New Build with G1.Sniper and the new processor i7 980 (not the older i7 980x)

[jlcb03]

I'm thinking about building a new computer with a G1.Sniper motherboard and the newly released processor i7 980 (not the older i7 980x Extreme Edition). Does anybody know if it's possible?. This new processor is not in the CPU support list. Would the system boot?

[Dark Mantis]

Hi

I am not sure what you mean by the new i7 980 as opposed to the i7 980X ? Can you ellaborate please ?

[jlcb03]

It's a new (June 27) non-extreme release of the older i7 980x. You can see a report of the release by following this link:
http://www.tcmagazine.com/tcm/news/hardware/39433/intel-releases-non-extreme-core-i7-980-hexa-core-cpu

Now it's officialy supported by Asus Rampage III Gene, in its latest BIOS version 0901 (released July 2, 2011). I know it because I was thinking in purchasing this motherboard for a new mATX build, but then I decided to move to ATX for several reasons:
- Asus Rampage III Gene doesn't have USB 3.0 frontal connectors support.
- I currently have a Gigabyte MB and I'm very happy with it (P35_DS4). Of course, it's a pity Gigabyte doesn't have a mATX version of the G1 sniper 
- I received the following response from Asus support:

Question:

I'm planning to buy a new motherboard Asus Rampage 3 Gene and a new processor
Intel Core i7 980. This processor is only supported officialy by BIOS 0901 (just
released on July 2, 2011, so the motherboard will probably have an older BIOS).

My question is: What will happen if I plug the i7 980 in Rampage 3 Gene with a BIOS
older than 0901? WIll the system boot? or perhaps will the system run at a reduced
speed (i7 970 for example) so I can flash the new BIOS?

Response:

Without the bios 0901, the system will not boot;
It is necesary, place a cpu supported by an older bios, update the bios, and then place the new cpu.
Most point of sale / distribuidors, can perform such;

So I'm afraid the same thing could happen with G1 Sniper and the new i7 980.

Anyway, it's really odd this new "i7 980" processor. It doesn't even appear on Intel official site  .

[Dark Mantis]

No it's new to me too but I would agree with the tech when he said that you would need to install a supported CPU to flash the BIOS(assuming one is available) for the new CPU to work. This is always the case.

[jlcb03]

No it's new to me too but I wouild agree with the tech when he said that you would need to install a supported CPU to flash the BIOS(assuming one is available) for the new CPU to work. This is always the case.

Well, I give up. I'm going to use the i7 970 instead of the i7 980 for my next build. I've decided to not be a hardware beta tester...

[Dark Mantis]

Well better to be forewarned about these issues as they can get expensive otherwise.