Hardware compatibility problem with teststand3.0

[mama007]

I have one old NI-PXI machine with 233MHz processor,that runs Test Stand V 1.0.2. And I want to upgrade it to Teststand 3.0. Can I just change the processor with the one higher than 256MHz and my processor is Intel pentium(r). Apart from the processor speed, every thing is OK. Will I be able to sell my old PXI card,if I want to purchase a new one.Is there any solution at minimum expenditure.

[SachaE]

Hi,
this is something that you would do better discussing upgrading the controller with your field engineer. If you're in the UK, then call in on 01635 572400 to find out who looks after your area.
Replacing the processor might be possible, however, there's absolutely no guarantee that the rest of the architecture on the motherboard of the controller would support the replacement chip.
Best bet is to buy a new one, and since you'd then own both, I can't see a reason you couldn't sell the old one. That way you get a much better improvement in hardware, and memory and HDD space etc.
Without knowing the controller type you have currently (though I suspect an 8156(b) variant) I can't find specs for you for the bios and see if we could find out what chipsets that su
pported.
Bottom line, modification is difficult, and coudl result in an unusable controller, or one that works, but is still too low spec to run TS 3 sensibly. Better to upgrade, and sell the old one, but discuss this requirement with your field engineer first.

Thanks

Sacha Emery
National Instruments (UK)