Need a Suitable 775 Motherboard

[amecily]

Hey everyone,

I recently purchased a Core2Quad Q9505. I had done a lot of research on whether it would be compatible with my current motherboard, I even phoned Acer, and everyone said that it would work. But, it doesn't!

So I need to get a new motherboard, and I'm battling to find one that meets all of my needs. I have DDR2 RAM (Transcend aXeram) that runs at 1066MHz and my processor has an FSB of 1333MHz. I tried to buy the Asus P5QPL-AM motherboard, but my power cables were too short. So the motherboard also needs to have the power socket as far right as possible so that my cables will reach. For examples, the positioning of the power socket on the BIOSTAR G41-D3 looks like it would work with my board.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

 

[amecily]

Well, I took it to a computer store to have them install it because I've never installed a CPU before. So I assumed they would know to update the BIOS, but maybe they didn't.

They said that it boots up to the Acer logo and then doesn't go any further. Does that sound like it just needs to be updated?

 

[Gekko Shadow]

Might be what you need. Try the BIOS update. It never hurt to give it a try. =P

 

[jaquith]

I recently purchased a Core2Quad Q9505. I had done a lot of research on whether it would be compatible with my current motherboard, I even phoned Acer, and everyone said that it would work. But, it doesn't!

So I need to get a new motherboard, and I'm battling to find one that meets all of my needs. I have DDR2 RAM (Transcend aXeram) that runs at 1066MHz and my processor has an FSB of 1333MHz.

... the Asus P5QPL-AM motherboard, but my power cables were too short. So the motherboard also needs to have the power socket as far right as possible so that my cables will reach. For examples, the positioning of the power socket on the BIOSTAR G41-D3 looks like it would work with my board.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Suggestion:
1. If the power leads are too short:
{a. you can purchase an extension kit}

{b. get some comparable copper wire & heat shrink tubes and splice/solder the wire longer ; optional wire sleeving}

The Asus P5QPL-AM is no longer in production, so I assume it was used.

Do you still have the Asus P5QPL-AM?

 

[amecily]

Thanks for the replies. Maybe I should update the BIOS then. Not sure which one to choose though - on the Acer website, these are the options:
R01.C3 527.9 KB 2009/06/05
R01.C2 527.9 KB 2009/05/18
R01-C1 527.8 KB 2008/12/09

And these are my motherboard specs:

Manufacturer ACER
Model EG31M
Version R01-B2
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model P35/G33/G31
Chipset Revision 10
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model 82801GB (ICH7/R)
Southbridge Revision A1
BIOS
Brand American Megatrends Inc.
Version R01-B2
Date 02/04/2008

So do I choose the C2 one? It says that flashing the wrong BIOS will do damage to the system - what damage are they referring to?

Amy

 

[jaquith]

The 'possible' problem with ANY proprietary MOBO is its' limited supported CPU set. If your Acer sold your PC Model with a Core2Quad Q9505 then it will support the CPU and then a BIOS upgrade will work.

Whereas, a consumer MOBO will support a much wider range CPU via CPU ID; otherwise best case is that an unrecognized CPU will be 'dummied down' or fail to post.

Another, problem with proprietary cases is that often the MOBO I/O shield is often welded or otherwise irremovable ~ short of cutting it off.

Also, UNLESS Acer 'lists' its supported CPU per BIOS version - NO ONE can tell you if the new CPU will be supported - ONLY Acer.

Good Luck!

 

[amecily]

Thanks Jacquith!

I did phone Acer before I bought the CPU. And the guy told me that the motherboard supported all Core2Quads - the 45nm and the 65nm. But I'm thinking that they upgraded the motherboard in the model 'Veriton m460' so that the current model's motherboard does support Quads. But maybe I bought mine with an older motherboard.

These are the specifications for the m460 as listed on the Acer website:

Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad processor (only for 95 W), or
Intel® Core™2 Duo processor (up to 1333 MHz FSB), or
Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core processor, or
Intel® Celeron processor 400 Series

So that should mean that the Q9505 should work right?

