EPOX EP-3VBA upgrade

[stipan]

Hello, I have an Epox EP 3VBA Socket 370 motherboard and I’d like to upgrade my current CPU (Celeron 400) to a higher Celeron.
The MB manufacturer’s site is not too helpful as the CPU compatibility list mentions a much older BIOS version and PCB revision number.

Motherboards.org has a few clues but I’m not sure what to do. http://www.motherboards.org/biosup/p/EP-3VBA/1050.html
Bios file name: 6vba0913.exe
Some key sentences for more recent bios upgrades: Added support for Intel Celeron 566 & 600 MHz and higher. *Actual CPU support varies for models.
Compatible with EP-693A model.

Another website mentions that the motherboard can support 533-800 Mhz Intel Celerons. http://www.kahlon.com/rn23394_Epox_EP-3VBA.html

How high can I go?

Other specs for the MB:
PCB revision no. 6.0
BIOS:
AWARD BIOS v.4.51 PG
Bios Date 09/13/2000

Chipset: Via Apollo Pro
66/100 FSB

Thank you.

 

[somekid007]

because it supports 100mhz fsb, i reckon u can go for a 1.4ghz tualtin celeron, priced at $75canadian. via c3 is also a choice as is the celeron. however, given the specs of your system, it may bottleneck the performance of the new cpu. you best bet is to save up a few bucks and buy yourself a decent system.

 

[stipan]

The motherboard doesn't support the Tualatin core. Also, the motherboard supports PPGA and hopefully FCPGA processors but not FCPGA-2.
The newest BIOS version has microcodes for the Coppermine core but I'm not sure how high I can go there. (Coppermine core runs from 533-1.1 Ghz approximately). The highest clock multiplier is 8 so I suppose a relatively safe bet would be to go with a Celeron 800 (8x100). I would like to go a little higher, 1Ghz perhaps as it is possible that the CPU will ignore the jumpers I set and run at its own default speed.
I am basically answering my own question in case someone else is looking for an answer. I would still appreciate any suggestions.

 

[NoisySilence]

Try to get a Powerleap adapter. It could allow you to use a Tualatin CPU even though your bpard doesn't support it.

www.powerleap.com