The Right Chipset
Choosing the right chipset for this overclocking project is easy: all chipsets that support dual core processors command a FSB that runs at least at 200 MHz, which also means that any of them can support the Pentium D 805. We were able to successfully implement our overclocking project, in fact, using the following motherboards from Asus and Gigabyte:
- Asus P5WD2-E Premium (Intel 975x)
- Asus P5WD2-WS Premium (Intel 975x)
- Asus P5WD2 Premium (Intel 955X)
- Gigabyte G1975X Turbo (Intel 975X)
- Gigabyte 8I955X Royal (Intel 955X)L/li>
Those who want to be very sure that this CPU will work in their chosen motherboards, to fulfil their overclocking dreams, should first examine closely the compatibility listings from the motherboard makers. We took a look at the three biggest retail motherboard vendors - Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI - to check them out. Here's what we learned.
For Asus there are no problems; many of their motherboards have supported this CPU for some time now.
The five latest models from Gigabyte have no problems with this CPU, either.
The situation with MSI is pretty grim. For many boards, the CPU has but recently been added, and for others the Pentium D 805 isn't supported.
Issues with MSI motherboards may very well stem from the vendor's decision to keep costs down, and to test its components and capabilities at memory speeds of only 200 MHz. Thus, using these motherboards at other speeds-especially higher ones - can lead to instability or even outright crashes.