Can i use the I7 990x?

[The0n3]

Hey guys quick question. My mobo says its compatible with Intel Core i7 980x Extreme Six Core Processor (3.33GHz, 12MB Cache) would this mean i could use the I7 990x? Thx!

 

[rolli59]

Yes since both are LGA1366 CPU's! A BIOS update might be needed to correctly identify the CPU.

 

[HugoStiglitz]

please list your motherboard model and we can check

 

[The0n3]

awsome! thx for quick response!

Im a noob but im learning slowly, lol. So if i buy this it is as simple as me taking off my water cooler, taking out the processor, putting new one in then putting water cooler back on? I just updated my bios to the most recent for my mobo

 

[The0n3]

I was told this is the mobo i have, lol
http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=MBDELH869MMS759&eq=&Tp=

I got a newish Alienware Aurora ALX

My specs right now are

I7 960
6gb crossair dominator GT @ 1866 tripple channel cas 9
1tb whateverdellgivespeople @ 7200 rpm
120 Vertex 3 SSD (found out after i bought it my mobo is only sata 2 )
Crossfired 2gb 6950s
850 power supply

 

[trogdor796]

May I ask why you even need a processor better than the one you have? I don't mean to sound rude, but with how high the price is for the 990x, a cpu that isn't even current gen, it just doesn't seem worth it.

I simply don't see how a 960 would be holding you back. Since you have a water cooler, you should be able to over clock the processor you have to pretty good speeds.

But if you really want or need to upgrade, as others said, since it's the same socket it should work, although you may have to update the bios to get it to recognize the new CPU.

 

[The0n3]

No clue how to over clock, been looking at the 990x and it seems easy to over clock. Plus i hear there isint any better MATX x58 mobos comming out so im thinking there wont be any more upgrades i will be able to do to my system. Id settle for a 980x if there was a decent price difference but its been off newegg for a wile I'd like to get a really good MATX x58 Mobo so i could upgrade my ram and use my Vertex 3 to its full potential but i hear they wont be making the x58s for much longer

Keep in mind i am a noob so all information i get can help =) but that is my mind set

 

[benikens]

With the cost of a 990x alone you can build an entire sandy-bridge rig that is quicker then it.