challenged
asked on
Compatibility Question - is Intel Core 2 Duo - E6550 - 1333MHz Bus Compatible with 1066MHz FSB Mobo?
Is the Intel DG965WH Motherboard with 1066 MHz FSB compatible with the Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 - with 1333 MHz Bus? Would the CPU just run at the lower speed? Is there something special I would have to do?
Thanks!
Dean
Thanks!
Dean
The safest answer is No. It is NOT on the supported processors list for this motherboard.
But in reality it MAY work at a lower clock if you manually adjust some settings in the BIOS. I know some folks have succeeded at getting the E6x50 CPU's to work on D975XBX2's --> which also do not have any of the 1333MHz FSB CPU's on the supported processor list.
But personally I wouldn't buy a CPU that's not on the compatibility list => clearly there won't be any BIOS support; and there can be many "weird" problems associated with using them (for example, most of the folks who got E6x50's working on D975XBX's had to remove two memory modules ... it only works with 2 modules installed). I'd just buy a new motherboard if you want to use one of the new 1333MHz FSB processors. ... or buy a CPU that's on the DG965WH supported processor list.
But in reality it MAY work at a lower clock if you manually adjust some settings in the BIOS. I know some folks have succeeded at getting the E6x50 CPU's to work on D975XBX2's --> which also do not have any of the 1333MHz FSB CPU's on the supported processor list.
But personally I wouldn't buy a CPU that's not on the compatibility list => clearly there won't be any BIOS support; and there can be many "weird" problems associated with using them (for example, most of the folks who got E6x50's working on D975XBX's had to remove two memory modules ... it only works with 2 modules installed). I'd just buy a new motherboard if you want to use one of the new 1333MHz FSB processors. ... or buy a CPU that's on the DG965WH supported processor list.
ASKER
i saw in other spots online that you could use that combination, but the processor will just run at the lower frequency is that false?
As I noted, it MAY work => but based on the experiences posted by numerous D975XBX2 owners, it's "iffy" at best; and may have unwanted side effects. Assuming you want a solid, stable system, it's best to only use a processor that the motherboard supports.
... and remember, the D975XBX2 is a much higher-level motherboard with more features in the BIOS to adjust the operating parameters ==> your board may not even be able to POST with an E6x50 CPU. I'd just buy an E6600 :-)
SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
This solution is only available to members.
To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.
ASKER
Thanks guys... I was just checking because I already bought it and its arrived shipped from Tiger Direct Canada and its a bit of a pain to return and get another, but thanks for the input... i think i will exchange it...
The E6550 was $219.99 and the E6600 is $292.99 ... the Q6600 is $299.97... these are my options... i'm thinking I should just splurge for the Quad no?
Here are my options...
SPEED INTERFACE BUS SPEED PRICE
Q6600 / 2.40GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $299.97
SPEED INTERFACE BUS SPEED PRICE
E6300 / 1.86GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $219.97
E6320 / 1.86GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $219.99
E6550 / 2.33GHz Socket 775 1333MHz $219.99
E6550 / 2.33GHz Socket 775 1333MHz $231.99
E6420 / 2.13GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $243.97
E6750 / 2.66GHz Socket 775 1333MHz $243.99
E6420 / 2.13GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $256.99
E6750 / 2.66GHz Socket 775 1333MHz $256.99
E6600 / 2.40GHz Socket 775 1066MHz $292.99
Yes, at those prices that's not a bad choice. The Q6600 is essentially two E6600's on the same chip. And it IS on the supported processor list for your board :-)
Here's Intel compatibility list:
http://processormatch.intel.com/CompDB/SearchResult.aspx?Boardname=dg965wh