Replace The Stock CPU
You have two options when it comes to replacing the CPU for your EX47* MediaSmart Server. You can go with a faster single-core CPU, which requires no BIOS hacking and essentially involves a CPU swap maneuver. Or you can replace the single-core CPU with a dual-core device, but then you must first hack the BIOS before the server will recognize the processor. I tried dropping a BE-2350 into the unit before hacking the BIOS and the unit would not boot at all.
First, I’ll explain how to swap the CPU. In the next section, I’ll explain how to hack the BIOS. If you want the EX47* MediaSmart to recognize a non-Sempron processor or you wish to use a dual-core CPU, please remember that you must first hack the BIOS before replacing the CPU chip. You can’t hack the BIOS if the machine won’t boot, and that’s exactly what will happen if you try these steps out of order. Before the step-by-step instructions, however, I’ll introduce the CPU options and present my benchmarking results.
CPU Options
Table 3 provides information about various processors that may work in your EX47* unit. I stress the word may because ample community communication confirms that some processors that work perfectly in some units fail to work at all in other units. Because the EX74* units are lightly cooled and since the power supply in the unit tops out at 200 W, most informed speculation on this topic centers on two related aspects of system operation: power consumption and heat output. Apparently, some CPUs consume more power than others, even if they are rated identically for power consumption. Likewise, some EX47* units apparently produce more heat than others and are more subject to thermal shutdown for that reason. Keep this in mind as you ponder your CPU upgrade options.
Table 3: Viable CPU Upgrades for EX47* Models
| Name | Type | Process | Clock | Cache | TDP | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LE-1620 | Single Core | 90 nm | 2.4 GHz | 1 MB | 45 W | $48 |
| LE-1640 | Single Core | 90 nm | 2.6 GHz | 1 MB | 45 W | $39 |
| LE-1660 | Single Core | 65 nm | 2.8 GHz | 512 KB | 45 W | $47 |
| BE-2300 | Dual Core | 65 nm | 1.9 GHz | 1 MB | 45 W | $70 |
| BE-2350 | Dual Core | 65 nm | 2.1 GHz | 1 MB | 45 W | $70 |
| BE-2400 | Dual Core | 65 nm | 2.3 GHz | 1 MB | 45 W | $108 |
| 3800+ | Dual Core | 90 nm | 2.0 GHz | 1 MB | 35 W | $??? |
The low-power (35 W) version of the AM2 Athlon X64 3800+ processor is an optimal choice for this upgrade. But alas, these parts never made it into retail distribution because of OEM demand, and while you can find them occasionally online, they often cost over $100—well outside the price range for the other options on this chart. If you do find one or think you’ve found one, make sure the first three letters in the on-chip part number read "ADD"—only these models are truly 35 W parts. Some vendors have been known to pull bait-and-switch maneuvers, so be sure you can get your money back on a return if you purchase one from a vendor with whom you’ve never done business before.
Aside from the 3800+, upgrading the EX47* CPU is a case where you’re better off choosing lower model numbers over higher ones. That’s because higher numbered models usually consume more power (despite identical TDP ratings) and generate more heat. For that reason, I chose the middle-tier entries from both the LE- and BE- models included in Table 3 for benchmarking: the LE-1640 and the BE-2350. Just FYI, reports of successful upgrades also correspond to model numbers and makes a compelling reason to pick from the bottom or middle rather than the tops of these ranges as well. Alas, I too was unable to secure a 35 W 3800+ processor, despite numerous efforts to do so, so I can’t report on its suitability for this purpose—although you can find plenty of glowing reports about this upgrade online.
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