Compatibility?

[Col]

A while back, someone here told me: "If it's not in the compatibility list, assume it's compatible."

Well I'm not so sure about that to be honest, and want to upgrade my CPU.

My motherboard is a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4 (http://www.giga-byte.com/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2695), flashed to BIOS version F9 (http://www.giga-byte.com/Support/Motherboard/BIOS_Model.aspx?ProductID=2695#anchor_os). I would like the AMD Phenom II 965, but it's not in the list of compatible CPUs (http://www.giga-byte.com/Support/Motherboard/CPUSupport_Model.aspx?ProductID=2695#anchor_os), yet the 955 is. I don't mind going for the 955 if I have to, but I'd prefer the 965.

Does anyone know if the 965 will work with my board, or if there's a way of finding out, or if it's worth it?

[mac124]

I would be VERY suprised if the 965 didn't work, ping an email of to Gigabyte just to be 100% sure.

[Col]

Done. Won't get a reply until Tuesday though probably. Not that I'm in any rush though. I don't want to install Windows 7 before I install the new CPU, lest it wants reactivating due to hardware changes.

[wonderlust]

Slic bios mod ;) ;)

[haroon]

Personally I would just go for a 955 instead. Not worth for it for extra 200 Mhz and extra power the 965 would require.

[mikepardon]

Don't think there is much of a power consumption from these CPU's :S

[El Wayneo]

As haroon says get the 955 instead, they OC better, is less exspensive and the 965 is 140W TDP against 955 at 125W.

Read some reviews, noone likes the 965, waste of cash.

Use the extra dosh for a new Cooler.

[Col]

Well the 955 isn't that much cheaper than the 965, and I'm not in to overclocking. I've already had to change the voltage for my RAM to work because the default supply from the motherboard is 1.8V but my RAM requires 2.1V. I don't really know where to start for overclocking.

[marsey99]

its because of the tdp m8, the power regs on the board cant throw enough juice at that cpu to keep it happy at stock speeds. so if you get the 955 you will only have a tiny ammount of wiggle room to clock with that one before you fry them then too :(

[Col]

So will the 955 run hot on my board then?

Edit:
According to Mr Reynolds at 3dgameman.com, it's possible to re-use a cooler from an AM2 CPU with an AM3 CPU. Is this advisable?

Also, do I have to ring Aria to get a price match for when I order the CPU? I've seen it at a better price including free delivery on another site, but would still rather buy from Aria. Everyone's been more helpful here than they have on the other site.

[Lynx]

As long as its a decent aftermarket cooler, then yes its perfectly fine.

[Col]

It'll be the cooler which came boxed with my Athlon 64 X2 5600+ 2.8GHz "processor in a box".

[CMDR Furries]

You'll probably be able to get away with using the stock cooler.

I'd change the thermal paste for something a little better; Arctic Silver 5, or the like.

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Fans%2C+Heatsinks%2C+Coolers/Accessories/Arctic+Silver+V+Compound?productId=9573

[Col]

Ever since I used Arctic Silver 5, the temp has gone up and up.

Before using Arctic Silver 5, the CPU would idle at 28 C and run full load at 40 C. Then, the first time I used Arctic Silver 5, it idled at about 32 and full load at 45. Now, after using AS5 twice, it's idling at 38 C and full load at 53 C. I have followed the instructions precisely each time, using isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean off the old stuff first.

[CMDR Furries]

Hmmmm, not sure why that would happen, but AS5 does have a cure time of around 200hrs, so maybe you just need to wait for that to happen.

[alexnifty]

Try Arctic cooling MX-2 or MX-3 :thumbsup: No curing and better temps.

[Col]

I've just read about a new 125W 965 due out for release in the last quarter of 2009, which we're sort of in now.

Good idea to wait for that?

[haroon]

I reckon a good quality am2 cooler would be fine would an am3 cpu. I plan to use a OCZ Vanquisher Am2 cooler with my AM3 Phenon II 720 BE cpu. But for peace of mind going for a am3 certified cooler is the way to go. I've not read any documentation with regards to this so just take my point as an opinion.

[Col]

Well Gigabyte have replied and told me that my motherboard does not support the 965.

So would it be a good idea to wait for the 125W 965?