A final caveat-most Pentium boards can't use 16MB SIMMs, so it's best to check before you buy modules of that size. CPU CPR Processor upgrades are extremely popular right now, and with good reason. Turning a 486 into a Pentium-based machine is a breathtaking transformation considering the amount of functionality a system can gain for such a simple installation procedure. As with memory there are a few pitfalls to avoid when making this type of upgrade, but if a system has peripherals that can keep up with a new processor, a CPU upgrade can be a wise purchase. Aside from motherboard conflicts, the biggest problem you'll face with a CPU upgrade is choosing which one you want.
Several companies make upgrades for all types of systems.
Here's a look at some of the major players in this market. The biggest contender, of course, is Intel Corp. with its OverDrive upgrades. On compatible systems, installing an OverDrive processor takes just a few minutes and can lead to big performance gains. These upgrades typically are best for older Pentium systems as they have motherboards that are capable of handling the speed increase. Currently the biggest OverDrive upgrade replaces a 100MHz Pentium with a 200MHz Pentium MMX processor, but the motherboard has to meet Socket 7 specifications to use it.