Will Older CPUs Boot AM3+?

[tekhaze]

Update edit:
Ok, components came about an hour ago and I set everything up. No dice. It's not booting BD...So, I'll continue to ask the question if either of the processors listed below will fit and boot up my AM3+? I'm guessing no...HELP!

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My new system is scheduled to arrive tomorrow, and being my 1st build ever, I'm a bit apprehensive on one key detail...I settled on the FX-4100 along with a MSI 760GM-P23 (FX): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130630 mobo. My concern, shared with many others out there, is whether or not the bios will be updated to receive the BD. The most recent consumer review on newegg said it worked without need of update, that and the fact newegg has a high turn over on products raises the chance this will be an updated mobo, at least from this novices' prospective...

But if it won't boot BD without an update, will my old Athlon 64 LE-1640: http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/processors/athlon/Pages/AMD-athlon-processor-model-numbers-feature-comparison.aspx or Sempron 3400+: http://products.amd.com/%28S%28cdylad45vuougtu24fqzoi2z%29%29/pages/DesktopCPUDetail.aspx?id=143 be compatible? MSI's site: http://us.msi.com/product/mb/760GM-P23--FX-.html#/?div=CPUSupport doesn't list them as supported (probably because of their age).

If those aren't an option, then I suppose I'll be needing to drop some more cash on a Sempron 145: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103888. Which I'd really like not to since I have no use for it beyond booting my mobo for an update. I have heard of mobo manufacturers sending people updated replacement bios chips, but is this something I can rely on?

So, will my next order be thermal paste or another CPU paperweight..?

 

[tlmck]

In general, you do not want to update your BIOS unless you are having some issue that a BIOS update is known to fix. Basically, when the boot splash screen comes up, before Windows loads, it will list your drives, memory, etc. It will also list the BIOS version you have. Take that information, and go to the CPU support list on the MSI site for your mobo and compare.


It appears the FX CPUs are supported as of the 17.2 BIOS. You are also correct that the mobo does not support the older CPUs. Your idea of getting an older Sempron is not bad. They are only like 35 bucks, around here anyways, and it is sometimes nice to have a spare CPU for troubleshooting purposes.

 

[Frequency44]

Go to your local vendor and tell him your PC isn't working. You think it's the CPU and whether they'd be so kind as to lend you an outdated model with the same socket to find out whether this resolves the issue. Most vendors will lend it to you for no fee at all. Customer Service. That's how I did it ;P

 

[tekhaze]

Thanks for the responses guys, but my main question is if Athlon 64 LE-1640 or Sempron 3400+ would boot my MSI 760GM-P23 (FX) mobo. Being an AM3+ mobo it SHOULD boot BD without issue, but I know many AM3+ mobos out there haven't come with the correct updated bios to boot BD.

Thank you for the vendor tip Frequency44, I'll have to try that if it comes to that...Hopefully it doesn't.

 

[tlmck]

You should be OK. I thought about it a little more, and it will not hurt anything to install the new CPU in the motherboard. Even with an older BIOS. Most will still boot and run. It just may misidentify the CPU which can then be fixed by a BIOS update.

 

[tekhaze]

I've read a number horror stories about some AM3+ mobos from different manufacturers not loading BD and them having to find another CPU (typically an Athlon II or Phenom II) to load and then update the bios. I really hope you're right though!

 

[tlmck]

It would be a horror story if doing so destroyed the CPU or motherboard. In this case, the worst you can get is some sort of error message.

 

[tekhaze]

Suppose I exaggerated with the word "horror" lol , but for me and my budget build, spending any more means postponing my case purchase for another month or two...Guess I'll just update this later after my components arrive. Thank you very much for the input though.