Help: M2A-VM and Phenom X3 8550

[jerry2080]

TO the Community.

I am planning to buy Phenom X3 8550 CPU for my old M2A-VM Motherboard.
However, I had a few questions.

1. I upgraded my BIOS successfully to 5001. This means I should be able to install AM2+ CPU
on my AM2 socket correct?

2. Should I get a new CPU heat sink with the new CPU? Is it necessary?

3. Is there a difference between M2A-VM and M2A-VM HDMI motherboard?

4. Has anyone tried installing AM2+ CPU on AM2 socket mother with proper BIOS upgrade?

5. Is there anything I should watch out for in compatibility between CPU and the motherboard?

6. When actually replacing the CPU, do I need to apply the thermal paste on top of the CPU before
putting on the heatsink? Some youtube guide seem to do so but others do not.


Thank you very much.

 

[phyco126]

1. Yes

2. No, unless your heatsink wasn't designed for more than two cores

3. Only real difference is one has HDMI connection, the other doesn't.

4. Of course there have been, lol

5. No, the processor is listed as compatible with the latest BIOS, which you said was successful in flashing

6. A small pea-sized drop of thermal paste in the center of the top side of the CPU, or on the bottom side of the heat-sink. Doesn't matter.

 

[jerry2080]

1. Yes

2. No, unless your heatsink wasn't designed for more than two cores

3. Only real difference is one has HDMI connection, the other doesn't.

4. Of course there have been, lol

5. No, the processor is listed as compatible with the latest BIOS, which you said was successful in flashing

6. A small pea-sized drop of thermal paste in the center of the top side of the CPU, or on the bottom side of the heat-sink. Doesn't matter.

Thank you very much for the help. Just finished installing everything. No problems so far.

 

[jerry2080]

Best answer selected by jerry2080.