÆ OverDrive socket, if the original processor cannot be removed. Many 486 computers use ZIF (zero-insertion-force) sockets with a lever or retaining screw to make removing the CPU chip quick and easy. A PGA (Pin Grid Array) socket extension is provided for use with certain types of ZIF socket installations. TurboChip also uses a cooling fan to control TurboChip's operating temperature to ensure years of reliable performance.

Reasons for Introduction

• • Rapidly advancing computing technology causing shorter system productive life cycles
  • 486-based systems are the largest installed-base of computers, over 75 million units installed worldwide, especially in the corporate computing environment
  • Standardization of personal computers and clone acceptance
  • Growing adopting of processor-demanding software applications including Microsoft Windows 95, NT and OS/2 Warp
  • Increasing demands of added system functionality such as multi-tasking, multimedia and Internet access
  • Ideal complimentary product to memory
  • Decreasing price of processors
  • Large installed base of 486 systems without OverDrive sockets such as Compaq Prolinea desktop computers
  • 486 systems becoming technologically outdated

Target Market

• Any 486-based system user looking for a 5x86 performance upgrade. 486 installed-base system users are found largely in:
  • Corporate America (37.5 million units)
  • Small to medium sized businesses (16.3 million units)
  • Home market (21.5 million units)

Features and Benefits

• Feature: Increases performance over 250%
  Benefit: Users are more productive.
  • The below performance ratings were conducted on a Compaq Prolinea 4/33 with 16MB of system RAM:

    
    
    

    * Excel Recount was conducted on an 8MB large Microsoft Excel 5.0 for Windows spreadsheet (9600 rows x 10 columns) in which a numerical equation was changed in a cell. Once the equation was altered, Excel was instructed to recalculate the entire spreadsheet by using the "Fill Down" command. Measured in amount of time: LOWER IS BETTER.

    ** Word Replace was conducted on a 638Kb large Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows document. Measured in amount of time: LOWER IS BETTER.

  
  Feature: Provides 5x86 clock-quadrupled processor power that's superior to Pentium-75 performance
  Benefit: The TurboChip 133 provides 486 systems the power needed to run the processor-demanding software applications, such as Windows 95, NT and OS/2 Warp.

  Feature: Designed with Advanced Micro Device's Am5x86-P75 microprocessor
  Benefit: AMD has proven to be a highly reliable, high performance manufacturer of processors. AMD processors are currently being used by systems manufacturers including Compaq and AST and these processors are Windows Compatible certified.

  Feature: Upgrades most 486-based DX2, DX, SX2 and SX systems
  Benefit: IDC reports there's nearly 75 million units under this category, making it the largest installed-based of systems that will be seeking upgrades. TurboChip 133 is the most powerful and cost-effective solution available.

  Feature: Compatible with all existing software and hardware
  Benefit: User can still use all existing software applications, only now they will run faster. There is no need to reload software or reconfigure the system to achieve higher performance.

  Feature: Designed with 32-bit x86 microprocessor core running at 133 megahertz
  Benefit: Since 486 systems are not designed for Pentium command execution, TurboChip 133 is the upgrade of choice over the Intel OverDrive upgrades. The following graph shows the average Wintach scores comparing TurboChip 133 and Intel OverDrive upgrades on an IBM ValuePoint 433DX/D
  

  
  
  

  
  Feature: Includes 16Kb internal cache
  Benefit: TurboChip has 16Kb internal cache. Such large cache provides greater performance since it limits reads to the comparably slower motherboard memory and system hard drive.

  Feature: Internal math coprocessor included
  Benefit: 486SX users who upgrade with TurboChip can obtain the valuable math coprocessor function, which increases overall system performance in high calculation situations such as spreadsheets and CAD/CAM applications. 486DX users who upgrade to TurboChip will retain their math coprocessor function.

  Feature: Simple chip-for-chip replacement upgrade solution
  Benefit: Users do not need to worry about installation difficulties and physical restrictions when upgrading with TurboChip. TurboChip is the same physical footprint as the original 486, however, the cooling fan makes it 7/8" higher. It's as easy as "Plug and Play"

  Feature: 168 pin PGA layout design
  Benefit: The 168 pin layout allows TurboChip to upgrade systems with or without the OverDrive socket. This one part number for all solution eliminates the hassle to determine which processor upgrade for what system type.

  Feature: Designed with 5 to 3 volt voltage regulator and cooling fan
  Benefit: TurboChip 133 is designed to upgrade a large installed-base of 486 systems with 5-volt motherboards and the regulator allows the energy conserving 3-volt Am5x86-P75 processor chip to execute commands from the motherboard. The cooling fan keeps TurboChip 133 under operating temperature regardless of internal system box configuration.

Questions and Answers

• Q: How do I know if TurboChip 133 is compatible with my system?
  A: TurboChip 133 was tested to be compatible with most 486-based DX2, DX, SX2 and SX systems. During our field compatibility test, where we tested 50% name brand systems (IBM, Compaq, Gateway, AST, Hewlett-Packard, etc..) and 50% clones, TurboChip achieved a 95% compatibility rate. The following chart shows the TurboChip 133 upgrade path for 486 systems:

  
  
  

  Q: Will TurboChip 133 damage the system if it is not compatible?
  A: No, TurboChip will not damage the system. If it's not compatible then replace with the original CPU and the system should be back to the way it was. TurboChip does nothing more than speeding up the execution cycles from the motherboard, it does not generate power currents that's detrimental to the circuit board. The trial is absolutely risk free. However, many factors are involved when TurboChip does not run during the first installation. Refer to the user's manual when problems occur. In addition, our knowledgeable technical support team would help resolve the problem for free.

  
  Q: How does TurboChip 133 stack up against Intel's OverDrive upgrades?
  A: The following is a list of advantages TurboChip 133 offers over the OverDrive upgrades:

  1. Performance. The Wintach Score graph in Features and Benefits comparing TurboChip 133 versus OverDrive upgrades tells the whole story. TurboChip 133 outperforms the top two offerings from Intel at half the price.
  2. One part for all solution. TurboChip will upgrade systems with or without OverDrive sockets, it also automatically clock-quadruples the different base clock-speeds such as 16, 20, 25 and 33 megahertz. Intel does not have a Pentium-class upgrade for systems not equipped with OverDrive sockets.
  3. Life-time warranty. Intel offers only a 3 year warranty on their OverDrive products.

  
  Q: How does TurboChip 133 rate on the Pentium scale of performance?
  A: TurboChip 133 is rated exactly between Pentium-75 and Pentium-90 processing performance. The following graph shows that TurboChip133 has a Pentium-75 plus performance rating:

  
  

  
  Q: How much performance increase will my system gain from TurboChip 133?
  A:On average, TurboChip 133 will provide over 250% of performance gain from a singled-clocked system, SX and DX. For SX2 and DX2 systems, the performance generally increase around 200%. TurboChip 133 will significantly increase the performance of systems running today's processor-demanding operating systems, such as Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2 Warp, as well as communications and multi-tasking applications. The results from the Excel Recount experiment translates into almost 60% of the amount of time saved when upgrading with TurboChip 133. Hypothetically, any user who averages 20 hours a week working on Excel, will now need only 8.2 hours to do the same amount of work.

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