cpu instalation bios updates?

[luvvbuzz]

i have got a jetway 266b motherboard that has an amd 1600xp processor on it. just recently i got hold of an amd 2000xp and would like to install that instead. i may need to update my bios due to the faster cpu but i am unsure about this because i do not know how to find out what bios version my motherboard currently has. how would i go about finding out which bios version i have?
when i install the cpu is it as straight forward and as simple as taking the old on out, putting the new one in then start the computer up?

[Abbadon]

It is not so simple.

Grab your computer's motherboard manual, read it, read it, I guess you have a CD with the computer's drivers, right? some modern motherboards come with a utility that locates the latest bios firmware off the internet, see if the cd comes with it.

Now, brand computers are sometimes more difficult to approach, you may need to write down the model and serial and stop by the manufacturer's homepage tech support area, that could guide you in the right direction.

Be careful, upgrading the bios is very risky, the normal procedure is to create a bootable disk with the correct firmware, boot from it and type some obscure command, wait a few seconds and done. Keep in mind that if a power failure occurs during this process could trash your motherboard.

P.S.
If you don't know or are unsure how to do it, my advice is to investigate as much as you can before you proceed.

[Ziffelpig]

In most cases, you can determine the manufacturer and model from the BIOS identification string that is shown on the first screen when you turn your computer on (during the memory count-up). When this screen comes up, push the pause or break/button to freeze the screen and note the string of numbers and letters at the bottom of the screen, excluding the date.
As for the cpu it's pretty easy, here is a step by step guide

http://www.basichardware.com/HowTo_Install_CPU.html

[gmatov]

I would just about guarantee a board with a 1600 will take a 2000 CPU.

Most of my manuals have said ".... to 2600XP+ and beyond" , as 2600 may have been the fastest at the time.

The only thing you may have to do is, if the Front Side Buss is jumper selectable, go to AMD's site wirh the CPU ID and see if it is 100 or 133. If it is all Soft BIOS, it will automatically set the Buss frequency.

Make sure you use heat transfer paste between the CPU core and the Heat Sink/Fan combo.

Pook kid, now you're stuck with a 1600 you're gonna have to buy a whole nother setup to put it in.

Cheers,

George