Powerleap PL ProMMX K6-2 333

Other Notes

Powerleap also sells just the voltage/clock multiplier adapter board, which will allow you to use just about any Socket 7 CPU in any Socket 7 motherboard. The same CPU Control Panel utility is included and supports all current AMD, Cyrix, and IDT chips.

Intel motherboards are completely incompatible with non-Intel chips thanks to a routine in the BIOS that checks for an Intel CPU and refuses to boot if one is not found. A 3rd party BIOS upgrade can take care of this issue. Check the Powerleap Compatibility List for more information on compatibility with Intel motherboards.

Some motherboards with jumperless CPU setups can get a bit confused when one of these upgrades is inserted. On Abit boards, make sure you disable speed error hold or else you will get an error that the CPU is unworkable from the BIOS. There is no reason for concern, however, because this simply stems from the fact that the detected CPU speed does not match the settings in the BIOS.

Clearance around the CPU socket is another potential area that might prevent the use of the Powerleap kit. The voltage/clock multiplier adapter sticks out a few millimeters beyond the CPU socket and could interfere with other components on the motherboard. Another potential problem is clearance above the new CPU since the adapter increases the required height. The Powerleap Compatibility List includes many of these potential issues for various systems.

While the chip worked mostly fine at 333MHz, it was impossible to resist taking apart the package that Powerleap had provided. What AnandTech found upon removal of the fan/heatsink was a K6-2 processor rated at 300MHz, not the 333MHz specified on the package. Powerleap is NOT advertising an overclocked package. While it was probably just an honest mistake, it may be worth the extra two minutes or so required to remove the fan and take a look at what processor is actually included.

Update: We spoke with Powerleap about the inclusion of an overclocked processor in AnandTech's review sample and they confirmed that it was a simple mistake. They assured us that they do not sell anything that is overclocked.

Stability in the overclocked 333MHz configuration was below average, but at the rated speed of 300MHz, stability was the same as before installing the upgrade. A true 333MHz CPU in the upgrade package would probably provide the same stability that AnandTech observed at 300MHz. Also note that stability can also be greatly affected by other system components, probably more so than by the upgrade kit.