why wont my motherboard post with a intel core2 duo?

Question

Hey peeps.... I have the most strange problem I've ever had in my life. And I'd like to think of myself as a tech head, however.. this is my first Intel based system.. I decided that I'd give in and build a gaming machine with an intel processor..

I've tried every trick under the sun and I can't get anything to show up on-screen while the core2 is on the board.

I'll just give a quick summary of my specs here:

4 x1GB sticks of dual channel DDR2, 667MHz

2x SATA, 500GB HDD's

nVidea 9600GTS 512MB of DDR3

Biostar I945G-M7 ver2.0 (I wish they wouldn't make two different versions of the same freaking board)

Intel P4 (520) 2.8Ghz 800MHz FSB.

And I have an Intel core2 Duo 7400, 2.8GHz.

Not a bad setup, it handles most of what I throw at it with maxed out settings, crysis, UT3, COD4, etc.. Even with a stock P4.

Sadly, My problem Is, I just got this $180 processor for this mobo and it wont post. Even though it says on the box "Intel Core2 Duo support"
Strange thing to note: My instruction manual doesn't list this particular cpu in the cpu support page and neither does the website.

Anywayz, I figured since it's a socket 775, and says "Supports intel core2 duo" right on front of the box, it SHOULD work.. you'd think right?

Nope, I swap out the P4 with the core2 duo, apply some arctic silver paste, put the heat sink on, everything is checked out, Power ON.. wait for it... NOTHING HAPPENS. I get lights, fans, HDD's everything is getting power but no POST on the screen.

I switched from the graphics card to the on-board graphics, nothing.

I reset the BIOS to optimized defaults (I haven't updated it to the latest bios yet, the current BIOS is 3 years old)

I took the CPU to a computer store to have it tested. They tell me it works fine.

I put in the P4 to make sure I didn't fry my Mobo in the process of adding the new cpu, everything worked as if nothing ever happened.

So other than that, I have no idea why it wouldn't work. My only reasonable conclusion from this situation is that Intel's processors, being the same physical socket don't work with all motherboards of the same socket.. Which is another reason I'm P/O'ed at myself for going with intel in the first place.. Sigh*

Maybe I'm wrong? If so, someone please tell me if I'm missing something, or doing something wrong. Any help or advice would be very appreciated.

Answer 1

The following is a list of CPU's supported on that board

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/cpu_support.php?S_ID=76



Unfortunately the board does not look like it supports that CPU.



However if you still have the old processor put it back in and make sure you have the most current BIOS installed before doing anything else. The current BIOS might allow the E7400 CPU to function.



The current version is available here with instructions for installing: http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/bios.php?S_ID=76



Yes the board does support Core2 Duos but only the following based on what is written on the Biostar site:



Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor X6800

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6700

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6700

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6600

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6600

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6400

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6400

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300

Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor E6300



It always pays to check compatibility between Mainboard and CPU even if they are the same socket.

Answer 2

So you have a single-core P4 as comparison for the dual-core. What speed is the single-core P4? If the problem is a speed mismatch, it ain't that it's an Intel chip, it's the specific Intel chip. Most of the time you need to be within 10-15% of the speed intended for the mobo, because the logic pulses will have approximately that tolerance.



There is also the question of whether the on-board non-CPU chipset is dual-core ready. Check the specs on the mobo for whether you need to do something special for the memory when using a dual-core, since both cores can now make draws on the MBR and MDR.

Answer 3

Ok. So put that P4 back on, fire it up, download the most recent BIOS updates for the motherboard, and flash your BIOS. Chances are, the chip wasn't supported when that version of the BIOS was put on the board, but more recent revisions have added the support.



I've seen this a lot with boards that "support" chips that hadn't come out when they were made.



Otherwise, it's the right chip for the socket.

Answer 4

Update your bios. If its 3 years old, then it wont likely boot with it. the update will probably add support for c2d cpus.



Another possibility is that your power supply doesnt meet up to your builds power requirements. If its something around 250-300watts or so, i recommend a new psu.



If that doesnt work, youll need a more recent mobo.



BTW: a $180 e7400 is a ripoff.

for that price you can get something like an e8400:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037



For a new psu id recommend brands such as corsair, pc power & cooling, or thermaltake.



Use newegg.com when buying pc parts.

Answer 5

Intel Chip set can furnish more beneficial concepts which means you'll get ASUS,MSI,ASROCK,GIGABYTE and different manufacturers with this chip set so that you may the pick what concepts extras and different improvements you purchase for the right fee.