CPU Compatibility

[unfaithfulsfan]

OK, I'm getting nowhere with Gigabyte on this so I'll ask the real experts and save myself a couple of weeks.

I have an older board--GA-M55plus-S3G with the latest BIOS and, cheapskate that I am, was looking for a faster processor rather than do the whole proc./board upgrade since I don't foresee being un-poor anytime soon
I found this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6819103234

While I know the L2 cache sucks, it's still a pretty good price.

It's a 2.9 GHz Brisbane, 65 nm, 65W. I've looked up and down Gigabyte's CPU support list and concluded the following since this specific CPU isn't listed:
http://www.giga-byte.com/Support/Mother ... uctID=2413
1) This mobo supports most Brisbane cores
2) Mobo supports 65nm
3) Mobo supports frequencies up to roughly 3 GHz
4) It's an Socket AM2 CPU
Therefore, this processor should be compatible, right? Or am I not thinking straight?

Thanks,
Jack

[duplo83]

It looks fine to me. There is at least one CPU on Gigabyte's list that is 3.0Ghz, so I don't think you should have any problems.

[unfaithfulsfan]

That's what I thought, too. I don't feel like I'm really pushing the envelope with this CPU. This board has been absolutely flawless over the last 2.5 years so I hate to just throw it on the shelf although I plan to turn this into a folding rig eventually.

Thanks,
Jack

[unfaithfulsfan]

Well, that's what I get for thinking.....
Gigabyte finally responded and said "Nope"
Another $-saving plan shot all to hell....
Jack

[unfaithfulsfan]

In nosing around, I stumbled across a 5200+ Brisbane for <$80 which I'm considering. I'm wondering (at last) though how the Brisbane is for OCing. I found one guy who successfully got his to run just a hair under 3.3 with stock cooler. At this point, (although I'm sure OCing is like subwoofers and amplifiers=you can never have too much ) I'd be pretty happy around 3 GHz for what I do and if I ever get my new graphics card I'll pretty much be set for any games I'd play. Plus I'd finally be a member of the Dual Core club.

Any opinions?

Thanks!
Jack

[DMB2000uk]

I think Gigabyte are just telling you no as it isn't on the CPU supported list. The BIOS won't recognise it, but it might still work.

The only trouble is that it's not as clear cut because the faster CPUs on that board are the windsor core. It could be that it doesn't support the multiplier that the CPU uses.

As for the 5200+, you may as well go for it
I'm sure with enough coaxing you'll be able to get 3Ghz out of it.

Dan

[stev]

In nosing around, I stumbled across a 5200+ Brisbane for <$80 which I'm considering. I'm wondering (at last) though how the Brisbane is for OCing. I found one guy who successfully got his to run just a hair under 3.3 with stock cooler. At this point, (although I'm sure OCing is like subwoofers and amplifiers=you can never have too much ) I'd be pretty happy around 3 GHz for what I do and if I ever get my new graphics card I'll pretty much be set for any games I'd play. Plus I'd finally be a member of the Dual Core club.

Any opinions?

Thanks!
Jack

Other than a stock cooler on the 5200+, you could manage to hit 3.3x something with a ThermalTake Big Typhoon or other great air cooler.

Running my P4c Northwood at 3.0Ghz on this MSI board isn't a problem, but just like DMB2000uk mentioned, the BIOS ma not support the multiplier. Guess what, that's exactly right on my MSI board. The highest CPU I could go for is what's in there now. The 3.2 or 3.4 Northwood would only run at 3.0Ghz. BUT, while always thinking, if I did have the 3.4 in there, OCing would bring it up to par possibly. It's only a hunch at best.

[unfaithfulsfan]

I decided on a different route after doing some more research. I waffled between a Windsor (4600+) and a Brisbane (4800+) at 2.4 and 2.5 respectively each for <$60. Both are supported by my board. Everything I read indicated that the Windsor core overclocks way better than the Brisbane and I saw quite a few testimonials to 3+ with the Windsor, up to 3.0 with stock cooler. So I took that one for $58 and free shipping.

In the meantime, I've managed to coax 2.38 (271*9) out of my 1.8 Orleans with temps staying around 40C and Prime95 running almost constantly + F@H client. Seems quite a bit faster but it could be wishful thinking. However, with Word and OOO Writer duking it out for supremacy, it only takes Word ~30 seconds to launch now rather that 60-90 at stock settings.

Only thing when I reboot it goes back automatically to 2.0? I finagled with the voltage settings in BIOS but EasyTune resets them to whatever it wants or that's how it seems.

Jack