Older motherboard can't support new CPUs

[bonso]

because they wouldnt know what FSB, multiplyer and voltages to set. But had it been back in the jumper/DIP days as long as the MB could provide corrent values you could run the machine with an "unknown CPU".

Is this anywhere near correct? I'm asking because I'm a little frustrated over loosing out on a really good deal, 40USD for a Supermicro MB, that only supports CPUs as modern as the first Pentium D (Smithfield Dual Core).

Cheers!

[nub]

My MB didn't "support" my Q6600 without a bios update but even before the bios update it worked fine. I think the biggest issue is perhaps the power draw of the processor so you never know.

[TheGlasMan]

Yes, if the cpu is compatible it doesn't need specific support. Your board can't support the voltage requirements (lower and tighter) or the faster bus speeds of later cpu's.

[supercat]

I agree with TheGlasMan, for example in days of yor one could installed a mobile K6 III+ in a 503+ motherboard, the BIOS did not know what the processor was but it would display the speed correctly. You could install a Pentium Pro with 1 MB cache on a standard FX motherboard, the board did not display all the cache but if you ran memtest all 1024 Kb were there and being used. So long as the voltages are compatible you are safe !

[Pehu]

Depends on the chipset still. I'd be a bit more pessimistic than some here though and I'd check at least what chipset that motherboard uses, etc.

[bonso]

Its a E7230+ICH7 chipset but given my ususall luck I'd bet the board will programmed to scream and refuse to boot with unknown parts.

[Pehu]

Considering the chipset I think it is extremely unlikely that a Core2Duo processor will work with it.I don't think it's that good of a deal either tbh.

[Poci]

I remember running a mobile barton on a Epox 8k3Ae and at boot it would detect unknown cpu 800 mhz only,had to manually set it in bios to get it running correctly.