 

[Gekko Shadow]

Yup. should work just fine x): linky hurr~

the Q9505 is 95W

 

[jaquith]

Still too vague, here's a comparision list of JUST Intel® Core™2 Quad processors from two (2) different MOBO. If you'll notice 20 v 14 - therefore 6 won't be supported with Gigabyte.

My strong feeling is FLIP a COIN. Beyond that ABSOLUTE verification.

In addition, D/L and run CPUz on the Mainboard tab you correct MOBO should be identified; use that info when calling Acer. (see below) - http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

ASUS: (20)
Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.B3,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.40GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q6700 (2.66GHz,1066FSB,L2:2X4MB,rev.G0,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q8200 (rev.M1,2.33GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q8200S (rev.R0,2.33GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q8300 (rev.R0,2.50GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q8400 (rev.R0,2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,4 cores)    1.03G 308
Core 2 Quad Q8400S (rev.R0,2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:4MB,4 cores)    1.03G 308
Core 2 Quad Q9300 (2.5GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB,rev.M0,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9300 (2.5GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB,rev.M1,4 cores)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9400 (rev.R0,2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9400S (rev.R0,2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9450 (2.66GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB,rev.C1)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9500 (2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB,rev.R0)    ALL 317
Core 2 Quad Q9505(rev.R0,2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:6MB)    1.03G 314
Core 2 Quad Q9550(2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB,rev.C1)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9550(rev.C0,2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9550(rev.E0,2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9550S(rev.E0,2.83GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB)    1.00G 201
Core 2 Quad Q9650(rev.E0,3.00GHz,1333FSB,L2:12MB)    1.00G 201

Gigabyte: (14)
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 3.00GHz 12MB Yorkfield 45nm E0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz 12MB Yorkfield 45nm E0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9550s 2.83GHz 12MB Yorkfield 45nm E0 65W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9550 2.83GHz 12MB Yorkfield 45nm C1 95W 1333 F1
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz 12MB Yorkfield 45nm C1 95W 1333 F1
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9400s 2.66GHz 6MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 65W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q9300 2.50GHz 6MB Yorkfield 45nm M1 95W 1333 F1
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8400 2.66GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8400s 2.66GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 65W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8300 2.50GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm M1 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm R0 95W 1333 F6
Intel Core™ 2 Quad Q8200s 2.33GHz 4MB Yorkfield 45nm M1 65W 1333 F6

CPUz Mainboard {MOBO} identification:

 

[amecily]

Those motherboard specs I gave above were from Speccy. CPU-Z says pretty much the same thing.

So maybe I should just try the BIOS update. So which one do I download? The C2 one? Not sure what those numbers mean.

And can it happen that the CPU is damaged if it is tested in an incompatible motherboard? Because, I bought a Q9505 online, then I went to get it installed. It didn't work on my motherboard, so they tried it in two other definitely compatible mobos and it didn't work either. It was returned to the supplier and they said that the CPU was completely dead. Apparently it happens, but is extremely rare. So now I have a new one and they tried to install it on my mobo again, and it didn't work. So it won't be destroyed again now will it? I'm pretty clueless with some of this stuff!

 

[jaquith]

Looking at the ACER site, use the latest BIOS version:
BIOS Acer BIOS R01.C3 527.9 KB 2009/06/05

I am assuming you PC Model is the Veriton M460 {and not the Veriton M460G}.

Good Luck! Hope the CPU works!

 

[amecily]

Okay cool, I will try that. But in case I want to get the Asus P5QPL-AM, then what extension cables must I buy? Like how many pins, and must they be male to female? Or does that depend on the motherboard?

 

[jaquith]

This extension option covers ALL bases for extensions - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812198023&cm_re=24_pin_extension-_-12-198-023-_-Product

1 x ATX 20 or 24 Pin (to motherboard) 1 x ATX 20 or 24 Pin (from power supply 20 or 24 pin ATX )

Good Luck.