I have an old pc with a p2"cartredge" type processor-will a p3 that looks identicle go in or not?

I would think not .... Motherboards back then were not made to readily handle upgrades to the next generation chip ... I think you'll find the FSB and architecture all different ... it's not worth the heartache of losing a perfectly usable comp just to see if an old processor will fit

well the p2 used SECC style connectors the P3 used SECC2 basically the same thing. I will fit in the slot just fine BUT if it is not a Pentium III ready board it will not work. it more than likely won't even come on. Now if its a PIII motherboard the PII and the PIII will work fine because of backward compatability.

It will probably fit but if the motherboard will handle it or not in a PC that old. What can it hurt but burn up the motherbord you will lose nothing.