Before You Begin


Preliminary speed Check Using SysChck

SysChck is a utility located on the Trinity Works Utility Disk or download here. It measures different components in your computer. Trinity Works uses this utility to measure the CPU speed and CPU Throughput speed. you can measure the performance of your computer by running SysChck before and after the upgrade. SysChck must be run in DOS. It cannot be run in the DOS shell through Windows.

Accessing SysChck

  1. Insert the Utilities diskette into the 3.5" floppy drive or locate downloaded copy.
  2. If you are in:

    Windows 95, select "Shut Down" from the "Start" button.
    Select "e;Restart the Computer in MS-DOS mode?"

    Windows 3.1, select "File" from the "Program Manager"
    Select "Exit Windows" (and confirm)
  3. Change to the applicable drive (A: )
  4. Change the directory
    cd syschck (enter)
  5. To execute the program, type SYSCHCK at the A:\SYSCHCK prompt.
  6. Press "9" for SPEED. This will display the throughput and CPU speed.
  7. Record your speed and throughput for future reference.

Before You Begin the PowerStacker Installation

The PowerStacker 5x86 installation should not take long to complete, however, please allow plenty of time to finish. Before beginning the removal of the old 486 and installation of the 5x86, there are several details to be addressed.

  1. Start your computer and verify that there are no hardware or software problems before you begin the installation.
  2. Back-up all data from your hard drive and record all CMOS settings.
  3. Verify the type of processor socket you have.
  4. Take note of the position and orientation of Pin 1 (identified by either a notch, beveled edge, dot or half circle) of the 486 CPU before you remove it.

CPU Configurations

The following is a list of common ways the CPU may be configured on the motherboard.

If you have a ZIF socket with an overhead bar or any 168-pin socket, call or e-mail Trinity Works Technical Support at 1-888-STACK-97 BEFORE installing the PowerStacker.

Configuration 1
Standard Socket without an OverDrive socket
You will remove the 486 processor with the chip extractor tool and install the PowerStacker 5x86 into the empty standard socket.
Configuration 2
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) Socket
You will unlock the socket using the side bar or retaining screw, remove the 486 processor and install the PowerStacker 5x86 into the empty ZIF socket.
Configuration 3
Standard Socket WITH an OverDrive Socket
If the 486 is in the standard socket, you will remove the 486 processor with the chip extractor tool and install the PowerStacker 5x86 into the empty standard socket. Do not use the OverDrive socket.
Configuration 4
Soldered CPU WITH an OverDrive Socket
The 486 processor cannot be removed. You MUST install the PowerStacker 5x86 into the OverDrive Socket. REFER TO YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL TO SET THE NECESSARY JUMPERS. Do not attempt to remove a soldered chip.

If your computer has a standard or ZIF socket, read the following steps for removing the 486 processor. If your computer has a surface-mounted processor, which is soldered on the system board, you need to find the OverDrive socket on the system board and go directly to "5x86 Installation". If you have a 486 soldered to the system board and DO NOT have an additional socket or OverDrive socket, the upgrade can not be installed in your system.

NOTE: If you have a ZIF socket with an overhead bar or 168-pin socket, you need a socket extender (not included with some versions). If you have one of these socket types, DO NOT attempt to install the PowerStacker. Call or e-mail Trinity Works Technical Support at 1-888-STACK-97 and we will send you a chip extender at no cost to you. If requesting by e-mail, please include your name, address and phone.

 

168-Pin Socket
Extender IS needed

Overhead Bar ZIF
Extender MAY be needed

Content created and/or collected by:
Louis F. Ohland, Peter H. Wendt, David L. Beem, William R. Walsh, Tatsuo Sunagawa, Tomáš Slavotínek, Jim Shorney, Tim N. Clarke, Kevin Bowling, and many others.

Ardent Tool of Capitalism is maintained by Tomáš Slavotínek.
Last update: 24 Mar 2024 - Changelog | About | Legal & Contact