Installing the PowerStacker 5x86


The upgrade installation may vary according to the type and location of your 486 processor socket. Also, the orientation when installing the PowerStacker 5x86 will depend on the location of Pin 1 on the processor socket. Included is a PGA Socket Extender for 168-pin sockets and overhead-bar ZIF sockets that prevent the retaining bar from closing once the processor upgrade is in place. Follow the steps below to install the PowerStacker.

Installing the PGA Socket Extender (if needed)

Computers that have a 169-pin socket do not need the socket extender. If your computer has a 168-pin socket or the overhead bar-type ZIF socket, you need to install the PGA Socket Extender before you install the PowerStacker. See "e;Before You Begin"e; for more details about the socket extender. When using the Socket Extender, it is important to note the location of Pin 1 to avoid damaging the PowerStacker and your computer. Since the 168-pin Socket Extender is missing the extra pin, it is possible to plug the PowerStacker in the wrong direction. Install the PGA Socket Extender as follows:

  1. Locate the beveled edge or white corner on the socket extender. Align this edge, Pin 1, to the Pin 1 on the system board's processor socket.
  2. Position the socket extender's pins over the holes on the 486 CPU socket.
    When the alignment is correct, gently press the socket extender down until it is seated properly into the socket on the system board.
  3. If you have an overhead bar, lower the overhead bar down to lock the extender in place. You are now ready to install the PowerStacker 5x86 into the extender socket.

169-Pin Socket
Extender is NOT needed

169-Pin

168-Pin Socket
Extender IS needed

168-Pin

Overhead Bar ZIF
Extender MAY be needed

Extender in Standered
Warn WARNING: To avoid damage to your computer and/or the upgrade, the Pin 1 on the PowerStacker 5x86 must align with the Pin 1 on the socket.

The orientation of Pin 1 on the PowerStacker 5x86 must match the Pin 1 location of the original 486 processor. Pin 1 of the 5x86 processor has a white stripe and beveled edge or other distinguishing mark. Pin 1 on the system board is usually denoted by a beveled corner, arrow, dot, an extra pin hole or other distinguishing mark.

Installing in a Standard Socket
For Standard Sockets or sockets with the PGA Socket Extender Installed:

  1. Align the PowerStacker's pins with the socket on the motherboard. Be sure it's Pin 1 to Pin 1.
  2. Once the alignment is correct, grasp the sides of the PowerStacker 5x86 with your thumb and forefinger.
  3. Apply an even pressure while gently, but firmly, pushing the PowerStacker 5x86 into the socket. Repeat on opposite corners of the upgrade until it is flush with the system board socket.

Note: If the processor upgrade is resisting, stop and check the pin alignment. If the alignment is incorrect, remove the processor upgrade and begin the insertion again.

Installing in Side Bar or Retaining Screw ZIF Sockets:

  1. Make sure the side bar lever is fully rotated upward or the retaining screw is loose.
  2. With the socket in the unlocked or open position, align the pins on the PowerStacker 5x86 with the holes on the ZIF socket. You do not need to force the PowerStacker 5x86 into the socket.
  3. Apply gentle pressure, only if needed, to make sure the processor is completely inserted and flush with the ZIF socket. Lower the sidebar lever or rotate the retaining screw to lock the socket.

Note: If the processor upgrade is resisting, stop and check the pin alignment. If the alignment is incorrect, remove the processor upgrade and begin the insertion again

Plugging in the Fan (if necessary)

Some PowerStacker versions come with one of two types of fans. The first type of fan has a power plug that needs to be connected to the power supply, as shown here. The second fan type is connected directly to the PowerStacker module and requires no additional installation. If you have the first type of fan with a plug, follow these steps to connect the fan to the power supply.

  1. If you have an extra power cable that is not being used skip to # 5.
  2. Locate the hard drive or other powered device in your computer such as a CD-ROM.
  3. Disconnect the power cable from the back of the drive.
  4. Plug the female end of the fan connector into the hard drive.
  5. Next, plug the power cable into the male end of the fan connector. If you plug the fan into an unused power cable, leave the female end of the fan connector unplugged

Completing the Installation

  1. Replace any cards or drives removed earlier.
  2. Replace the cover of your computer, and reconnect the cords/cables.
  3. Check that your computer starts correctly. It should begin memory count and run its POST (Power-On-Self-Test). If it does not boot-up, refer to the Technical Guide for help.

Final 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.

Congratulations! You have just increased the speed of your computer! If you experience any problems, refer to the Technical Guide. If your problem is not listed or if you have any questions regarding this product, call Trinity Works Technical Support at 1-888-STACK-97.

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.

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Last update: 14 Apr 2024 - Changelog | About | Legal & Contact