Which CPU specs to go for?

[aedipuss]

Most newer motherboards can update the bios through the bios using mounted harddrives and usb drives,i've been doing it that way for the past few years now with no problems at all using hdds or usb drives.

you still need a working cpu and ram before you can do the update, so that wouldn't help get a m.b. working with a cpu that only works with the beta update.

[jagabo]

But he has an older CPU that should work. It's just that it's a pain. I wonder if the X6 1100T will run at all with the older BIOS? Maybe it will just run at the wrong speed? Or some feature (that isn't needed for a BIOS update) won't work? Or it will be at the wrong voltage (run hot)?

[nic2k4]

Gigabyte uses what they call Qflash to update the BIOS. All it means is the flash utility is built into the BIOS making the upgrade process OS independent. All that's required is a FAT formatted storage drive (floppy, USB or a partition on the HDD). Basically all you do is hit the END key during post (just like you hit DEL to get in the BIOS). Check out the instructions in the manual.

[A Traveller]

jagabo/johns0/aedipuss, the customer who stated that his CPU wasn't recognised said that the system wouldn't post and they got a GFX error from the internal speaker, so for them, it seems that they HAD to install a different CPU in order to update BIOS.

nic2k4, thanks for pointing that out. I had totally forgotten about the motherboard's dual bios/Q-Flash system, maybe I should have looked at the manual as redwudz suggested before researching how to update BIOS. The dual bios, along with Q-Flash does offer some encouragement.

I asked another person who had the same combination of motherboard and CPU and it worked straight out the box for them without any need to update BIOS.

I think I may just go ahead and purchase the motherboard. The only thing I'll need to decide is whether to install the 1100T straight away and hope it works or update BIOS with my old CPU first. The second option doesn't guarantee anything either as the latest BIOS update did not work for the person who had the problems anyway and they had to seek out an older BIOS version (FGA) which isn't even available at the Gigabyte website anymore.

Oh, this is so much fun!

[redwudz]

I bought my GA-890GPA-UD3H MB early on. It's a revision 2.0, and I didn't have any problem with the 1055T CPU. But that's not to say the 1100T isn't different.

I've been through the BIOS juggling with an different MB and had to switch out the CPU to an older one and update the BIOS. It's a PITA, but not difficult, just takes time. If you end up doing this, update the BIOS and shut down the PC, don't boot into the new BIOS with the old CPU. At least with my setup, it wouldn't boot, so I thought I had a new problem. I put in the new CPU, and everything worked.

If you are reusing the CPU cooler, just get some 90% isopropyl alcohol and a paper towel and wash off the old compound. With the old CPU, do the same. A couple of Q tips also help. For the CPU, put it on the CPU anti-static foam pad before doing this so as not to chance bending the pins.

Definitely read the manual. The PDF version is easier to read than the printed on that comes with the MB. Once you get the six core setup running, I think you will be very happy with it.

Hopefully, the 1100T will boot right up without any problems. Anyway, it's an adventure.

[johns0]

jagabo/johns0/aedipuss, the customer who stated that his CPU wasn't recognised said that the system wouldn't post and they got a GFX error from the internal speaker, so for them, it seems that they HAD to install a different CPU in order to update BIOS.

I was just pointing out that you can update the bios through the bios since there was some doubt as to doing it that way,not telling the op to do it that way.

[A Traveller]

Thanks redwudz, that's very helpful info as I've installed a new CPU but I've never changed a CPU before.

Some more news - I've just been informed by Gigabyte that I can also send the board to them for flashing. Have asked if there's any cost.

[aedipuss]

For the CPU, put it on the CPU anti-static foam pad before doing this so as not to chance bending the pins.

amd cpu's still have pins?

[johns0]

For the CPU, put it on the CPU anti-static foam pad before doing this so as not to chance bending the pins.

amd cpu's still have pins?

Yup.

[Bix]

Just to add to the general AMD Phenom II discussion, NewEgg now has the OEM-only X6 1035T for $145 ($130 this weekend with the coupon code listed on the item page): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103856&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL081211...-19103856-L01B

This is somewhat notable because while it's clocked at 2.6Ghz, it's AMD's only 95 watt 6 core CPU and it hadn't been available to end users until now. So if you have any power concerns and want a 6 core CPU...

[A Traveller]

Hi Bix. Thanks for that info. I don't know if it was meant for me or just for anyone, but I've already purchased and received the 1100T, so I hope I won't be needing another CPU until 2021.

[Bix]

I saw you bought the 1100T but I thought it was worth mentioning for anyone who's trying to glean some Phenom II advice out of the thread,

[nic2k4]

amd cpu's still have pins?

They haven't had to find a different way of hooking up to the M/B as they don't have as many pins. AM3 CPU's are down to 938 (was 939 on AM2) compared to 1366 on Bloomfield and 1155 on Sandy Bridge.